Need help identifying Ignition - 96 Rinker 5.7

[96RinkerCaptiva212]

Hello all, I'm currently wrapping up the install of my reman 5.7 Vortec. Need help identifying my ignition system so I can set timing. Pic below.

Background: After 4 trips on the water this season, I had water in the oil and 4 detonated pistons. Water in gas or my thermostat closed last fall when I was bringing antifreeze in with the muffs. Anyway, almost water ready again! Boat is a 96 Rinker 212. Had a non-vortec 5.7 in it and Alpha One (not sure what Gen). I just upgraded to Vortec with hi rise intake and 4 barrel holley. Yesterday, I set the idle timing at 6-8 degrees BTDC. Timing light seems to jump a little back and forth. I then read that if it is Thunderbolt V, I need to put the system in Base Timing Mode. So, I need to figure that out before I go any further. This number 807264-2 doesn't really come up with anything other than people selling their used one but not identifying.

In 96, it seems they crossed into the Thunderbolt V. I do not have a control module on the exhaust anywhere. I don't have a knock sensor. I just have this ICM which is mounted on the rear of the disty. I understand not all V's had knock sensors like I originally thought so now I'm confused. Is there any other means of identifying?

 

[achris]

That a TB-V. So you do have to put it in base mode for timing.

Chris. ..

 

[96RinkerCaptiva212]

That a TB-V. So you do have to put it in base mode for timing.

Chris. ..

Thanks - wasn't sure since there was some conflicting info hanging around about the spark module also being on the icm, which I don't have. I saw your post in the adults only section so I wanted to ask and be sure. So, I"m not good with wiring.. I'm completely stumped on my electric fuel pump and relay upgarde, for example, lol. This purple/white wire needs to be jumped. Does that mean, back probe it and ground it with the harness plugged in? Or I need to remove harness, put wire in that 3rd slot for the purple/white then plug harness back in (and ground)? Seems this specifically isn't called out anywhere from searching around. Sorry for the newb question.

 

[Fun Times]

This purple/white wire needs to be jumped. Does that mean, back probe it and ground it with the harness plugged in? Or I need to remove harness, put wire in that 3rd slot for the purple/white then plug harness back in (and ground)? Seems this specifically isn't called out anywhere from searching around. Sorry for the newb question.

At the end of the wire there might or might not be a black rubber plug plugged into the wire terminal. Remove the plug if it's there and insert one end of a piece of wire then touch the other end of the same wire to a ground bolt somewhere on the engine or - side (black cable) of a battery post, then start the engine, time your engine, turn engine off, remove jumper wire then make sure engine seems to be running fine thereafter. In the following link see the images up top and read V6 and V8 Carbureted Models (Thunderbolt V Ignition) https://www.perfprotech.com/blog/articles/mercruiser-engine-timing

This video might help you some too as he talks a bit about it,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHNCICd4ZQ0

 

[96RinkerCaptiva212]

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At the end of the wire there might or might not be a black rubber plug plugged into the wire terminal. Remove the plug if it's there and insert one end of a piece of wire then touch the other end of the same wire to a ground bolt somewhere on the engine or - side (black cable) of a battery post, then start the engine, time your engine, turn engine off, remove jumper wire then make sure engine seems to be running fine thereafter. In the following link see the images up top and read V6 and V8 Carbureted Models (Thunderbolt V Ignition) https://www.perfprotech.com/blog/articles/mercruiser-engine-timing

This video might help you some too as he talks a bit about it,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHNCICd4ZQ0

ahh dude thanks! I'm 99% sure I have that plug by my carb as well. Had no idea what it was. I thought I was cutting and splicing into the back of the harness connector on the disty. I kept looking around all day and no one was calling that out. You rock!