Interesting Photo...

[FUJIMO]

[FUJIMO]

...This one still cracks me up...The guy in the red boat...

[FUJIMO]

[FUJIMO]

[Merc-Cruiser]

1Gunner, I see potential for more. Drive crabbing, propeller(s), drive cooler mods, drive zinc, x-demension, etc. Most importantly, better prop(s).

[1Gunner]

That Cleaver is my backup. My main prop, a Mirage 23P is out for balancing and re-cupping. Hoping it pushes me over the 80MPH mark in my old Tupperware....

[Merc-Cruiser]

At 78 mph with only a 23'' pitch propeller, you must be absolutely screaming a poor small-block. May the force be with you.

[1Gunner]

At 78 mph with only a 23'' pitch propeller, you must be absolutely screaming a poor small-block. May the force be with you.

It's a newly built Alpha SS outdrive with 1.32 gearing. The 23P revs out at 5200rpm. Motor was dynoed to 5500prm with BIG flat torque curve. So I still have some room!!

[Merc-Cruiser]

yes, same ratio that was used in the original 454 Magnum package with the alpha drive. they thought that ratio would extend the drives life with the higher torque of the 454. it did'nt. I warrantied many of those drives, and the SS drives that also had the Magnum 454 in front of it, when they were BRAND NEW deliveries to customers, that liked to jump on them out of the hole. Don't do that! lol Baby it out of the hole, while planing off, and they will last.

[1Gunner]

Cool history and experiences. The label on mine says 454 Magnum. I know the routine with these Alpha SS outdrives... I've had it for 16 years now. They do deliver 6-10 MPH when used properly. Had it completely rebuilt last year by Sam Kelley in Minnesota and the engine completely redone at the same time. Very stout 383 stroker.

[Merc-Cruiser]

just be careful. torque & alpha anything dont mix too well.

[Capt.Insane-o]

Eh RPM too...oil doesn't stay where it belongs in the upper.

[Merc-Cruiser]

after all, there just a 'lil 'ol inline six lower unit, right cap't? lol

[1Gunner]

after all, there just a 'lil 'ol inline six lower unit, right cap't? lol

In that case nobody would ever want a freshly rebuilt Alpha SS.
I should just throw it in the trash.

[Merc-Cruiser]

In that case nobody would ever want a freshly rebuilt Alpha SS.
I should just throw it in the trash.

I'm just kid'n ya. Only the very oldest generation Mercruiser alpha outdrive derived originally from the Mercury outboard inline six lower-unit. The old rounder gearcase, not yours. Your year Alpha Gen ll type Alpha SS was a very good, much improved design. Nothing wrong with them at all if kept within the horsepower perameters it was designed for. Last for years. Was meant for the capt. who is a gearhead marine mechanic who enjoys, & sometimes hands out ridicule with a smile. inside joke.