I have pre-alphas (1977 888 setup) and I think its time for new lower shift cables. will alpha 1 cables work?? and theres 2 types that have me confused. those that go in from the front of the bell and from the back..Im assuming those that go in from the back thread in from the drive side not the boat side (thats how mine are) and are any brands better or worse than others or any to stay away from?? had horrible stalling problems docking last year and heard shift cables are a likely culprit. can carbs do it too?? the engines idled smoothley, put would come back to idle at various rpm ranges some times..sometimes 600 rpm sometimes 750 etc but would idle smoothly..

The genuine mercury replacement will thread from the front, you will have to tap the hole from the rear with a 1/4 pipe straight tap, might be hard to find locally but we will lend you one if you purchase the cable from us.

See:
http://go-fast.com/mercruiser_alpha_shift_problems.htm