Alpha 1 SS

[1_Gunner]

Can anyone tell me about the Alpha 1 SS outdrive?
When was it made?
Where can you find one?
What are they worth?
Thanks

[Infomaniac]

I just sold one. Actually it was installed on a boat. They were made for about 2 or 3 years around 1992. They use a standard alpha upper but have a very short lower unit. Nose cone built in, very big internal parts. Mine was 1.3 ratio. I had a blown small block in front of it 635 ft/lbs and 535 HP. Ran it that way for 9 years. Never had a bit of trouble. I rarely did any wide open hole shots with it, and made sure I was on plane before putting the hammer down. 21' boat.
I heard they put them behind Mercruiser 454's also.
Cannot help you with what they are worth. I do know you can still buy any individual piece for it from Mercury. Cannot find a new complete unit anywhere.
Here you go. Pic taken about a month ago.
http://members.cox.net/infomaniac/ss.jpg

[Ronnie]

If anyone has one are knows where one is please let me know. I am looking for an Alpha 1 1.65 ratio.
Thanks Ronnie

[Tinkerboater]

I dont think that is a true alpha SS. The alpha SS has the same bottom end as the standard alpha but uses a 2-1/2 inch shorter top case. And a shorter vertical shaft and shift shaft. I had one built for my first boat.You might still be able to buy the parts to make your own. They wont handle any wore HP than the stock alpha. I did gain quite a few mph with the shorter drive. They use the same internal parts except the two vertical shafts as the stock drives so they are not any stronger than the stock drives.
[This message has been edited by Tinkerboater (edited June 04, 2002).]

[Infomaniac]

Originally posted by Tinkerboater:
I dont think that is a true alpha SS. The alpha SS has the same bottom end as the standard alpha but uses a 2-1/2 inch shorter top case. And a shorter vertical shaft and shift shaft. I had one built for my first boat.You might still be able to buy the parts to make your own. They wont handle any wore HP than the stock alpha. I did gain quite a few mph with the shorter drive. They use the same internal parts except the two vertical shafts as the stock drives so they are not any stronger than the stock drives.
[This message has been edited by Tinkerboater (edited June 04, 2002).]
I believe you are mistaken sir. That is most definately an Alpha SS. It is quite a bit stronger than a stock Alpha. If not what is it?

[Tinkerboater]

WELL the true ALPHA SS has a shorter upper case not a shorter lower case. And since they use the same gears,bearings and horizontal shafts as the stock drive they won't be any stronger. The only real difference is the upper case and the 2 1/2 inch shorter vertical shaft in the lower case and the shift shaft in the lower case that is also 2 1/2 inches shorter. Yes you can get stronger gears for the alpha drive but they will fit both drives the same. I put one togeather I should know. Why don't you look it up.

[Infomaniac]

Originally posted by Tinkerboater:
Why don't you look it up.
Don't need to. I bought many parts for this one over the years. Did not know you had to build an Alpha SS. This one had matching numbers top and bottom, and came stock with the bigger gears.
You did not answer my question. What is this drive in the picture if it is not an Alpha SS?

[MIKEHTMSR24]

I bought a 1988 Baja Sport 220 with a 454/330 and had a alpha SS on it. I was told by the dealership that the 454/330 was at the limits of the drive. The Bravo came out in 88 also. I had the boat for a few years with no problems.
I also have a buddy with a Vortech 400 small block. It is in a 24 Python. Runs in the mid to high 80's here in the humid land of SC.

[1_Gunner]

You did not answer my question. What is this drive in the picture if it is not an Alpha SS?
I just lined up a verified SS Alpha and your pic looks identical. Ratio is 1.32. Hope to install it next week.
It should make the 400hp 383 I just installed in my 19' family bowrider quite a sleeper sport toy.......
I may have to velcro the kids in!!!
[This message has been edited by 1_Gunner (edited June 05, 2002).]

[Tinkerboater]

The gears are the same as in an alpha -- LOOK IT UP. And I made mine because I could-WHY WOULD I PAY TWICE FOR AN ALPHA LOWER WHEN I ALREADY HAD ONE. What I said was it probably wasn't an ALPHA SS because YOU said that it was stronger and had a shorter lower. Both of these statements are wrong. PROVE ME WRONG.

[1_Gunner]

er, the std gear in a reg Alpha 1 is 1.5, while the std gear in an Alpha 1 SS is 1.32
However the SS means "short shaft".... it's no heavier duty than the std Alpha 1, although you can make either beefier....
you're both right....and wrong lol
[This message has been edited by 1_Gunner (edited June 05, 2002).]

[Tinkerboater]

You can order the standard alpha with the heavy duty 1.32 gears.

[Infomaniac]

Ok say I have been wrong about the drive. What is it then?

[jordanpaulk]

Originally posted by Infomaniac:
Ok say I have been wrong about the drive. What is it then?
Come on Info, prove YOU'REwrong... lol
http://www.theunholytrinity.org/cracks_smileys/contrib/edoom/boxing_smiley.gif

[Tinkerboater]

You didn't read my post did you. I already answered your question.It looks like an ALPHA SS but not if it has a shorter lower case than stock and not an ALPHA SS if it is much stronger than a stock ALPHA as you stated. If has the screw on plastic side rub plates that the ALPHA SS has.
[This message has been edited by Tinkerboater (edited June 06, 2002).]

[Infomaniac]

Originally posted by Tinkerboater:
You didn't read my post did you. I already answered your question.It looks like an ALPHA SS but not if it has a shorter lower case than stock and not an ALPHA SS if it is much stronger than a stock ALPHA as you stated. If has the screw on plastic side rub plates that the ALPHA SS has.
This is what I read: Originally posted by Tinkerboater:
I dont think that is a true alpha SS. The alpha SS has the same bottom end as the standard alpha.
Bottom end on mine looks nothing like a standard alpha.
Originally posted by 1_Gunner
I just lined up a verified SS Alpha and your pic looks identical. Ratio is 1.32. Hope to install it next week.
It should make the 400hp 383 I just installed in my 19' family bowrider quite a sleeper sport toy.......
I may have to velcro the kids in!!!
Imagine That !
Also if mine has the big gears it IS stronger than the regular Alpha.
http://www.theunholytrinity.org/cracks_smileys/contrib/tweetz/moon.gif
[This message has been edited by Infomaniac (edited June 06, 2002).]

[Tinkerboater]

Funny I bought a regular alpha and it came with the stronger gears ( I don't know what your idea of stronger is ) It only adds maybe 25 hp more capability to the drive. Add a nose cone to a standard drive and the bottom half will look just like your lower half. Measure from the cavitation plate to the prop shaft on both drives and you will find they are the same. Now measure from the cavitation plate to the bottom mounting bolt on both drives and you will find that the SS drive upper is 2 1/2 inches shorter.