Alpha SS
11-01-2005, 12:41 PM
#1
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Alpha SS
I was wondering what the value of a Alpha SS drive in good
condition. I have not seen one for sale on any boards I visit.
I am trying to decide on the value of my boat with the drive.
Thanks for the help,
Daddio
condition. I have not seen one for sale on any boards I visit.
I am trying to decide on the value of my boat with the drive.
Thanks for the help,
Daddio
11-02-2005, 04:56 AM
#2
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Re: Alpha SS
Merc stropped making the Alpha SS several years ago. Any that are still around are like gold and hidden away. Almost a collectors item.
There are a few memebers here that know more about them than I do. Maybe they'll respond.
There are a few memebers here that know more about them than I do. Maybe they'll respond.
11-02-2005, 05:24 AM
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Re: Alpha SS
Its a cool drive but the water pickups are a pain in the a** !
It is on a 1987 18 Powerplay XLT with a 350/260hp. I had to
change over to a crank mounted raw water pump. If it even
saw seaweed it would clog. Now the pump in the drive is
used as a drive shower thru a bilge fitting above the drive.
But I get harassed because it looks like the bilge is always
running.
The other Question, I was told these drives allready have the
HD gears (1.5) installed from factory. Is that true ? how would
you tell ? I will probabilly teardown ,inspect and reseal this
winter ?
It is on a 1987 18 Powerplay XLT with a 350/260hp. I had to
change over to a crank mounted raw water pump. If it even
saw seaweed it would clog. Now the pump in the drive is
used as a drive shower thru a bilge fitting above the drive.
But I get harassed because it looks like the bilge is always
running.
The other Question, I was told these drives allready have the
HD gears (1.5) installed from factory. Is that true ? how would
you tell ? I will probabilly teardown ,inspect and reseal this
winter ?
Last edited by Daddio; 11-02-2005 at 08:56 AM.
11-02-2005, 10:12 AM
#4
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Gold Member
Re: Alpha SS
I believe the standard ratio is 1.5:1. My non-SS Alpha is a 1.5:1.
Best way to tell is when the drive is off is to put it in gear, turn the input shaft one full revolution and count the prop rotation.
Or in this case, turn the input shaft till the prop makes one full revolution.
Best way to tell is when the drive is off is to put it in gear, turn the input shaft one full revolution and count the prop rotation.
Or in this case, turn the input shaft till the prop makes one full revolution.
11-02-2005, 11:58 AM
#5
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Re: Alpha SS
Yes, it's a 1.50:1 gear ratio. It's a great little drive. The previous owner installed my Alpha SS several years ago and ran 500+ HP through it with occasional 100 HP shots of nitrous on a 20' open bow. I just had the drive inspected and it's in perfect condition!
11-02-2005, 01:16 PM
#7
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Re: Alpha SS
You're lucky it held up to 500 horse. Most people can't get them withstand 300. Merc couldn't.
To run that kind of power you need to take off really slow, never a holeshot, and never...ever jump wakes or fly the boat. Oh, and a drive shower is an absolute must!
If you go looking for heavy duty Alpha parts, don't, there aren't any.
To run that kind of power you need to take off really slow, never a holeshot, and never...ever jump wakes or fly the boat. Oh, and a drive shower is an absolute must!
If you go looking for heavy duty Alpha parts, don't, there aren't any.
Charter Member
