Convert to electronic ignition ?

[jimh1626]

I see items to convert from points to electronic ignition on ebay. Is this easy to do. I have a 21' Wellcraft I/O chevy 350 with an Alpha One and Thunderbolt Ignition. If it can be done, could you please explain it to me?

Thanks for your time,

Jim

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

2 ways to do it.
1) Points to electronic ignition module in your existing distributor
2) HEI - http://www.mkhammer.com/dui-marine-...pm-15-to-40-hp-gains-over-stock-p-302472.html

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

Its VERY easy to convert. Plan for about an hour. If you buy the pertronix I or II it comes with detailed instructions. Once the electronic ignition is installed, there is basically no adjustments. It would probably be a wise idea to keep your points for emergencies, though.

 

[jimh1626]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

Great. Thanks fellas. I am installing a new engine so I think it would be wise to convert now.

Jim

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

This is definitely the time to convert. Never having to worry about adjusting points again will be the icing on the cake for your new engine.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

Instead of getting the Pertronix, consider getting a Delco EST distributor. Then everything including the advance is electronic.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

just make sure it is a kit that is MARINE rated... Marine rated no only means it will stand up to a marine environment, but also that you won't go BOOM the first time you turn the key.

 

[jimh1626]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

I'll look into Delco and I will make sure it is marine rated. I am not going to put this $2000 in it to get cheap now.

Thanks for your time,

Jim

 

[Bondo]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

I see items to convert from points to electronic ignition on ebay. Is this easy to do. I have a 21' Wellcraft I/O chevy 350 with an Alpha One and Thunderbolt Ignition. If it can be done, could you please explain it to me?

Thanks for your time,

Jim

Ayuh,... You already Have the Best electronic ignition there is....

 

[jimh1626]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

So you are saying I should stay with what I have? I keep hearing that the electronic ignition is better than the points that are in it. Can you shed more light on this?

Thanks for your time,

Jim

 

[Don S]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

I have a 21' Wellcraft I/O chevy 350 with an Alpha One and Thunderbolt Ignition.

So you are saying I should stay with what I have? I keep hearing that the electronic ignition is better than the points that are in it.

You have a Thunderbolt ignition, it's all electronic. Now, if you give some years or serial numbers we might be able to figure out if you have the TB4 or TB5 ignition.
Points haven't been used by Mercruiser on a V8 engine since the early 80's.

 

[jimh1626]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

What serial numbers? Here is the block number - 14093638. Here is a number I found on the inside if the distributor - 90577.
On the block it says GM 5.7 LG then under that - SGI.
It is a 1988 Wellcraft.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[Don S]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

88 is a Thunderbolt IV ignition, not points. The serial number would have been on a metal tag on your old block, just above the starter.

 

[jimh1626]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

GREAT. Here is that number - C328053

Jim

 

[Don S]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

Keep that number handy, it's used for finding the EXACT part number for all the accessories on your engine.
Oh, and here's a link to the OEM service manual, now you can read all about the electronic ignition you didn't know you had.
http://www.4shared.com/document/LXsFg1do/Service_Manual_09.html

Might as well have the drive manual too. http://www.4shared.com/document/zz_5pj9o/Service_Manual_06.html

 

[Bondo]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

Ayuh,.... Have ya even Looked under the distributer cap,..??

 

[jimh1626]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

OK OK. I'll leave it alone. I did not look because the screws were so tight I couldn't get them off. This guy did nothing for years. That's why the engine blew after 4 trips with me. He never even changed the oil filter and it rusted through the bottom and slung all the oil out. I was told it had points, but I am happy with it like it is. I'll be more careful buying my next boat, but it will be in great shape for years to come once I get that engine in and change the impellar on the outdrive.

Thanks for the help,

Jim

 

[Bondo]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

I did not look because the screws were so tight I couldn't get them off.

Ayuh,... Then start Soakin' those screws with PB Blaster or somethin', Now...

Then in awhile, hit 'em with a hand impact driver...

 

[jimh1626]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

Thanks Don and Bond-o. I will keep all the numbers in a safe place.

Thanks for all the help, you guys are great.

Jim

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Convert to electronic ignition ?

Thanks Don and Bond-o. I will keep all the numbers in a safe place.

Thanks for all the help, you guys are great.

Jim

better yet, in your user profile, post it in your signature below when you type it will be there and be easier for all to know what you got