pslonaker

iTrader: (1)

You would be far better off to pull and toss the POS Thunderbolt ignition system and replace it with a complete MSD system.

Griff

I would definately disagree. The TB is far more reliable than a MSD and unless you need an MSD for incresed spark or tunability options, there is no reason to spend the $800+. Plenty of TB ignitions out there the 15+ years old. I doubt the same can be said for MSD's.

fleg1

I agree I know a guy that switched to MSD a few years ago, everytime he turned around he was fixing problems with it.. He finally took it all out and put the TB ignition back in and, since he did that he has been running without problems!!

575cat

Is that why there called [ Must Soon Die ]

pslonaker

iTrader: (1)

I know there are PROS and CONS for everything, but I have ben running MSD ignitions for years and I cant count the number of MSD ignitions that I have installed in other people's boat with the same problems as mentioned...and none of them have ever had an issue. All the ignition problems were solved and some were installed back in the mid 90's. With the MSD distributor, I put the black bushing in giving 20* advance in the distributor and then 12* or 14* on the crank, making a total advance of 32* or 34* at 2500 rpm. My question then is how do you get the advance out of the Thunder Bolt past the ECM to get a decent advance timing when one installs a better cam or parts in the motor? With a MSD system...all that ECM stuff goes away and if you have to have a rev-limiter, then you can put a chip in the ignition box. If you look at alot of the pics of the big Pro-engine builders, you will almost always see MSD ignitions on them. I dont see the PRO's using MSD ignitions if they all give problems.

slorider

Precsion.... was that you on Clinton on Saturday? I seen you guys had the wrenches turning on it. Nothing like going to the lake trying to enjoy the day and having to get the socket sets out.

Precision

Yeah that was me. I had actually went out just to try to duplicate the problem again so the wrenching was totally expected. The good news is I was able to properly diagnose the problem and now the motor is running. Althought it would have been nice to run around with everyone I was just glad to get the it diagnosed.

Last thing that I need to worry about is the port motor has a potential fuel pressure problem. After running for a few moments the pressure drops to around 4-5 psi, and when the motor retuned to idle the fuel pressure gauge reads erratically for about five minutes. After that it reads normal again. I'm going to swap sending units but I'm afraid that the check balls in the fuel pump are sticking.