Alpha SS
 

I was wondering what the value of a Alpha SS drive in good
condition. I have not seen one for sale on any boards I visit.

I am trying to decide on the value of my boat with the drive.

Thanks for the help,

Daddio

Re: Alpha SS
 

Merc stropped making the Alpha SS several years ago. Any that are still around are like gold and hidden away. Almost a collectors item.
There are a few memebers here that know more about them than I do. Maybe they'll respond.

Re: Alpha SS
 

Its a cool drive but the water pickups are a pain in the a** !

It is on a 1987 18 Powerplay XLT with a 350/260hp. I had to
change over to a crank mounted raw water pump. If it even
saw seaweed it would clog. Now the pump in the drive is
used as a drive shower thru a bilge fitting above the drive.
But I get harassed because it looks like the bilge is always
running.

The other Question, I was told these drives allready have the
HD gears (1.5) installed from factory. Is that true ? how would
you tell ? I will probabilly teardown ,inspect and reseal this
winter ?

Re: Alpha SS
 

I believe the standard ratio is 1.5:1. My non-SS Alpha is a 1.5:1.
Best way to tell is when the drive is off is to put it in gear, turn the input shaft one full revolution and count the prop rotation.
Or in this case, turn the input shaft till the prop makes one full revolution.

Re: Alpha SS
 

Yes, it's a 1.50:1 gear ratio. It's a great little drive. The previous owner installed my Alpha SS several years ago and ran 500+ HP through it with occasional 100 HP shots of nitrous on a 20' open bow. I just had the drive inspected and it's in perfect condition!

Re: Alpha SS
 

Not to mention Plum Crazy has modified water inlets that help with the weed clogging problem common to these drives! :drink:

Re: Alpha SS
 

You're lucky it held up to 500 horse. Most people can't get them withstand 300. Merc couldn't.
To run that kind of power you need to take off really slow, never a holeshot, and never...ever jump wakes or fly the boat. Oh, and a drive shower is an absolute must!
If you go looking for heavy duty Alpha parts, don't, there aren't any.

Re: Alpha SS
 

I know mine is 1.5:1. But I was also told they all had
HEAVY DUTY gear sets from the factory.

Thanks for the info,

Daddio

Re: Alpha SS
 

Sounds like it is worth more off the boat than on.
I know a guy looking for one right now.

Re: Alpha SS
 

I also read they came with a HD gear set.