454 shoehorn, Does anyone have the measurements of a 454?
03-04-2002, 09:11 PM
#11
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There is pontoon with a big block in the Ozarks. Nice sleeper project.
03-04-2002, 10:13 PM
#13
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if you call Sterling maybe they will lend you some big power for this event 
i thought i was the only one that thought stuff like this was worth the effort
POST SUM PIX for us
i thought i was the only one that thought stuff like this was worth the effort POST SUM PIX for us
03-05-2002, 01:47 AM
#14
speel chekk this fokker!
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i have just what you NEED!!!!
I have a 454 with an alpha drive. In 1986 and 1987 this was how merc set it up.
I am looking for more speed and as a result require more HP. Any more than 330 on a heavy old v is going to be mor ethan my alpha can take. As a result I am switching to a bravo. SO what does this mean for you?
Normal alphas are 1.50:1 (5.7L) 1.65:1 (5.0L) 1.84:1 (4.3L) or 1.98:1 (3.0L) EXCEPT for the 1986, 1987 alpha that were mated to 7.4L they came in 1.32 ratios. Now what is good about this.
The 7.4 pretty much is on the edge of reasonable reliable performance for an alpha. Any more HP and you are going pop them. With normal small block gears 1.50:1 this is even more true.
So to make teh drive a little tougher in 86 and 87 merc adde dthe 1.32:1 ratio. This combination proved much more reliable. My driev has been fine up till this point and I believe there were a few more around with this setup. In addition I have spoken to people who had upgraded from a SBC to a BBC and kept the 1.50:1 ratio and guess what? They popped them real early.
Now i woudl assume becaue you are pulling a 4.3 you are prolly have a 1.84:1 ratio. This my friend is a time bomb with a 454. Especially since youa re going to have to turn a very large prop with ath ratio. From all my research runn the smaller props and spinnign your engein at lower RPM (produces less power) will be easier on your drive.
So with ath said. You are prolly goign to have to change your gear ratio in the alpha. Its not 100% but is a good idea.
My alpha is currently off my boat with a 1.32 ratio. She could use some paint but other than tht she is ready to bolt up. Then you coudl easily resell your current alpha. To someone running a smaller engine. Let me kwno if your interested. I was planning on selling it complete (transom assemblies, gimbal, trim rams upper and lower. But woudl consider selling it piece meal.
If your interested e-mail me at [email protected]
I have a 454 with an alpha drive. In 1986 and 1987 this was how merc set it up.
I am looking for more speed and as a result require more HP. Any more than 330 on a heavy old v is going to be mor ethan my alpha can take. As a result I am switching to a bravo. SO what does this mean for you?
Normal alphas are 1.50:1 (5.7L) 1.65:1 (5.0L) 1.84:1 (4.3L) or 1.98:1 (3.0L) EXCEPT for the 1986, 1987 alpha that were mated to 7.4L they came in 1.32 ratios. Now what is good about this.
The 7.4 pretty much is on the edge of reasonable reliable performance for an alpha. Any more HP and you are going pop them. With normal small block gears 1.50:1 this is even more true.
So to make teh drive a little tougher in 86 and 87 merc adde dthe 1.32:1 ratio. This combination proved much more reliable. My driev has been fine up till this point and I believe there were a few more around with this setup. In addition I have spoken to people who had upgraded from a SBC to a BBC and kept the 1.50:1 ratio and guess what? They popped them real early.
Now i woudl assume becaue you are pulling a 4.3 you are prolly have a 1.84:1 ratio. This my friend is a time bomb with a 454. Especially since youa re going to have to turn a very large prop with ath ratio. From all my research runn the smaller props and spinnign your engein at lower RPM (produces less power) will be easier on your drive.
So with ath said. You are prolly goign to have to change your gear ratio in the alpha. Its not 100% but is a good idea.
My alpha is currently off my boat with a 1.32 ratio. She could use some paint but other than tht she is ready to bolt up. Then you coudl easily resell your current alpha. To someone running a smaller engine. Let me kwno if your interested. I was planning on selling it complete (transom assemblies, gimbal, trim rams upper and lower. But woudl consider selling it piece meal.
If your interested e-mail me at [email protected]
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