Will the Alpha 1 Gen 1 outdrive pair with a V8

[Step Up]

I was thinking about converting to an out board but I have decided to stay original. The boat has a 6 cyl. I need t now If the outdrive will support the V8. I am not sure what gears are in the outdrive as it is set up now.

[FLexpat]

Get a 1.5 ratio and fine to 300 HP

[bigeasy1]

Originally Posted by FLexpat

Get a 1.5 ratio and fine to 300 HP

Just as mentioned above, it will handle the most V8 engines up to 300 hp without any issues.I run an older Alpha drive with a 350 ci 260hp engine and it does the job nicely.
Like FLexpat said change to a 1.5 and have fun.I have a 1.62 gears in mine so I had to fiddle around with a few props to get the right one but it works great.

[Step Up]

Awesome but how do I now what gear is in the existing out drive. It has the 165 hp 6 cyl. I found a chart on line and it has it has a 1.62

[FLexpat]

A couple of options for checking. Run the serial number online. Count the rotations of input and output shafts if it is off the boat or open the cap and count gear teeth. 1.62 is fine you will just need more prop pitch.

[Step Up]

Nice Ty

[pelican]

Originally Posted by Step Up

I was thinking about converting to an out board but I have decided to stay original. The boat has a 6 cyl. I need t now If the outdrive will support the V8. I am not sure what gears are in the outdrive as it is set up now.

those older alpha drives,they had low volume,high pressure water pumps...

follow me on this one :

the newer vortec motors,these require a larger volume of water,to cool it properly

that drive,will not provide the correct,required water flow

2 choices :

punch a hole in the bottom of the hull and install a highspeed pick up - using a bravo style water pump

upgrade transom assembly and outdrive to the newer alpha I gen II drive and transom assembly


yes,gear ratios are different from that old 165,to a v8 drive...