another electronic ignition question

[oldboat1]

I have a conversion kit for the Mallory distributor on my old 305 Chevy (Chris Craft). The instructions seem clear enough, except there is no reference to replacing dual point systems vs. single points systems. Mine has the dual points -- anybody know if it makes a difference?

 

[Walt T]

Re: another electronic ignition question

Dual points were designed to allow automotive engines rev higher and not have point bounce. Dual point systems are designed for engines being run above 5,000 rpm. Totally unecessary for marine use. Besides if you were revving that high electronic would definetly be the way to go.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: another electronic ignition question

There is a posability the conversion kit you have will not work with the dual point distributor you have! I installed a pertronics ignition kit in a 61 Corvette with dual points and had to use a single point distributor

 

[Walt T]

Re: another electronic ignition question

Well whattya know I missed the point as usual. I've never run into the double poin to electronic situation. Sorry for the diarrhea of the mouth there.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: another electronic ignition question

Thanks for all the feedback. This is a Petronix conversion kit, so I guess I'll check with the manufacturer before trying to install it. The Chris Craft manual I have for the boat indicates that some of the 305s/307s had single points, and some dual -- timing settings are different, per the manual.<br /><br />I'm not interested in improving top-end performance as I rarely run over 3500 or 4000 rpms, but would like to improve starting a little (particularly when there is moisture or condensation). And I would think overall performance might be improved as well.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: another electronic ignition question

Once you do it, you will never look back!!

 

[Squirterguy]

Re: another electronic ignition question

Elec is the great way to go, although, if all you are replacing is the points basically, you loose most of the advantages. Fully electronic systems will usually fire 2 to 5 times the voltage to the spark plugs. A stock points GM system fires about 15 - 20,000 volts to the plugs. An HEI setup drives up to 75,000 volts. At least you won't have to check the dwell on the points anymore, a real nightmare to set sometimes with dual setups. They are right about the distributor may or may not work, I hope so. Good luck, and enjoy.