Points to Electronic Ignition swap

[Eagleridge5]

Does anyone know if there is a kit to update the ignition in a 1988 Mercruiser 470?

I'm new to the forum so any help would be appreciated if this question has already been posted in the past. I would just need to be told where to look.

 

[JJJ]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

If your distributor is good, a simple way to upgrade is just to wire in a MSD 5 or 6 and use the points to trigger the unit. Just unplug the condensor. That way if it would go bad, you can revert to points easily, since the points don't carry any current when using the MSD they will last a long time.

 

[guyaverage]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

Pertronix Ignitor 1146a, or Pertronix II ignitor 91146a. I have the ignitor II and it works fine. There are some other cheapy versions out there, check ebay.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

If you go the the Pertronix route, keep everything you remove in the boat so when (not if) it dies you can put the points back in to get her on the trailer. 'nutcase

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

If you go the the Pertronix route, keep everything you remove in the boat so when (not if) it dies you can put the points back in to get her on the trailer. 'nutcase

The fact that you should do that also tells me that you shouldn't go the Pertronix route. They are just not that reliable. Just stick with points or get a real electronic distributor like a Delco EST.

 

[Don S]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

Just stick with points or get a real electronic distributor like a Delco EST.

Stick with the points, no one makes the EST distributor for a 470 engine.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

I like the Pertronix product myself. Never had one fail in the boats I have installed them in. Just my experience.

 

[guyaverage]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

Does Pertronix have a reputation for failure? There are certainly a lot in use so you are going to hear of some, but are they really not that good?

I couldnt go back to points if I had to, unless I bought a new distributor. The bushings in the Delco on my 470 are worn to the point that the shaft has a good .020-inch or so wobble, and was getting random stalling at idle, usually at the worst possible times (like a busy dock on a Saturday with two expensive go-fasts on either side of me). When I converted it, that immediately stopped happening. The only way I personally could go back to points would be to get a new distributor for 2-3 times what a backup electronic module would cost.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

^^^^^^
In your case, sounds like the Pertronics switch solves several problems. With points, many say you should allways carry a spare set, I guess they would say the same about the magnetic switch. If it makes you feel better, pick up an extra or the less expensive Hot Spark brand kit as a backup.

Heck, if it don't rust, don't bust, don't collect no dust - don't worry about it!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

"Stick with the points, no one makes the EST distributor for a 470 engine" True, but they can be adapted with a tiny bit of machine work, I made a pair for a guy bout 3 yrs ago, still goin great. 'nutcase

 

[Eagleridge5]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

Thanks for all the replies. Still not sure what to do. Maybe I'll keep the points and just carry extras. What is an MSD 5 or 6?

 

[smarks]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

I made the Pertronics switch on a 4.3 Liter Cobra v6 set up with no problems.
No more points to set (dwell), no more rough idle, and timing stays put.
Regards
Steve

 

[natemoore]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

I guess I'm becoming a guinea pig, too. I'll let you know how they perform.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Points to Electronic Ignition swap

If your distributor is good, a simple way to upgrade is just to wire in a MSD 5 or 6 and use the points to trigger the unit.

Sounds interesting, thanks for the tip http://www.msdpower.com/product/partno/5200.php?cat=ign.