I wonder if he was thinking Alpha 2's

yes it will bolt up and work. but just cuz a serial number said something, no guarantee something wasn't changed. turn the input shaft with unit in forward 1 and 1/2 revolutions. prop should turn 1 full revolution. then you will KNOW the ratio is correct...

Alpha 2's will not bolt up. Not to say it can't be done because my brother did it. It takes a bit of grinding and modification of the shift dog but it can be done. LOL

Ayuh,.... No issues there,.... The MC-1 will go on an Alpha 1 bellhousin', just as an Alpha 1 drive will go onto a MC-1 bellhousin',....
No problem,....

The Only "Gotcha" is the MC-1 drives for only the In-line GM motors used a shorter input shaft on the drive, which will rip out the splines of an Alpha 1 coupler, due to the shaft bein' 'bout an inch shorter,....
'course, this has nothin' to do with yer application,...

On another point, you say the serial number puts this drive as a 1990, which should be an Alpha 1, not a Gen.II,.....

Of the 3 identifyin' marks I know of, I can't see 2 of 'em in this picture, 'n the 3rd says Gen.II,....
1) the Gen.II uses bolts, insteada studs, 'n nuts to hold the upper to the lower units,.... Can't see this in yer picture,....
2) the Alpha 1 has a cast shift foot connectin' the lower unit to the shift shoe in the upper unit,...
The Gen.IIs have a round rod, insteada the cast piece,... again, can't see it in the picture,....
3) the Gen.II has the swept skeg, which is visable in yer picture,....
The trailin' edge of the Alpha 1 lower unit is straight, vertical,...
http://i.imgur.com/ripBQTx.jpg

the Gen.II has the swept skeg, which is visable in yer picture,....
The trailin' edge of the Alpha 1 lower unit is straight, vertical,...

Bondo...you make a good point. Been a while since I messed around with Alphas but you're right...that lower does look 2nd Gen Alpha. However...the upper is definitely Alpha I and should bolt up to a V8 Pre Alpha Gimbal with no issues.

This unit:
a) small head - yes
b) Trim cyl location - yes
c) thru bolts - no

1) the Gen.II uses bolts, insteada studs, 'n nuts to hold the upper to the lower units,.... Can't see this in yer picture,....
I sure there Gen-1 style

2) the Alpha 1 has a cast shift foot connectin' the lower unit to the shift shoe in the upper unit,...
No clue

The Gen.IIs have a round rod, insteada the cast piece,... again, can't see it in the picture,....
No Clue

3) the Gen.II has the swept skeg, which is visable in yer picture,....
The trailin' edge of the Alpha 1 lower unit is straight, vertical,...
The skeg I believe, was replaced...not saying the entire lower was not replaced

http://i.imgur.com/nh6REQM.jpg
Original pic from ad

challenge of the day:
Anodes...with or without fins and aluminum or magnesium.
will be mostly in fresh but will certainly see brackish and salt water

Ayuh,.... If ya got P/Steerin' use the flat plate,....

If ya Don't, use the skeg plate, that clears whatever prop ya use, there's atleast a couple different set-backs for the skeg anodes,...

The boat (I'm certain has power steering) but came with the finned style Anodes.

I have read some boats work better with them (even if equipped with power steering) but wanted other opinions.

http://i.imgur.com/KfCuLM2.jpg

Ayuh,.... There is a P/S pump on the starboard motor, down low forward port-side corner,...