Convrrting alphas to bravo
04-16-2016 | 09:54 PM
#2
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 8
From: Ocala, Fl
I did it with twins on my 255 Formula Liberator. You should find everything you need in my thread : http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...or-update.html.
If you don't get all your questions answered feel free to ask !!
Unfortunately as I write this all my links to Photobucket are broken due to a temporary site problem.
Basically you remove the engine, transom assembly and drive. You replace the entire Alpha Transom Assembly with a Bravo Transom Assembly. This requires that you drill two additional bolt holes at the top of the TA opening to accept the Bravo TA. Once you install and seal the Bravo TA you need to provide a cooling water source for the engine. Mercruiser uses a Belt Driven Pump pulling water thru the Bravo Drive. For simplicity, I chose to use a crank mounted water pump taking suction thru the Bravo Drive and discharging into the recirculating pump on the engine.
Another thing that you will want to consider is the addition of a heavy duty Bravo Coupler in place of the Alpha Coupler. I suspect you are considering this swap so you can handle more power and torque than the Alpha will withstand. The coupler will become the weak link if you don't upgrade it to Bravo.
In choosing your Bravo Drive, make sure that you get one from the late '90's forward so that you get the better gears and lubrication system.
Your power steering ram and other accessories from an Alpha will work on the Bravo Set Up...Pre Alpha will not.
Hope this helps you.
If you don't get all your questions answered feel free to ask !!
Unfortunately as I write this all my links to Photobucket are broken due to a temporary site problem.
Basically you remove the engine, transom assembly and drive. You replace the entire Alpha Transom Assembly with a Bravo Transom Assembly. This requires that you drill two additional bolt holes at the top of the TA opening to accept the Bravo TA. Once you install and seal the Bravo TA you need to provide a cooling water source for the engine. Mercruiser uses a Belt Driven Pump pulling water thru the Bravo Drive. For simplicity, I chose to use a crank mounted water pump taking suction thru the Bravo Drive and discharging into the recirculating pump on the engine.
Another thing that you will want to consider is the addition of a heavy duty Bravo Coupler in place of the Alpha Coupler. I suspect you are considering this swap so you can handle more power and torque than the Alpha will withstand. The coupler will become the weak link if you don't upgrade it to Bravo.
In choosing your Bravo Drive, make sure that you get one from the late '90's forward so that you get the better gears and lubrication system.
Your power steering ram and other accessories from an Alpha will work on the Bravo Set Up...Pre Alpha will not.
Hope this helps you.
Last edited by sprink58; 04-17-2016 at 08:43 AM.
