Hello all.
I'm debating the ignition for my 517" bbc.
9.5 to 1 pump gas
Brodix plus 2 heads (fully worked)
Naturally aspirated

Thoughts:
MSD=might suddenly die
Does my boat need the multiple sparks down low to avoid loading up?
The Mallory marine electronic distributor looks like a nice piece.

In short, am I better off with a stand alone electronic ignition ( no box ) or do I really need a capacitive discharge ignition such as an MSD?

Opinions please.

Thanks, rob

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I used the Mallory magnetic breakerless distributor in my 383ci with great success . Still looked like new inside the day I sold it . I think the MSD will rust just sitting in the box .

Just wanted to show you this picture of my marine MSD I just bought a year ago only used it for about 3 months in fresh water and this is what it looks like. I'm going to call them and see what they have to say about it.

I hear that the proof is in the picture.

You must have checked the " pre - rusted " button in the option box when ordering .

I run MSD no springs or any moving parts. Timing is locked out @ 34 degrees with no issues for 4 years now

Thanks for the replies.

That sure is an extreme case of corrosion. I had an MSD on my old boat for years and nothing like that.

I'm more concerned about the "box" and having the inevitable failure.

Is the mallory made here in the states?

Is there a good solid reason for a capacitive discharge ignition in a boat?

Am I going to load up plugs in "no wake" zones with a standard electronic breakerless ignition (no box)?

Thanks again, rob

When the idle starts fluctuating in my muscle car I know it's time to clean the rust and change the springs in my MSD distributor. It never see's water! WTF

ive run my 4x4s underwater... try using some silicone to seal up the dist...sheesh