1996 GM 5.7L Vortec Carb'ed and Thunderbolt IV Ignition Setup

[AShipShow]

Delco doesn't have a knock sensor... Its basically equivalent to a TB IV system, both electronic advance that is set by the internally programmed timing curve with no deviation... The big benefit of the Delco system is the replacement cost for components... I switched to the Delco system because my TB V system died on me and the replacement module pretty much cost more than the whole Delco kit.

EDIT: sorry, think me and dodge replied at the same time.

 

[76SeaRay]

So, guess I either pay the big bucks for TB V or go with the TB IV I already have and hope I don't get any detonation that I can't hear. The machine shop said my compression ratio should come out at 8.5 or 9 to 1 so I can run 87 octane pump gas. Premium here in Washington state is $4.25 a gallon right now.

 

[alldodge]

Keep up the regular maintenance and should have no need for knock sensor. Agree only need 87

 

[AShipShow]

So, guess I either pay the big bucks for TB V or go with the TB IV I already have and hope I don't get any detonation that I can't hear. The machine shop said my compression ratio should come out at 8.5 or 9 to 1 so I can run 87 octane pump gas. Premium here in Washington state is $4.25 a gallon right now.

I have an identical motor to you but had TB V with no knock sensor... The stock compression is 9.1:1 and run on 87 no problems... As dodge said, just keep up with the maintenance and you'll have no problems... If the motor detonated on 87 octane then they would have either changed the compression or timing advance in the TB IV or TB V system, so don't worry, you're gonna be good.