Can I do an Alpha 1 gen 1 gear ratio swap... 1.98 to 1.62 on a 4 cyl

Hey guys I'm looking for someone who knows more than meto tell me if this will work... I have an old 80's boat that we uses for fishing, it's not worth spending money on so I am looking for cheap alternatives.. the boat came with a 1.98 gear ratio outdrive but the drive gears are destroyed due to a seal leak into the Bellows area. I have access to a 1.62 drive at no cost ...

The current setup is 1.98 with a 21 p prop, why can't I install the 1.62 with a 17p prop?

What is the impact on the engine that I am missing?


Thanks for for your help!!

Plane off won't be as great, but it'll work.

Jeff

600 gets you a good drive unit. I Have one. Final drive is 2.0:1

What is the impact on the engine that I am missing?

Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... The motor will be luggin', 'n have enough power for displacement speeds only, while causin' detonation, burnin' holes in the pistons,...

Not if the prop has far less pitch. This is similar to a "racing" set up where you spin a smaller diameter, lesser pitch prop faster to gain speed. It will work though, as I said, the boat will not plane as easily.

Jeff