Hey guys, I am new to the board, looks like it is a good site.Hope to learn a lil more. I have a 202 chris craft stinger and have decided it needs more power. My question is if i stick a decent 350(400hp), will the drive hold the power or leave right away. I have been trying to find a SS alph but havn't had any luck. I have also read, heard that a alpha set up for a 350 is different strength wise then the one behind a 6 banger, i am aware that the gearing is different, just wanted to see if this is legit or not. Thanks for any info.. JOHN

John,

Welcome to OffshoreOnly.com!

It's really the torque and "abuse" that will kill an Alpha more than anything. Avoid holeshots and major air off of waves and she should be fine. I have an Alpha behind a 383 and so far it's holding up nicely (I did break the original MR drive, but it was over 20 years old!... two seasons on the new drive and no problems so far). I don't think that a 350 built for marine use (marine "driveability") is really going to produce the torque that would break an Alpha that's in good shape, but that's my opinion.

Have had great luck with my Alpha 1 drives and plan to upgrade to a couple of 383s in the future.
The bottom half of the Aplha 1 drives are all the same but an upper for a V8 has a 1.5 gear while the 4 and 6 cylinders have a higher ratio. The SS drive is shorter so it will run the prop higher. This would help at the top end but might hurt you out of the hole.
A good Alpha will hold 350HP and more if your easy on it. Drive showers will help.

I have done a few 421 and 406 smallblocks that have made around 475 to 500 hp and Alpha's are still alive behind them. Granted they are on a 22' Velocity and a 22' Pachanga but are still driven hard. Like already stated, out of the hole easy and watch the air time.

John S.

I run a 383 @ 560 hp N/A. Hooked to a 1.50 alpha w/shower for the last 3 years. 6000 rpm and am not very nice to it.. still lives. 19' boat