Opinions wanted about electronic distributor

[xeddog]

Hi all,

I have recently replaced the 5.7L engine in my 1987 Reinell 215c with OMC Cobra outdrive. The mechanic that did part of the engine rebuild gave me a few reasons why I should replace the original point distributor with one of these. He has done a lot of boat engine builds (at least he had a lot of pictures that he said was his work, and I have no reason to suspect otherwise) and has also offered to do the necessary welding to remove the vacuum advance for free.

I spoke to him about this distributor, another distributor specified as "marine", and the Pertronix ignition modules, and he said (more or less):

I could go ahead and get a marine dist instead of the one he recommended, but it is $80 more. (Note: we only discussed options in one Summit Racing catalog that we had with us at the time) The plus side is that I would not have to replace my spark plug wires or coil. The downside is that I would not have to replace my spark plug wires or coil, and would not get the full benefit of HEI ignition.

Regarding Pertronix, he said that he doesn't have any direct experience with them, but from what he has heard most people either love them or hate them. HIS opinion was that if they worked they would be fine, but from what he has heard they are not as accurate as a "real" electronic ignition. It would probably be accurate enough for me, but again this would not have the added benies of HEI.

So I am really leaning toward doing as he recommends, but I would like to solicit your opinions before proceeding. What say you??

Wayne

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Opinions wanted about electronic distributor

DELCO EST is the only way to go.
simple,easy to wire in the shift cut switch eliminating the ESA module at the same time.

 

[tonyone]

Re: Opinions wanted about electronic distributor

Hi, In regards to to your question..I installed the Petronix on 1986 4.3l to replace the origanal points system a month ago..The petronix is very easy to install and the price is less than half of a new distrubuter.The engine runs smoother and starts like a charm..just make sure your distrubuter is in good shape,mine has low hours so there is very little wear or play.
That being said I find it disturbing that a marine mechanic would recommend installing automotive type parts in a marine application.Please stay away from installing any automotive parts in your boat....The reason being "SAFTEY"....yes marine specific parts are more pricey but that is why,they have built in features that are geared on saftey issues..I personally saw a boat go up in flames becuase of the cheaper auto parts.. ie:buddy put used auto fuel pump on 5.7l,diaphragm let go,filled bildge with gas(instead of being sent back to carb with marine type pump),engine quits, he opens hatch and for some reason decided to unhook battery,created spark and rest need not be explained...He was very lucky not to have gotten hurt or killed.....
Just my opinion,weather u go with the petronix or a new dist depends on how much you want to spend but stay with marine specific applications...Have a good one, Tony

 

[sethjon]

Re: Opinions wanted about electronic distributor

I still like points. Electronic ignition may be better, but its debatable and not a big difference. Save your money and keep the points.

 

[xeddog]

Re: Opinions wanted about electronic distributor

tonyone -

Yeah, that is a concern. I know that it just takes the blink of an eye to change a really great day into a really bad day. Just like your buddy and his automotive fuel pump. Now THAT I would not do. Besides, if your insurance company finds out that you have non-marine parts they will most likely void your policy.

One other point is that he is not strictly a marine mechanic. While his boat portfolio seems to be very good, he is currently employed at an auto repair facility nearby (and it is a pretty good one) and builds boat engines off hours. He said that he has put in a lot of them and no one has ever had a problem, but all it takes is one. He sez the only difference in the marine distributor vs the auto distributor is the way they are vented and it wasn't really too important as long as your distributor doesn't get flooded. (I didn't even know that the distributor was vented in the first place. I wonder if that would give a spark between the rotor and d-cap a path to escape or vapors to get in???) And the vacuum advance which is not needed in marine applications. If I remember right, he also mentioned that there might be some minor differences in the advance curve since boats operate at a different power band. At least, I think that is what he meant.

Anyway, thanks for your response. That distributor being an automotive distributor is the main reason that I didn't just go for it then. I should listen to myself more.

Wayne

 

[captmello]

Re: Opinions wanted about electronic distributor

http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-119.html

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Opinions wanted about electronic distributor

the delco EST marine kit can be had for about 300 dollars,comes with a coil and ign wires and instructions.
its fully self contained with electronic advance and service parts can be had at any parts store.
no diodes or monkey shines to hook up to the shift cut switch AND it eliminates an ESA that can and will fail.
no more rusted advance springs/plates and it has a DRY coil not an oil filled one and can generate higher secondary Kv than points.

 

[xeddog]

Re: Opinions wanted about electronic distributor

Thanks for the info. That Delco EST looks like the ticket with the plug wires, CG approved, and everything. Now, where did my wife hide the checkbook . . .


Wayne