HEI for 3.0???

[twin485]

Is there an automotive dist that will fit this engine? Can it use a marine cap? This all pertains to HEI by the way. Preferrably the new style with external coil not contained in the huge cap as before.

 

[metwrench]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

HEI, GM High Energy Ignition, Not sure what your asking on this. Do you want to FIT and HEI with a 3.0 ?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

I've always heard not to mix marine and automotive parts. Something to do with sparks and explosions!

 

[twin485]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

Sorry captain Spofford i should have been more explanitory. A GM 3.0 egnine i saw the other day built for volvo penta had a HEI distributor in it. I assume 3.0 is 3.0, mine is a merc, same block although. I think the HEI shaft and base would be the same as automotive only with a marine cap.<br /><br />Advise.

 

[metwrench]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

Hmmm, I would say YES, your probably right. I also know what Cobra is taking about. As I have said before in this forum, I am Automotive Tech/Instructor NOT a Marine Mechanic, I own a Boat and Obvioulsy do my own work and some Outside stuff for Friends. I have always Toyed with putting a GM HEI in my own 5.7 GM OMC. The HEI is a Great system in Automotive Use, But I have been told that becuase of the Electronic Parts within the unit, that the Water/Ocean would not be a Great Place for HEI. But, You say you SAW and HEI already in a Boat application ?? makes me wonder if I shouldnt go through with it myself ! HEI is So Dam simple to Wire !! and in produces a Very Healthy KV ( 50kv plus ) Anyone else have any advise to add on this ? Beats going with the Prestolite System I am looking into...

 

[akriverrat]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

vp, kodiak and others i am sure use the delco voyager marine distributor. hei... coil not in cap.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

I am considering an HEI ignition for my 165 mercruiser as a winter project this year. The main concern (in my opinion) with the automotive HEI dist is the hole in the casting where the vacuum advance unit enters the base of the dist. Since vacuum advance is not required or desired on a marine application my plan is to close up the opening and at the same time insert a threaded mechanism that will attach to the original advance plate. This will give me an external advance screw and block the gap in the casing, it will also secure the advance plate so that it does not "wander". I will upgrade the high tension wires to an 8mm set.

 

[denniz]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

Probably not supposed to post this but Ive got some electronic distributors, the stock ones are not really a HEI but they are electronic. 485 leave your email and ill send some pics.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

actually, unless your engine space meets the cg definition of "open",your main concern should be that electrical parts in the engine space must meet cg criteria and be listed by the manufacturer as such, or you are 1. violating federal regs, 2.putting yourself at risk of fire or explosion, 3.putting your friends, family, and fellow boaters at risk. 1 being least important and 3 most. also your insurance company won't pay for any damages if automotive parts are found to be at fault and maybe, if found period. other than that knock yourself out. the centrifigal advance weights and springs probably will need to be tuned for the marine application.

 

[twin485]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

Thanks for all the input guys. My eyes and ears are open on this topic. I'm already running the old style HEI on my 70's 350,took care of the stray spark situation i think and so far had no explosions. I'm not an expert by no means but she has run very well so far, no run on, no hard starts, no overrevs. Please don't go out and get auto HEI and say I said it works 100%, i'm not a performance guy at all. She just takes me to this fishing hole and pulls up 2 200lb skiers at the same time, other than that i'm not sure of the pros or cons.<br /><br />Let's keep firing replies i'm sure someone got the answer.<br /><br />Is there a proper HEI shaft/cap/ coil combo designed for this motor that i can purchase aftermarket or OEM??

 

[metwrench]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

Boy Riverrat I never considered any of that...good points !! In this case I rather get RID OF THE POINTS TOO !!<br /><br />I think I will hold off on HEI for now. Its deffinetly a Great System, and the posting above that talks about the Vacuum advance and Plugging it also brings up good points about removal of the advance, The screw thing is a Good idea !!<br /><br />Thanks everyone for the info

 

[Bondo]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

If you guys are just trying to get away from points,+ get a little better spark......<br />You Can't find a Better System than the Mercruiser ThunderBolt system found on the newer motors....(And the motors are Still the Same !! Direct Drop-In )<br />I see them on ebay all the time, for the 3.0l motors...

 

[rodbolt]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

hello<br /> As a marine mechanic and paying for my own general liability insurance I can say this. I wont work on anyboat that does not have fuel and electrical systems that do not conform to uscg and abyc standards. I have people mad all the time put if I see it I will stop work and write it up. anyhow getting back to sparks.about the best Marine distributer so far is the Delco EST. uses a dry external coil and the ignition advance curve is controlled by the ign module under the cap.volvo,narine power and mercrusier and many others used this ign system.some EFI engines still do.<br /> it is as reliable as the HEI but has less moving parts. no advance springs or plates. good luck and keep the sparks in the cylinders <br />Just make sure you get the correct ign module for your application then check it with a timing light per service manual

 

[denniz]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

The ones I have are stock pull offs from 2000 + motors that went back to the factory.merc/volvo sx what engine are you trying to put this on? According to your profile you dont have a 3.0. D

 

[denniz]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

Hey Rodbolt, Ive been a marine tech for 20+ years, I dont understand why you would quit working on a boat because someone else has put a sub standard part on there boat. If you didnt do it and its well documented on your RO then you have nothing to worry about. You warned them.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

Hello rodknocking<br /> If it is a safty issue I will note it but I wont return the boat to service until the substandard parts are replaced. if the customer does not wish me to repair it as designed I dont need that customer, the lawyers are why. in front of a jury with a burned off face who is gonna be to blame and pay? the customer cause he saved 38 dollars by using the no name starter or me and my insurance company because I let him go Knowing that the boat was not safe. I mean if Macdonalds has to pay for people getting burned by coffe because they did not think it was hot what next ? and as more and more of us join NMMA and some other groups it will get tighter. but that is a whole different disscussion

 

[denniz]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

Hey Rod bolt, I understand your concerns, I used to be that way, But now I just advise that this part isnt right and what can happen if its used. Note it on the repair order. BUT I wont loose a customer(or **** him off intentionally) because he put a automotive starter on his boat. Make sure you note your observations and make note on your r.o. Thatll cover your azz. If you didnt do that repair but have it noted I dont see how you could be blamed?

 

[anesthes]

Re: HEI for 3.0???

I'd like to see documents regarding these standards. See exactly what modifications to the parts are required.