Ferm or spare, are you there?
 

hey guys, i found an outdrive off a 1978 5.0. its an alpha 1 gen 1.
so is mine, but its a 1986.
the new (old) one has a 1.5:1.
it should work, no?
1978 on a 1986?

If its the original drive, its either an MC1 888 drive, or 898 drive. In 78 the 888 was a ford 302, they did make the 898 later in 78 that was the 305 chevy. I think they both had the 1.65 ratio. It also used the little trim cylinders. Unless its in real good condition, its not worth much. It will work on your boat, and yes, the 1.65 is the correct ratio for a 5.0. Ever since Sterndrive engineering came out with their drives, you cant get much for a used one. Just in case you didn't know, you can buy a brand new Alpha copy for around $1000 with a three year unconditional waranty

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/boa/928526857.html

??????

the 198 Stingrays came with 3.7 180 hp engines, 1.84 ratio or 5.0 l 200 hp 1.65 ratio. I don't think that boat had a 3.0l in it, unless someone bought the wrong drive, the 3.0 had the 1.98 ratio drive. I wonder whats wrong with the boat, I always liked the 198s