454 330hp version and alpha 1 drive?
 

how will the alpha 1 drive hold up to the 454 with 330 hp? right now i have a 300 hp 350. i know its only 30 hp more but not sure how much more torque the 454 has? i know if im easy getting outta the hole it will help. i got the bravo drive as well but if i can get away this summer with out having to do the drive swap as well id like to do that and can do the drive swap over the winter. whats everyones thoughts? i know they used to pair the 454 with the alpha.

What boat is this on? Alphas can handle a big block, alot comes down to the weight, driving habits. Boats that cam factory with BB's and alphas had a HD alpha on them and are said to be stronger. What is the reason going from a small block to a big block if it is the same HP? Just curious.


John jr

That package was only offered for one year from Mercuriser so that should tell you something.

boat is a 24' sleekcraft with open bow and mid cabin. the reason to switch is my 350 is getting tired doesnt push my boat along all but 35mph and i got that package deal of a 454 and bravo drive. so i know its been done with a alpha drive and 454 and i wanted to see if it would hang for one summer here in havasu and this winter put the bravo drive on and build up the 454 a bit so i can get some more speed out of the boat

High risk...especially in a single engine application.

What I don't understand is why you are waiting to swap the Bravo Drive as well. You already will have the engine out...just go ahead and do the transom assembly and drive while you are at it....why do double work? Since you already have everything you need...it's easy to do at this point. All you have to do is drill 2: more holes in the transom for the Bravo TA assembly and start bolting up.

Don't wait..it won't take you more than another day to get it all done now.

ok cool i just dont have all the gimble and other parts for the bravo drive right now. and i plan on rebuilding the 454 this winter anyways so it will have to come out again i just dont think my 350 will make it all summer and was gonna put the 454 in to get me throught the summer trouble free.

454 equals Brave 1, however you get X+Y to equal Z it doesnt matter. Spending time and money now will save you double in the long run

OK...now I understand...you didn't get the 454/Bravo package...you only bought the engine and drive. BIG difference. The Bravo is no good to you without the Bravo Transom Assembly...major component of this swap. Sounds like you might have bought a tired 454 to replace a tired 350? The 454 has 100 more ft lbs of torque than the 350 on it's best day and if the Alpha is as old as the 350 you can bet the 454 will spit it out into the lake. I say limp around with the 350 and save up for the items you need to get the 454 Bravo package together. You could end up blowing the Alpha out and have nothing to cruise around in.

yeah that makes sense, but if you have the engine out now you my as well make it right and plop that 454 in, but with the time and money I can see what your doing.