Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

I found an exact copy of my old Talari with 1 exception, it has the bravo 1 outdrive. I would rather have the bravo 3 myself. I know its not a cheap swap but I loved how my boat handled with that set up. Not concerned about value of resale just wanting to know if its possible and then there are multiple gear ratio's to figure. Thanks. Vman

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

My understanding is that the B3 should bolt right on in place of a B1.

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

Yep, B1 and B3 are interchangeable.

Here's a link to the gear ratio's on the drives.

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

in fact the uppers are identical. so, as long as the ratios are the same, only the lower needs swapped.

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

Yep, totally possible. My old Z250 came from the factory with a B3. Someone stole it before I purchased it, and the marina replaced it with a B1... Trust me, your decision to go with a B3 is a wise one. :wink_thumbup:

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

Thank you gentleman. I seen the chart above with gear ratio but can't make head or tales out of which I need to go with. I have these bravo III on ebay for around $5200.00 so to get the right gear ratio would be a must. I just don't understand why you would put a 7.4 mercruiser in a boat and only have a bravo I. Makes no sense to me. All that power going to nothing. Handling and docking would be greatly improved, not to mention performance out of the whole or top end. I'm not looking for a speed boat but at least 55 to 60 isn't much to ask. My champion will easily do 70 plus.

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

here are some pics of the boat in question.http://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...psaaa8f913.jpghttp://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...ps04fdecf6.jpghttp://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...ps69f0a9e3.jpghttp://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...psad3c736f.jpghttp://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...psad3c736f.jpghttp://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7fe2a114.jpg

Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

I'm sure there is a forum for this question but here goes, what is the difference between alpha I and Bravo I. If the Bravo is better, can I put a bravo in place of my Alpha? I have a 95 220 Talari with a 5.7. Thx

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

Bravo are a much better option for higher horsepower motors. Bravo One employs heavy-duty shafts and bearings coupled to near-net-forged gears to withstand the heavy torque and thrust loads. In addition, it comes standard with a dual water pickups gearcase, improving the flow of cooling water to the engine for enhanced reliability and performance. All Bravo drives include upgraded thrust bearings and a thicker socket floor in the upper gears, which translates to increased durability. The Bravo 3 improves on those benefits by adding the duo-prop for better control and planing ability.

As far as changing over from an Alpha 1 to a Bravo outdrive, it can be done but you have to change the entire transom assembly, drill a couple of extra holes in your transom, add a sea water pump and swap some parts in the shift assembly. Personally, i wouldn't change out the Alpha with the 5.7 as the Alpha will handle everything the 5.7 can throw at it.

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

As mikeyt states , the Alpha drive will take 300 horse with no issues.
If you have , or build a 5.7L with more than 300 ponies...... might be worth the change over.
But , it ain't gonna be cheap.:shakehead:
There are a few members that can verify what happens when you push a drive to the limits.
In my opinion , you'd be better off getting a different boat with the engine/drive that you want.
Repower prices are crazy , compared to the purchase of another boat!
Unless you love your boat , like I do!:yes_grin: Then money is no object , except for dealing with the wife!!

JMO

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

BTW , nice lookin' Mariah vman!:wink_thumbup:

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

My biggest fear is that Mrs B sells off all my stuff for what I told her I paid for it :rolleyes:

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

I don't even want to think about that!! The wifey would kill me!!:rolling_laugh::rolling_laugh:

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

Each year I have been stepping up the pitch size on our Z302. Ours came with a 2.0:1 drive.

Started with 24's and easily hit rev limit. Then went to 26's. Hole shot was reduced, but still hit rev limit, but only increased top speed by 2-3 mph. Ok trade off, but still not optimum.

Now with the new motor pushing upwards of 450 hp (stock was 310, and ours was badly worn), we opted for 28p props and changed to a 2.2:1 ratio. Bout the same over all speed (44-45 mph) at 4400 rpms, but the hole shot is freaking unbelievable now. Almost wondering what the 2.5:1 ratio with 32p props would be like.

Pushing BIG wheels does require re-gearing and additional HP. But the bite you get is awfully nice.

Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

Thanks for the intel! I'll stick with the Alpha for sure!!

Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

I have been told that the older Merc Alfha ones, etc. have a heating problems while running with a load, that the upper case of lower unit overheats and causes damage to the gears and such! This dual shower spray can nearly lower the heat by 50 degrees which is anough to save oil from breaking down causing internal catastrophic damage to outdrive. I will be putting one on my engine for sure. :-) Direct bolting and no drilling nesseary.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...7248f35968.jpg

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Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ske-qLlEjL8

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Re: Is it possible to switch outdrives
 

You wonder why the paint on upper outdrive turns gray black because the heat is sudden death to a outdrive when it's to hot to handle.

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