guys, my outdrive(alpha 1 late 80's) got stolen off my powerquest last fall..it is really not worth justifying a new one..My question will a alpha off a old 250 Nova work??? Thanks Steve K ...

Wow I cant help ya as to knowing if it will fit, but I would be surely angry if that happened to me. Anyhow heres a bump

anything?? I know someone here has the answer??

I used to have a 79 Alpha.
(Not Alpha One.)

I think that if you change out the entire gimbal and "helmet" assembly that you can use an Alpha One.
They use a different gasket set at the helmet (6 nuts) for the Alpha and the Alpha One.

But I think that the transom assembly is the same. That would be key.

I hope that I'm right, and that I helped.

ok, I got confused ....I got a 1986 powerplay...single small block the outdrive that got stolen was a alpha 1 ...I think...will a alpha older one fit?? like from a old nova 250??

Or what about from a boat with a 4cyl or a 4.3 V6?? will any of those work??? just wondering??

thanks guys

My fault. I see what I did.

I said Alpha One when I meant older Alpha.... let me try again.

I think that you could put an older Alpha on your Powerplay if you switch out the gimbal/helmet assy.
I think that the older Alpha won't seal right against the newer Alpha helmet (where the 6 bolts and the shift arm connects).

My point is that you would have to change out more than just the drive.

Regarding compatibility of MerCruiser drives, the first style with the "eye" on top will all interchange with Alpha 1 Gen I (drives, gimbals, housings, everything). Later Alpha 1 Gen II will not. Alpha 1 Gen 2 has a different bolt together from upper and lower housing. Also, the skeg is at an angle and the Gen I is straight if I remember correctly. Anyway, Alpha 1 Gen I will complelety interchange with Merc #1 (the original with the eyelet on top). Hope it helps. You can now get aftermarket MerCruiser drives for about 1050 complete with 1 year warranty from a place in Florida. I have heard zero problems with them asking 4 different boat dealers.

Not sure how far north Berkley is, but there is a hardcore outdrive shop in Port Clinton OH that has all drives in stock and probably a rebuilt Alpha 1 sitting there on a stand ready to go.

Maybe they could answer your questions, too. They serviced an Alpha for me overnight once. I really like them.

Dubbert's Outdrive.
Port Clinton OH

They have a website I think.

The Gen II Alpha was 1990?

$1050 complete from FLA let me know...please?? I will also check out the Port clintion guy also ..I am in the suburbs of Detroit Woodward area..

THANKS GUYS !

Steve