Alpha 1 to Bravo??????

[BiesemeyerSquirt]

I am looking at a scarab1 that has a 7.3 with a alpha1. What is involved when upgrading to a bravo outdrive? What bravo parts will be needed? Is there any years of bravo's to stay away from?
Thanks!!

[THOR]

If you plan on going with more power or just simply upgrading, stay away. Alphas arent that strong, you'll have a hard time finding used props if need be, and they only rated to 300HP.

[DogHouse]

In addition to the drive itself, you would need a complete transom assembly and a sea pump with bracket and pulley. If you plan to use the larger bravo coupler, then you would need one of those and a different bellhousing as well.

[BiesemeyerSquirt]

So everything will have to be change out for the bravo stuff?

[DogHouse]

Yes, the engine comes out, inner transom plate comes off, then the transom assembly (gimbal) comes off the back. The bravo transom assembly uses the same hole pattern as the alpha, but if memory serves there are two extra holes at the top that you'll need to drill through the transom. Bolt the new stuff in place, reinstall engine, drive, water pump, trim lines, etc, and you'll be set. It's a lot of work but worth it if it's a boat that you want to keep for the long term. Best place I've seen to buy new transom assemblies is www.repropower.com. A complete assembly including trim rams and lines is about 2700 bucks. Your alpha trim pump will work fine. Same place also has good prices on new drives if you're looking for new. One more thing I forgot to mention is that you'll need a bravo drive oil reservoir and mounting bracket.
Good luck,
-Brian