thinking of a Delco EST ignition system conversion but have a few concerns....

[Lou C]

One thing, is how available are the Delco D1965A modules? I searched around for these just to see how easy they'd be to find, and am not seeing that they are that easily available. For a $575 cost (from Michigan Motorz) I'm not buying something that is useless if you can't get a module, yes I know there are aftermarket, but we all know how good aftermarket electronics are(n't) lol. Ideas, sources?
Also in order for the advance curve to work on the 4.3, you wind up having to set idle timing at about 6*ATDC. ,according to some literature I have seen from MM, and then the advance climbs much more steeply than with the Prestolite points/mechanical advance distributor. Just wondering how well this works on a pre-Vortec. Might just stick with points, just was thinking the electronic like our modern cars might be more reliable.

 

[nola mike]

One thing, is how available are the Delco D1965A modules? I searched around for these just to see how easy they'd be to find, and am not seeing that they are that easily available. For a $575 cost (from Michigan Motorz) I'm not buying something that is useless if you can't get a module, yes I know there are aftermarket, but we all know how good aftermarket electronics are(n't) lol. Ideas, sources?
Also in order for the advance curve to work on the 4.3, you wind up having to set idle timing at about 6*ATDC. ,according to some literature I have seen from MM, and then the advance climbs much more steeply than with the Prestolite points/mechanical advance distributor. Just wondering how well this works on a pre-Vortec. Might just stick with points, just was thinking the electronic like our modern cars might be more reliable.

Huh, you have points? I'd stick with them. Throw a spare set in the toolbox and you won't be stranded on the water. Assuming you can get a pertronix or something for the OMC though if you wanted to? Or even convert to a TB IV if you find a used setup...

 

[Pmt133]

I wouldn't say reliable is the correct term. It is a lower maintenance item if anything. Points are damn reliable but require service. That being said the points in the 55 were cleaned and set with a matchbook by dad years before I was born.... I haven't touched them. Thing runs and drives fine... I'll probably Crack the cap next year just because... but honestly if it ain't broke I don't know that I wanna fix it.

The real GM ignition modules are good. I have plenty of original HEI modules from the 70s that are still in service as well as those later TBI ones... but when they go, you're done. Electronic bits don't typically give much warning of failure in my experience.

 

[Lou C]

Yep I think I'm holding off on that project, I could do the Petronix and there are ESA modules that work with the Cobra ESA system, I'd just keep a spare module for it if I did so. Just did my points the other day, I have a few sets of spares, what I do is I have 2 points plates (bought a used Prestolite for parts) and I just install a new set of points & condenser on it, it's easier to swap the whole plate than changing the points and the condenser with the plate in the distributor. The Prestolite distributors were well made, I just checked the total timing advance and it's still in spec, so with the spares I have, no real need other than less maintenance to change to a different system.

 

[Scott06]

One thing, is how available are the Delco D1965A modules? I searched around for these just to see how easy they'd be to find, and am not seeing that they are that easily available. For a $575 cost (from Michigan Motorz) I'm not buying something that is useless if you can't get a module, yes I know there are aftermarket, but we all know how good aftermarket electronics are(n't) lol. Ideas, sources?
Also in order for the advance curve to work on the 4.3, you wind up having to set idle timing at about 6*ATDC. ,according to some literature I have seen from MM, and then the advance climbs much more steeply than with the Prestolite points/mechanical advance distributor. Just wondering how well this works on a pre-Vortec. Might just stick with points, just was thinking the electronic like our modern cars might be more reliable.

If you can still get good sets of replacement points I wouldn’t spend the money for the delco. I filed and gapped a set of points this spring on a 1973 evinrude, runs like new now ( also rebuilt the carb). From the looks of them and the amount of rubbing block wear they are probably original.

the delco is good especially if it is actually delco and not a knock off. You see a lot of guys messing around with modules or getting bad modules ,or they stuck in base mode.

as mentioned converting to a TB is not a bad idea but since a lot of modules are NLA you the Used prices have gone up. I bought two modules ten years ago when I repowered for $150-200 each.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Lou, buy 2 sets of points and a points file and they will outlast your boat

Use the extra cash and buy the wife something

 

[Lou C]

Lou, buy 2 sets of points and a points file and they will outlast your boat

Use the extra cash and buy the wife something

She’ll like that idea Scott! Yep I have 2 spare Prestolites on a shelf in my garage right below the shelf with the spare fuel pumps & Holley 4160 & Edelbrock 1409 lol.