JIMB

I have a 1996 carburated 454 with thunderbolt ign. trying to replace it with
MSD Ign. dist,coil,module and soft touch, My Question is this what do I do
with the 2 modules that are screwed on to the old dist. and what are these.
And the 2 harness that plug in to them do I need any of the wires in the
old connectors or can I take these out. I have also been told to time the
engine 2 different ways so far with new ign.can anyone please fill me in on installing this system.THANKS SO MUCH.

Badtoon

I replaced a T-bolt 5 with MSD and MSD told me that there ignition would not work with the 5 so I got there distributor and glad I did. It's best to call their tech line and they will get you going in the right direction. Naturally they want you to buy all there stuff but they were straight with me. Good luck.

brian41

iTrader: (1)

If you have not already bought the MSD I would look at the Crane ignition first it is marine and it hooks right up to your merc dist. I used MSD with all kinds of problems the dist rust up the caps go bad and problems with the units themselves. I have installed 6 Crane systems in boats 2 in mine and this is the 3rd season without any issues I can give you part #'s if needed and Jegs stocks them. Brian

cig1988

For my 2 cents I'm w/Brian41. I have had MSD in one of my Cig's and they really are great! (when they work). MSD are really great people to work with but then again the nascar's run 2 switchable systems. I may try the crane myself next season. If you do decide on MSD do yourself a favor a purchase and extra box and pickup coil for the dist.

ThunderChris

Brian,
Would the Crane system work on a pair of 1998 500 Bulldogs (540ci ) motors.I was looking at the MSD ign but am getting mixed reviews. I want to bump my revlimit up from 5200 to 5400 rpm.What part # would I need.Thanks.
Chris

ratman

call randy at cobra power. he worked with crane getting problems with thier marine hi6 systems resolved. he has crane make special boxes to his specs. he has them remove the fuse and the self diagnosis system and they are now bullet proof reliable. he also had them install a special blower curve to his specs that he uses on his 1200hp 598ci motors he also has trick stainless brkts to mount the hi6 box, coil, wiring harness plug, selenoid, and main eng circiut braker, it even has a built in eng lift ring. he's has the crane ign figured out . good luck with it, ratman

monsta

I agree a well, the hi-6 is a good system, comes with multiple curves, and you set your own rev limit. How ever the msd package, Dist , box , coil, etc,,,in their marine product line is very trik setup and pretty reliable. I have experienced problem's with both system's and the newly up dated hi6 is probably a half step ahead. Good Luck.

mopower

Personally seen too many problems with MSD. You have enough to worry about on the water...you don't need to worry about when your ignition is going to act up or die .
I'd do the Crane . Just my opinion.