View Full Version : Replacement distributor suggestions?
79Hawaiian
08-12-2002, 04:46 PM
I have been thinking about replacing my old points distributor with a MSD pointless electronic. I looked at the marine product they offer but the distributor and ignition module run $635 plus tax. I have been looking at the automotive MSD 8350 (http://www.msdignition.com/1distfor.htm) instead, it has an integrated ignition module that eliminates the need for an external module. It runs around $280. Only problem is this one comes with a vacuum advance. My current distributor runs a mechanical advance only.
I was wondering what the advantage/disadvantage of running a vacuum advance and if anyone has any experience with these distributors. If anyone can suggest something better for around the same money I would be willing to listen!
My engine is fairly stock, mild cam, Edelbrock performer dual plane mani, holley 650, water logg exhaust.
Also I assume I remove my ballast resistor with the pointless setup???
blowngas
08-12-2002, 05:39 PM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by 79Hawaiian:
[QB]I have been thinking about replacing my old points distributor
For what you are running, go with a mallory unilite mechanical advance distributor---its pretty much a drop in piece--reliable, will still work with motor build up, just use hotter coil--ran one in a 427 roller turning 8000 rpm's--- picked up one for the lake boat off of ebay for $100 in really nice condition--surf some of the various race board parts classified for some good bargains
waterslinger
08-12-2002, 06:24 PM
The MSD standalone car dist. is what you need.
It comes with a vac. advance block off plate.
A full set of springs are in the deal so you can set the advance rate and total advance for your
boat. Used is OK if you know what you are getting.
I have a MSD in my boat and it works good and looks great.
79Hawaiian
08-12-2002, 06:36 PM
Waterslinger,
Good to hear you have had good results. Did you change the advance or leave it with the factory settings?
djdtpr
08-12-2002, 07:45 PM
For alot less money u can go get a standard HEI ignition for it that would work perfect.
SchellSchock
08-13-2002, 07:35 AM
Go to www.summitracing.com (http://www.summitracing.com) look at the Summit racing HEI distributors. Less than 2 bills good all the way to 7500 rpm. Put one in my 65 pickup with a transplanted, built, 66' Vette 427. Reliable, easy conversion, buit in HighOutput coil and module, adjustable with weights etc.
79Hawaiian
08-13-2002, 08:04 AM
Sorry guys, I forgot one piece of info... Im running a Ford 460. HEI I believe is a GM technology.
The bigest problem with useing a auto distributor is either blowing up (not spark protected) or a big @ss fine! Let's face it... If the cop is pissed/envious at/of your boat, a 5 bill fine may be just what he is looking for.
Now, what is wrong with your distributor? If it is just you want to loose the points, go with a PerTronix II ignition. They are neat and tidy, and cheap. Also, since they fit inside the distributor, and the distributor is sealed, no explosion. (or fine) I have run them on 2 boats, and 3 race cars. Never had any trouble.
If you have shaft wobble, you need a new distributor. However, older distributers with points may be so much cheaper that they will save enough for the PerTronix and a 6 pack. :-)
As to the vac., usually it is 4-6 degrees retard at low vac., and all out at high vac. The idea being to stop ping. Of course, the hose can split leading to a fume leak, and a boom. This is why there are no marine distributers with a vac. "advance" on them.
79Hawaiian
08-13-2002, 12:52 PM
The reason I want to replace the existing distributor is that 1) The cap/rotor/points/condenser are not that easy to find any more, it uses a set from a 1951 Dodge pickup. Don't ask, I don't know why. 2) The insides of the distributor have some rust and I am not sure if the advance is working properly. 3) Everyone tells me they get better performance and reliability with the pointless setup. 4) The billet jobs look real nice! :)
I am already in violation of the coast guard requirements. I replaced the carb with an automotive carb. I seems unlikely I could have a buildup of fumes as the engine is uncovered but of course anything is possible. I have been trying to find out what is unique between the marine and auto distributor, looks like vent baffles only. The MSD product with external ignition module is different as the module is coated with waterproofing.
I will check for shaft wobble, I am not sure if it is an issue or not.
djdtpr
08-13-2002, 01:24 PM
I will try and find the number for a place called DUI they make hei distributors for fords i put one on a customers boat and it ran great.It also get's rid of all the nasty wires hanging from everywherejust like a gm hei but with a ford shaft on it.And u only need two wires 1 for the hot leed and 1 for the tach.
79Hawaiian
08-13-2002, 02:45 PM
djdplacecraft:
I will try and find the number for a place called DUI they make hei distributors for fords i put one on a customers boat and it ran great.It also get's rid of all the nasty wires hanging from everywherejust like a gm hei but with a ford shaft on it.And u only need two wires 1 for the hot leed and 1 for the tach.Dude, I don't want anything that even has anything to do with "DUI" near my boat! Bad omen if you ask me! J/K :D :D :D
A bit of ignorance on my part, what the hell is "HEI"?
waterslinger
08-13-2002, 02:51 PM
Hawaiian, I used the fast advance set up. MSD has a nice print to show you what spring set does what. set it up check it with a light for total
advance. I have a stock Ford Dura-spark set up.
I ran it for a long time and it worked good.
The stock dist is not as sexy as the msd.
I will sell you the stock set up with polished module for $50.
djdtpr
08-13-2002, 03:32 PM
Try this http://www.performancedistributors.com/forddui.htm check them out they are fairly cheap and work excellent and look really good.
[ August 13, 2002, 04:34 PM: Message edited by: djdplacecraft ]
djdtpr
08-13-2002, 03:39 PM
[/qb][/QUOTE]Dude, I don't want anything that even has anything to do with "DUI" near my boat! Bad omen if you ask me! J/K :D :D :D
Dude i dont blame u about the dui bit but they work awsome i garantee u will dig it!
A bit of ignorance on my part, what the hell is "HEI"?[/QB][/QUOTE
(HEI) high energy ignition!
wink
We just put one of those HEI units from Performanc Distributors on my father inlaws boat (460 BBF) and it has worked out great. Basic one wire hookup and got rid of the ballast resistor and coil, very simple and clean.
79Hawaiian
08-13-2002, 08:35 PM
djdplacecraft, BK,
Those Performance Distributors look cool but I have two concerns: Water and price. The coil mounted on top of the cap looks like water may give some problems. The price of $429 seems a bit of a premium over that of the top of the line MSD product that costs $280.
DONT GET ME WRONG!!! I love all the feedback you have all provided. I just want to feel out the best of the offerings.
djdtpr
08-14-2002, 10:14 AM
Hey 79 hawaiian no prroblem i dont blame u.Dont just run out and buy the first thing u find,like most people do look for a good buy and a good product.Before u go buy a msd distributor remember its not just 280.00,cause then u buy a box and a good coil and a good set of wires and now u are up to 6-700.00 as for the coil representing a problem on the HEI dist. its not a problem i have never seen one get wet yet!Good luck man i hope u get a good deal on whatever it is u buy.
79Hawaiian
08-16-2002, 04:13 PM
Check it out... The marine DUI distributor!
http://www.performancedistributors.com/358212-1.jpg (http://www.performancedistributors.com/marinedui.htm)
http://www.performancedistributors.com/marinedui.htm
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