Swapping Mercruiser Outdrives

[sdperry]

I lost the top gear in my 1989 Mercruiser alpha1 Gen 1 outdrive. The boat had a factory 305 Chevy but was switched out with a new 350 Chevy by the previous owner. The outdrive was the original. I have found a 1983 with the Mercruiser 470 with the alpha 1 gen 1 setup that would be worth the money if I could swap the outdrive over to my boat. Is there anything special that would have to be done to make this work?

 

[Docksidemarineservices]

It will be the wrong gear ratio. 470 has a 1.84:1
You need a 1.50:1
Got to SEI and get a new one, They are inexpensive.

 

[Bt Doctur]

The outdrive was the original.

Amazing how he changed the description of his post ,the 305 ,200hp usually used the 1.84 not a 1.50. We swapped out a 350 for a 305 and had to use the 1.84 ratio until we find a good 350