Ignition upgrade

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gadgeteer

Cadet
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
16
I have an older (circa 1976) mercruiser 351 cid, 233 hp.<br />It runs fine and the boat is great. I am interested in upgrading the ignition - distrubutor, coil, etc.<br />I would greatly appreciate any suggestions and/or recommendations regarding manufacturers, models and sources of items needed for this project. <br />Thanks in advance<br />Gadgeteer
 
ron7000

ron7000

Banned
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Jul 10, 2004
Messages
498
Re: Ignition upgrade

have same motor here,<br />I bought my pertronix from http://www.cbsperformance.com/ <br />they were real nice to talk to on the phone; I got the pertronix kit, the flamethrower coil, and their spark plug wires which you cut yourself to custom length. Just need to have your distributor info on hand when you call. I'm guessing yours is a prestolite, with either a clip down or screw down cap. There is two different pertronix modules for the prestolite distributor I believe, and it depends on which style cap you have.<br /><br />If your looking for a whole new distributor, pertronix carries them also. I think jegs.com also carries some marine distributors, Holley I think, but whether it would fit your motor I don't know.
 
J

JasonB

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Feb 10, 2003
Messages
1,455
Re: Ignition upgrade

I purchased the Ignitor II, a Folamethrower coil,a nd a set of8mm marine wires and it was the best $175 I spent on my '76 Mercruiser 302. I bought mine from www.vintageperformance.com
 
G

gadgeteer

Cadet
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
16
Re: Ignition upgrade

Thanks all for your help - I now have a direction to go.<br />Jim
 
G

gadgeteer

Cadet
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
16
Re: Ignition upgrade

Purchased the Petronix "Ignitor" and flamethrower coil. Easy installation - works great... I now have another 200-250 RPM at WOT and it does not stall anymore. The original problem was the engine would stall. This always happened after idling through the marina when returning to my slip. It never failed to stall when reversing to slow down/stop. Several "authorities" blamed the shift switch (or whatever it is called) even though the engine ran fine (would not stall) any other time. Seems the prolonged idling allowed the plugs to foul.<br />Thanks again,<br />Jim
 
A

alternative

Seaman
Joined
Sep 6, 2004
Messages
72
Re: Ignition upgrade

mine is six months and suckss... its acting up all the time.. do i need to add a hotter coil or wires >>>? was gonna put points back in!
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,958
Re: Ignition upgrade

Boomyal,<br />He has a Fuel Issue......<br />He's says he's changed, checked, replaced about all of his Ign.system.......<br />He's blamed his problems on Everything but the Fuel System.................... :D <br /><br />That's Why,"mine is six months and suckss..."<br /><br />Not only has he started dozens of threads about the Same Problem,<br />It Apears to Me, He doesn't have a Clue as to What's Going On..........
 
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