Ignition system 5.8L

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drs3frogs

Recruit
Joined
Feb 8, 2003
Messages
3
Hello, I have a 1989 stock 351W 5.8L with an OMC Cobra stern drive and I was looking into getting a HEI system to replace the stock one. I have been having a lot of trouble since there are only a few companies that make electronic distrubutors for ford 351W's. My biggest question is, has anyone had experience with using a mallory electronic distributor with a MSD: blaster coil, 6m-2 control box, and a marine shift-assist module for the omc stern drive? If not, does anyone have any ideas? Thank you very much for your time.<br />Steve
 
snapperbait

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Re: Ignition system 5.8L

Do you have the stock breaker point type distributor?<br /><br />I don't recall which point type distributor OMC used on the 5.8 (Prestolite or Mallory?) but it should state the manufacturers name somewhere on the distributor...<br /><br />Anyway, if yours is a point type distributor, keep it and install one of the Pertronix electronic ignition kits... Much easier and less $$$ too... :) <br /> http://www.summitracing.com/ Summit has the kit for your distributor...<br /><br />In any case, ONLY use a distributor thats rated for marine use... Marine distributors have spark arrestor screens on the vent holes, so as not to allow any sparks to ignite any vapors that may accumulate in your engine compartment... ;)
 
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JasonB

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 10, 2003
Messages
1,455
Re: Ignition system 5.8L

I have a 302 Mercruiser and will be installing a Pertronix Ignitor II next month, along with a 40,000 epoxy flamethrower coil from www.vintageperformance.com<br /><br />I have seen others post somewhere about the Pertronix kit with your drive. As I understand it, pertronix includes instructions for getting it to work properly with your setup using a couple parts from Radio Shack. didn't sound too bad. Shoot vintageperformance an e-mail and I bet they can explain it to you. Carl has been very hel :cool: hpful in helping me get what I need.
 
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hondon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 11, 2001
Messages
1,922
Re: Ignition system 5.8L

Heres the rub.You will probably be unhappy with anything that is not compatable with you current shift interrupt system because you will find it real hard to get out and back into gear.Also that hardship will equate to added wear on an already obsolete unit.OMC made breakerless kits for these units, but I have not checked availability lately.Ford power has always had only sporadic runs in the marine industry.
 
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