Re: msd or thunderbolt 4
 

good thread i always thought msd was the only way to go i guess if that eas the case the super cat motors would have them on them............. i never put two and two toghether..........i just bought a new billet msd dist because my old msd got rusty on the inside..............

Re: msd or thunderbolt 4
 

I'm suprised not many people use the $149 GM external coil HEI (efi one) distributor along with the Crane Box. Just bypass the distributor's module and wire up Crane Box + coil. Cheaper, many more features, and one hell of a reliable system. USCG approved to boot.

My 02.

Re: msd or thunderbolt 4
 

How many hours/time are you running the box before you have a failure issue?

I've got as long as 3 years and as little as the following season.
FRom the looks on the schematic I would need a spare box per engine ?

Can you offer the OSO gang an awesome discount ?

How do you hook up a MSD box to a TB4 (plastic module)...
Tried this last night in a hurry but no avail...MSD tech says the 6A or whatever isn´t compatible with the Hall-type TB4 is using?
HEI instead or suggestions.. not keen on a MSD dist. because if it the 6Afails you´re in trouble.
Did get the MSD for help in starting and idling mainly as it´s a mildly modified 454 with hard starting as TB4 is known to be...maybe I was just too tired think clear.

800 ++HP so far, TB 4- 14 Deg. V-6 module moving to over 900 HP in a couple of weeks. 500CI Blower 8 pds boost. No problems so far with the TB-4 except that I had to plug in my spare module this year at the river. I was down for three minutes. So far I love TB-4. Carry a spare module....

Howabout starting the TB4 sure doesn´t light right up as an MSD does.
I´ve tried a 11:1 true (measured) comp SBC with a seriously stout cam starting in 10 degree temps and with MSD it hit on like from under a palm tree right away.
Without it no chance to even light up at those freezing temps.
I do like TB4 but I like the engines to fire right away, Always.

Also looked into another set of Merc Distributor (TB4) today and it was rusted inside too.

I will somehow get the bugger working, maybe a pertronix is the way to go.

OK
A little tip. MSD has what they call a noise filter Summit racing has them and so do I on my FULL MSD system. The filter also prevents voltage spikes the kill the control boxes. I wouldn't run an MSD without this wired in.

MSD Problems
 

MSD + Salt water = Junk and it breaks parts
Engines (yes two) started kicking back like timing too far advanced. Broke two starters before timing light establishes no advance cure, just total advance. I call MSD technical support and they tell me it can not happen as a loss of springs would result in retard (I think the person on the help line was retarded).
Attached is a photograph of the one remaining spring.
If you use an MSD, inspect under the cap and rotor for rust frequently. My $.02.

that broken spring has nothing to do from marine use, my top sportsman camaro suffered the same spring breakage last year, car just would not idle....ckecked timing and was all over the place. I run a mallory unilite in my boat, works very well(so far) love the advance adjustment feature...Rob

Why not HEI....... I am running the HEI...... Easy hook up..... dead reliable timing to 7000....... and if something does go wrong any autoparts store has the cap and rotor.