I Have ran Steel spline newer style alpha couplers on 420 Hp 454's and also on a Custom built 383 Stroker , Bravo installation. I'm Changing couplers on a pair of 502's and already have the Hp Couplers,(don't want to let them go) but I'm wondering if I can get away with the Alpha units. The price of this job I'm doing is getting way too high and my profit margin is closing up fast. I don't want to end up subsidizing the job to do it right. (I can only charge so much) I already have 1 motor apart and want to do PM including replace worn couplers and rebuid transom assys. The problem is the aluinum hubs wear out from saltwater coming in the steering shaft and washing the grease out. 454 Alpha setups came with an aluminum hubbed small coupler.
I am aware of the dampening factor of the large coupler.
The boat is a 38' Searay Express Cruiser that doesn't get driven hard or come out of the water.
The boat has Bravo 1 Drives.
I can't stop everything in the middle of the season to change something or have boat hauled. I'm doing extra work now so I my friend can use it without major problems, and I can take care of other things 'cause I know I'll be busy.
Should I just rebuild transom assys. and use good stock Aluminum Hubbed bravo couplers ? I have them too and factory alignment tools . I also have been throwing out alot of input shafts that seem worn or pitted.