Let me first say what a great site you have, been a lurker but finally got back into boating. Just bought a 1987 F23SR with a 454 and an Alpha drive. It has an aluminum 19 pitch, what can I go to in stainless? I want to cruise and maybe get a little speed now and then but boat wont be pounded. Also I hear alot of bad about alpha drives can anyone tell me any good/bad about them? Thinking of putting a drive shower on right away. Thanks ahead of time guys. Hope to gain lots a knowledge here.

Welcome, as long the drive has been taking care of you should have no problem, remember, take it easy getting on plane and you will be fine. I have a 242ls with a BBC/alpha no problem.

Good luck

welcome aboard ! 1st what 454 do you have hp wise 2nd do the drv shower it will keep that alpa cooler 3rd blade s/s try to find some place in your area that will let try out differnt blds let them know what you have for power and drv if thay are good will put you on the right track i think you might get away with a 22p it will give you good mid range for cruzzin always ask alot question's

What are your rpm's at wide open throttle? If you're close to 4800 with your 19 pitch you will probably want to try a Mirage 19 or 21 pitch. I was running 26 pitch 4 blade Bravos on my 272, tried some 25 pitch 3 blade Mirages and picked up 2 mph on top.

You should have a 330hp unless its been swaped/worked I would try a 21 mirage plus first and see where your rpm's are, my buddy has a 88 223ls 330/bravo set up and he has a 23 on his