Paul128a,
How hard was it to do the conversion from the 280 to the Alpha? Is that the best way to go? Please see my post on 280 Volvo Conversion...... In this section.......
Mercruiser did offer a 370hp Alpha one, but using a Small-Block, 377 cubic inches. I think they called it the Scorpion.
Mercruiser says that the Alpha will handle high horsepower SMALL BLOCKS, as they dont have as much low-rpm torque.
The more horsepower you try to make out of a Small-block, the higher the RPM the torque comes out, so the less the out-drive is prone to failure. As Mercruiser says, it is the torque the destroys the outdrives, not the HP.
I have snapped two Volvo 280 mainshafts, and all during hard acceleration from standing start, using my 350 small block, bored .030 over, using TRW flat top pistons, 2.02 in 1.60 ex valves, roller rocker arms, Crower 00904 Torque-Beast cam, Headers, Performer intake, Holley 650.
Right now I have been running an Alpha One with the same engine and so far so good.