So your distributors still have points in them? I have a '72 FB Express and my distributors (prestolite) have electronic ignition modules inside them from the factory.. I tried to upload a pic but the site won't let me.. Even though I have before.. Try searching MSD Ignition etc.. and several threads will come up.
Sean

Jeff,
Is there a way to check and see if they are the type you describe? I am pretty sure they are original. Should I take a picture? I am a great Carpenter but not so much of an auto mechanic. Lol
Thanks,
Rob

Thanks Sean! I will take a looksee

Rob,

I know U live in KY but here’s a lead to a great place to have your distb. converted to elect. ing. if U give him a call U can get a up dated price on the conversion to Elect Ing. Back in the early to mid 90's when I owned my 74 express I was having one hell of a time with rusting springs & all the normal problems with the point type distb. finally some one on the old site (I mean the original one that Joe H. took over) recommended “Murley’s Marine” so I talked to the guy over the PH he impressed me of his knowledge of the
AnyWho I took both Distb.to him to convert. At that time about $249 ea forget what the new coils cost but once installed the “Shenanigans” ran like a new boat for the next 3 yr I owned Her. Might be worth a dime. BTW I get no compensation for this just like to give credit where credit is due. SickLeave Bob will more than likely vouch for his work & fair pricing

Murley’s Marine
8174 Dixie Hwy.
Fair Haven MI.
PH# 586 725 7446

Norm,

Big s Live On

I tried to post what the electronic distributor looks like under the cap and rotor, but the site won't allow even a tiny photo to uplaod today. Grrr!

Jeff

Hey Phflaw, that is what the newer ones look like. The older ones are different. In my 74 the reluctor has flat contacts instead of the pointy ones. And there are more differences too.
Sean

Tron. hotter spark equal more positive burn of fuel and complete combustion. Also smoother idles. JAM

No, but a hotter (more voltage) spark creates a more predictable/reliable burn. Better/smoother idling ect. Best analogy I can come up with is would you rather light a campfire with a match or a torch? JAM

John S--who came up with the 45,00 volt (12 volt) coil setup--reported that his engines NEVER RAN BETTER after the change over. I have since recommended his set up to others (on the Marineengine Forum) and they have also had EXCELLENT results. If I wasn't such a Cheapskate I would have done it myself, last year. (I did install the screw-on ballast resistors, though.) This year--if we can all afford to go boating--I will definitely install the 'hot' coils and let everyone know how I made out.

Trust me, John S's idea is the way to go. There's no downside that I see.

Jeff

Back in the late 70's electronic ignitions were unherd of in boats for the most part. We experimented with them on one of are larger Lake Michigan Patrol Boats. (38 Chris Roamer with 327's). The Electronic ignition failed quickly and the reason was heat. The constant load on the system was more than it could take. Mallaroy had the dual point system which did a much better job so the electronic were history.

Later they worked out the bugs in the electronic ignition and the rest is history.

The advantage of high voltage coils basicly is you can have a wider spark plug gap. This creats a longer ark thus better ignition of fuel vapors.
Electronic ignitions tend to be more stable maintaining proper dwell. I have converted several classic cars to electronic and they all ran at least or better than before. Another advantage on cars and boats is they are less suseptible to moister from sitting. My old cars always had problems after sitting for long periods of time. Usually the problem was corrosion on point faces. We have all had that conditon on point ignitions on boats as well especially in a salt air environment.

dave