I'm working on a 87 Cobalt Condesa '23 w/ a blown up 454 & a gen 1 alpha. Due to the higher elevation I boat @, I would like to change the gears to 1.65. How much should I expect to pay for this?

Seems like alot of guys run supercharged SBC through alphas w/o issues. How huch torque can the Gen 1's handle? the rebuilt 454 will still be less than 500ft lbs in this 4200lb boat.

I`m going to say it may not last long, but if you baby it out of the hole you might get some time on it. I have a Formula 242 with a 454/350hp with the alpha so far so good. Time will tell good luck

Its lasted 22yrs? Its basically the stock set up. 365hp mag w/ alpha 1. Not sure how much the stock torque is.

How long have run yours? did you upgrade gears, etc?

I have a friend with a Pachanga with a 330HP and Alpha. It has strange gearing. It runs 58 GPS with a 19 pitch prop at about 4700 RPM. Increasing your HP over stock setup would probably not be advised with a Alpha.

If it is an 1987 454 Magnum it is a 330 not 365 HP engine. The best way to tell is look at the intake ports the 330 had oval ports. The Alpha 454 was only available for one year in this configuration.
Steve

330 HP -454 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! Just like smiklos sayd.

Probably 1.32

They also put Alpha's on the 87 32' Pachanga with 454's 330hp. I have ran one with over 500 hours on the original setup and it is still running.....I wouldn't say strong because of the age of the motors but.....reliable. I definately wouldn't add too much more power on an Alpha....it's really a small block drive that is not really meant for big block applications. It does handle the 330hp 454 though...just better to be safe than sorry and not add on tooo much power.

They make the Alpha drive last much longer!
Steve

Itsallgood, just my .02, but if were my boat, I would simply rebuild the motor to a good running, and reliable stock set up. If ya really want to add power to that big block, ya really need to look at switching to a bravo.




Darrell.