88 omc 5.7 motor swap

jeicher

Cadet
Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
13
Hey guys,

I’ve built a 350 gm motor to swap out m omc 5.7.
I’m at the stage of completing and ready to stab a distributor. I’d like to just go the HEI route as I have new ones on the shelf. I’ve read of people having different issues time after time. What I want to know is if I go HEI what else needs changed?

Boat is an 88’ four winns
Okc 5.7l
Cobra stern drive live
 

matt167

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
4,168
You will want good life vests and burn cream for later. If you survive the gasoline explosion…. NO bs either. An HEI is not ignition protected. Hopefully your built 350 is built to marine specs as well or you could pull water in with the wrong camshaft
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,088
Hey guys,

I’ve built a 350 gm motor to swap out m omc 5.7.
I’m at the stage of completing and ready to stab a distributor. I’d like to just go the HEI route as I have new ones on the shelf. I’ve read of people having different issues time after time. What I want to know is if I go HEI what else needs changed?

Boat is an 88’ four winns
Okc 5.7l
Cobra stern drive live
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... As noted, the automotive Hei is a no-go, as it's not ignition protected,......
Dui makes a Hei that is,.....
The go-to boat replacement ignition is the Delco Voyager system, which is reasonably inexpensive,......
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,249
agree, no automotive ignition stuff...

full
 

matt167

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
4,168
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... As noted, the automotive Hei is a no-go, as it's not ignition protected,......
Dui makes a Hei that is,.....
The go-to boat replacement ignition is the Delco Voyager system, which is reasonably inexpensive,......
I had no clue Davis built marine HEI. I can only imagine what they cost. I know what his stuff cost 10 years ago when I was looking into one for a 200 straight 6 Ford
 

jeicher

Cadet
Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
13
Ok delco est ignition system ordered. Now to exhaust. Should I replace all the manifolds and risers or just inspect, replace gaskets, and reuse?
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
13,638
Just curious, what are you using for the Fuel System, the Alternator and Starter, the Water Pump, even the Core Plugs?
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,036
Are you in a freshwater region? If so your manifolds & elbows may be re-usable.
I still have my original Prestolite points distributor. If you go with Delco EST, or other electronic distributor, you're going have to change the original ESA module, if you still have it. CDI Electronics makes ESA modules that will work with electronic distributors.
 
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