electronic ignition conversion kits

[jlawrence4220]

I was looking at tune up kits for my omc 350 in my 72 formula. the engine is running poorly at low rpms. I have to tune up the ignition system before I can adress if any carb problems. I know electronic ignitions fire hotter and are more realiable, But is there anything I need to look out for? are the conversion kits any good. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Restore is the way

 

[Chris1956]

Re: electronic ignition conversion kits

It is probably best to tune up your motor (new points, condenser, cap, rotor, plugs and maybe wires) prior to converting the ignition system. You wil then have the chance to troubleshoot the carb issue. When you have completed all repairs, you can try the conversion.

My father converted all his autos of that vintage to CDI with aftermarket units. I cannot say that the performance was better, but the plugs and points lasted 50K miles. The aftermarket units used standard points and plugs. They functioned by converting the normal 8VDC input to the points to 300V and pulsing the coil, when the points opened. The CDI units lowered the current running thru the points to keep them from burning and raised the voltage to the ignition coil to boost the standard 20K volts to 750K at the plugs.

Just so you know, the Mercruiser CDI ignitions on modern sterndrives are not automotive, but are unique to Mercruisers. I do not know if this is the same for OMC products.