WTB: Mercruiser Alpha One (gen 1) drive unit

[woobs]

As stated...

Looking for an Alpha One (gen 1) 1:50 ratio unit in nice condition cosmetically as well as mechanically.

It's got to come to Toronto so shipping might be an issue....Anybody have one kickin' around the shop???

S.

[duckhunter]

woobs, I've got a Gen II in the shop that would probably work for you, but it's got a strange noise from the upper bearing and it's on the other end of the continent in Alabama. It's my spare drive and/or an emergency anchor.

For probably $1300 shipped you can get a brand-new SEI with a three-year warranty. Not sure how shipping to Canada works, maybe $1300 and a case of Moosehead. I would lean that direction before buying a basket case alpha, especially after all the work you put in your motor.

[woobs]

Do you really think the SEI's are okay?
I'll cost me only $1,500 + 13% tax....$ 1,695

And I can still sell my old 1:84...

[duckhunter]

I voted with my wallet. Just didn't make sense to rebuild the old Alpha (for more money) and get no warranty, and definitely didn't want to spend $3k on a new Mercruiser unit. Thus far I have been very happy. Returned it once to get a shift issue sorted out and I have nothing negative to say about the service I got from SEI. Overall very satisfied with the drive, and I have put a good bit of hard time on it over the last year. Running the good Merc gear lube and a drive shower, which I think helps with drive longevity.

Would I rather have a Bravo? Absolutely. Is it worth the $6k+ to me to convert? Heck no. Do some independent research and see what you come up with - I will give you one data point solidly in the SEI column.

[MOP]

Side by side Merc cannot compare to SEI, Merc is twice + the price with a "1" guarantee where as SEI is under 1/2 the price with a "3" guarantee. A NO BRAINER!

[biggiefl]

If you just want to change gear ratios, just buy an upper. The lowers are all the same. Might be cheaper to just change the gears in yours.

[woobs]

Mine is "fugly"... I'f I'm spendin $ it should look good too.

[woobs]

No longer lookin' for a drive...
Ordered my SEI 106 yesterday! Fingers crossed.

[duckhunter]

No longer lookin' for a drive...
Ordered my SEI 106 yesterday! Fingers crossed.

Great! I hope your experience with them is as positive as mine has been. I'd also order an extra installation kit, or at least the bellhousing gasket and o-rings. It sucks to tear the gasket during drive installation and then try and find one locally or have one shipped - ask me how I know...

Also, if you don't have a drive stand you can slap one together with scrap lumber while you're waiting for the drive to ship. It makes life a LOT easier!