I am thinking of converting one of my boats over to a Bravo. It is a 1986 Formula 242 and it had a Small block 350 with a Type I pre Alpha on it now. Will I have to redo the whole transom or am I lucky enough to just modify the transom cutout?

Alpa Gen I Hav A Different Bolt Pattern Than Bravo I I Know For Sure - You May Be Able To Just Fill The Bolt Holes And Redrill. A Quick Call To Your Mercruiser Shop Confirm Would Be Best. Beware Of Transom Rot, I Went To Swap Drives Only To Discover I Had To Redo The Entire Transom

Cut outs are the same, have been for many years. The only differance is you might have to drill 2 additional holes.

are you putting a big block in it or building a 383 with a blower?? If not there probably isnt a reason for the bravo. if anything the bravo is a little bigger and from what I have heard can actually slow you down a little bit.

If the Alpha can hold up, it's faster than the B1.

Here is why I want to go with a bravo. The old engine is a 260 HP SBC and feels tired. It has almost 800 hrs on the clock. The outdrive also needs gimbel bearings and new bushings in the rams. Currently the boat cruises at about 32 MPH @ 3200 rpm and 42 mph @4800. I wanted to put a BBC in it to give it some more top speed and hopefully a better cruise speed and I know the alpha wont hold up to the BBC torque. I have another boat that has a 2006 300 HP 350 Mag EFI engine/ alpha outdrive that has 280 hrs on it that I could do an even swap with.

If you go BBC, go B1. The Alpha will hold up to 300 shp, but with more than thet, it will be on borrowed time.

You'll need:
Bell housing
Inner Transom Plate
Gimbal Assembly
Bravo One drive!

If you look you may be able to get everything for around $2000

You will also need an engine mounted sea water pump pump on your engine, the Bravo drives do not have internal water pumps like the alphas.