Re: Bathtub Or Is There Hope?
 

Can the Alpha handle 400 hp reliably?

Re: Bathtub Or Is There Hope?
 

LiberatorII,
What kind of speed are you getting with the stock power?
As far as the big block Ford goes, 55 is about what a stock setup will do.
A well built SBC stroker will beat that.

Re: Bathtub Or Is There Hope?
 

A 1987 alpha that has not been rebuilt, NO.
A rebuilt drive with new gears, bearings and shafts, Yes.
Big torque is what breaks drives. Alphas can not handle the 500ftlbs of a BB but can handle 400ftlbs from a SB.
Two things I did to the Alpha on my 1987 Donzi: Drive shower to keep it cool and an add on gear lube reservoir to make sure the drive remains full to the top cap.
Have Fun! :drink:

Re: Bathtub Or Is There Hope?
 

Liberator21: It runs a little over 50mph - I'd like to see it do least 60 which is the main reason for the engine upgrade, other reason is I can't stand a loud engine (TT exhaust) sounding anemically stock - am used to BB w/open headers.

Pat: Thanks for the info, I plan to rebuild the outdrive as well. We'll see how much I remember from my old Mercruiser school days....blow the dust off my old 'Cruiser tools, shim guages (ichh) etc.