Pre Alpha mercruiser

[Sean]

I have a pre alpha mercruiser drive mated to a 165HP IL6.

I'm lookin at pumping up the output of the 250 CU IN six to about 250 HP. My question is will the drive be able to take it? It's been very good for 40 years, but I'm sure some of these were bolted to V8s...

What should I look out for?

 

[nathan]

the difference in the most of the alphas is gearing. the inline 6 puts out a lot of torque and torque kills outdrives. but you should be fine but if you are at all in doubt upgrade to a different alpha. I think gearing would be more of a concern then breakage

 

[Sean]

The boat is a classic woodie and I'd like to keep the original driveline. If it does not resemble the original....well then I'll just drop in a new Alpha and a modern SBC v8....

The cost to upgrade the IL6 is about what a SBC would cost anyways. But, i can get over reliable 250HP out of that lump and keep it looking (almost) stock.

 

[Fun Times]

The theory is the alpha style drives could handle up to 300 hp if maintained well and driven with care.

 

[Sean]

Well that's really good news.
I'd like to keep her looking original as possible (even if she's a little better underneath)

 

[Sean]

Well,
The current power is pi**ing me off chasing the overheating gremlins.

While I'd like to stay somewhat original...I'm thinking a 4.3/alpha or maybe a 5.7/alpha combination might make me happier!

Anyone have a line on cheap power on Ontario?

It certainly will not reduce the value of the boat.

 

[nathan]

buy a project junk boat with all the drive stuff still there (I would suggest a bayliner no one is every sad to see those getting cut up). then you can sell the trailer and make back some of your investment. loose motors and outdrives are usually more expensive as they were removed to sell to were a junk boat people are usually looking to unload them.

 

[Sean]

I have been looking and I can't seem to find a junker with the right stuff....
I do see some Bayliners..mostly OMC and I have found a few twin powered boats at a good price...but I don't need 2 drive systems.

need a Merc Alpha and eithet a 5.7 (V8) or a 4.3 (V6) will be just fine.

 

[nathan]

if it has twins you could either have a back up, parts or sell the second set up.

 

[Sean]

Mission accomplished. 4.3L secured (along with everything I need from a donor.)