Upgrading to Electronic Ignition??

[Fishermark]

I was thinking of doing the same conversion. oddly enough on the exact same engine and also 1978! most people seem to go with pertronix, but I was thinking about "Hotspark" http://www.hot-spark.com/1-3DEL6U1.htm. this one is only about $70 USD, which seemed pretty cheap to me but I know nothing of the quality or if my old coil will fit it. maybe someone out there has heard of this kit?

As I mentioned earlier, I personally have never had an issue with Pertronix brand. I HAVE had an issue with the Hotspark brand. After I installed the Hotspark conversion the engine ran great - but there were several times when it just would not start - no spark. (This was on a 3 liter). I swapped out the ignition with a new AC Delco EST system and have not had any issues since.

 

[haulnazz15]

I upgraded to a Pertronix FlameThrower marine billet distributor (Pertronix II) and the FlameThrower II coil when I refreshed the 351w in the ski boat as the old distributor was fairly worn and had to be replaced anyway. It hasn't skipped a beat in 3+ years and a few dozen hours. It isn't much of a sample size, but I've been happy with it. Once it's been started the first time each outing (waiting for fuel to prime), it fires up within one rotation of the engine every time, just like having fresh/adjusted points. I can't complain about the Pertronix unit so far.

 

[bruceb58]

AC Delco EST system and have not had any issues since.

If you have that option, that is the best choice. Obviously only will work with certain GM motors and not the OP's straight six.

 

[WIMUSKY]

I used an Accel Super Coil. I believe this one......

https://jet.com/product/detail/41f4...15&gclid=CJHB99-Bys8CFUMdMgodMT8NAQ&gclsrc=ds

 

[bruceb58]

Speaking of coils, a high voltage coil is not going to help unless you increase your spark plug gap. The voltage delivered by the coil is the least amount of voltage that will bridge the gap and not a single volt more.. If the gap is set the same as before, the voltage delivered by the coil is the same if its a 20KV coil or a 45K volt coil. You may get a slightly longer spark duration but that's more of a coil design feature than a voltage rating.

 

[SHickey]

Thanks all for the responses.

I went on the Pertronix web site and I am having a difficult time finding the correct set up for my motor. They are looking for the distributer shaft number and frankly I don't want to pull my distributer to locate the number. Instead, I will call the service dept. and ask if they can look up the distributer type for my motor size and year. The Pertronix II and the Flame thrower II sound like the way to go to give me the most reliable and consistent ignition for the novice mechanic I am.

When I get the right Pertronix components installed, I will let the forum know how I made out.

Again thanks all for the contributions

 

[thumpar]

You just need to look in the marine section to find the part on the site. It is 91163A for the inline 6. They don't make an Ignitor III for it just the II and II. The part I listed is for the II.

 

[SHickey]

Thanks for the part number. I will go back to the site and see what I can come up with.

Nothing like another improvement to a 40 year old power plant!!

Thanks again

 

[shaw520]

I had a 1980 165Merc,.. (chevy 250ci inline 6), what a sweet running engine always,..... I threatened many times to put an EI in her but after owning that boat for 20 yrs I was just more comfortable with a fresh set of points each spring and another fresh set in the glove box,.... ALWAYS got me home.