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View Full Version : Oem or knock off Alpha one.


kcatucci
10-04-2008, 04:46 PM
Any one have experience with aftermarket sterndrives?
Mr X
10-04-2008, 04:57 PM
Yes, I do and all 3 of mine were CRAP!
gcarter
10-04-2008, 06:21 PM
I did and it was great.
Three year unconditional warranty too.
DonziJon
10-04-2008, 06:44 PM
See my response to your other post. I bought my New OEM Merc Alpha I last October. It was $2300. I looked around before I bought. It all comes down to convenience. How far away...shipping, yada yada. Peace of mind counts. I installed the drive myself. Bolts right up.

I've been uninstalling/installing my drive for 12 years. I need to remove it to get the boat into the garage.

It's not a big deal if you are comfortable working with mechanical stuff. Get a Manual from West Marine.

Georges alternative is an alternative. It's less than half the cost of OEM. "Stern Drive Engineering". Google it. John
gold-n-rod
10-04-2008, 07:48 PM
My SEI drive worked great this summer, its first. I still have 2 more years of warranty.

I'm pleased thus far! :yes:
The Hedgehog
10-04-2008, 09:50 PM
From what I have heard I would not run any serious power through one. I have friends that have had decent luck with lower hp situations.
f_inscreenname
10-04-2008, 11:19 PM
From what I have heard I would not run any serious power through one. I have friends that have had decent luck with lower hp situations.

Alphas were never made for HP. That's why Merc quit putting behind big blocks.
kcatucci
10-05-2008, 08:12 AM
I did and it was great.
Three year unconditional warranty too.

What kind of HP are your running thru it?
gold-n-rod
10-05-2008, 08:14 AM
What kind of HP are your running thru it?

A Merc 5.0 Chevy MPI, which is 260 horses. It's in my Classic 16.

:happy_bi:
gcarter
10-05-2008, 08:16 AM
Probably 320-350.
You can run well over 400 HP if you take it easy.
No hole shots and air time.
But that's true for all Alphas.
kcatucci
10-05-2008, 08:22 AM
I am running about 425 on the dyno.
I stay away from hole shots completely.
However, I run it mostly at full throttle and the old alpha has been fine for 12 years and several motors.


Probably 320-350.
You can run well over 400 HP if you take it easy.
No hole shots and air time.
But that's true for all Alphas.
The Hedgehog
10-05-2008, 10:26 AM
Alphas were never made for HP. That's why Merc quit putting behind big blocks.

Yep, I dunno if I would put that 385-400hp that some of these guys are discussing either.
gold-n-rod
10-05-2008, 11:38 AM
Yep, I dunno if I would put that 385-400hp that some of these guys are discussing either.
Merc does not recommend the use of their replacement smallblock, the 383 version, behind an Alpha, only a Bravo.
The Hedgehog
10-05-2008, 04:14 PM
Merc does not recommend the use of their replacement smallblock, the 383 version, behind an Alpha, only a Bravo.

Yep, thats why my 383 came with the Bravo.
smokediver
10-06-2008, 05:54 PM
i went through 4 upper gear sets in 2 years when i had one behind a 383 in my 16 . I think the hd gear set is holding up , but not sure .. I dont think the alpha is torque friendly even being babied ...
gcarter
10-06-2008, 08:45 PM
i went through 4 upper gear sets in 2 years when i had one behind a 383 in my 16 . I think the hd gear set is holding up , but not sure .. I dont think the alpha is torque friendly even being babied ...
When did you start babying anything??????:eek::eek::biggrin.:

But remember 454's came w/Alphas.
No doubt, it's not the best solution, but it is workable if you're careful.