woody1

Hey guys, got an 87 wellcraft 210 with a cheezy 200 horse 305 thats probably due anytime now. Im seriously contemplating what seems like a simple swap to a mild 300-350 horse 350. Are there any forseeable roablocks? Also what are the limitations on an alpha one drive, it's a 1987 boat all original.

Money is not an issue, just dont really plan on sinking a ton of money into a 6000 dollar boat. Thanks

scottc

The 350's will work great same blocks just a bigger can going up and down. You will have to reprop most likely due to a little more power. If you have the extra $, have the drives checked over.

woody1

Ya I plan on bringing in the drive and looked at while everything is apart. Im a ford guy but I was under the impression the only difference between the the 2 was stroke or rod length. Thanks

cuda

Check into the Merc reman 383's. Go through the drive, and install a drive shower.

ratman

350 is same stroke, rod length and crank, just a bigger bore. 383's run awsome, i have built several. if you can do your own build they are not very expensive to build. scat 5140 cast steel crank 5.7 recon oem rods with arp bolts, forged pistons. and your old top end with fresh valve job or another set of used oem heads. you will have to mock it up grinding clearance for cam and rod to block. the torque is great on these engines, and they idle great longer stroke 3.75 vs 3.48 will tolerate more cam and still idle great. if you cant do it your self and are on a budget stay with they 350. good luck

cdscarab

woody1, if you had a bravo 1 drive the 383 would be the way to go, but you have an alpha and that will not stand up to a strong 383 for long. My friend put a mild 400 sb in his formula and has wrecked atleast 2 drives so far. I would have a 350 built with a little stronger cam with an LSA of 114 degrees. That way you can keep the stock exhaust without getting reversion and still run the alpha.

Note, you could run a 383, if your boat is fairly light, 3000lbs. or<, the alpha was rebuilt with stronger parts, you DON'T do any hard hole shots, and you keep a constant eye on it for wear, then it will probably last for a while. Otherwise it eventualy break.

resurrected

The re-man 383's are set up bob-tail Bravo.

birdog

I had a 210.Alpha years ago....The 383ci would be a great engine...
I dont think you will hurt your alpha if you dont get stupid with it.
The extra weight of a BB Bravo may kill the CG....

woody1

Thanks guys for all the replies

TxHawk

i can sell you a New 350ci 330hp crate engine for $2150