Thunderbolt or MSD
 

I blew an engine last summer and am having Dave Wesseldyke build me a couple of 540s out of my old HP500s. Should kick out around 600hp per side. I'm trying to figure out what to do about the ignition – whether to keep my existing thunderbolt or to go with MSD. I've heard strong opinions on every side of the issue, but am wondering what you guys think. If I go with MSD, am I going to run into lots of problems?

Daytona sensors. Hands down way better system than msd

ask dave and go with what he recommends.

I would use a stock GM Hei b4 I used MSD. MSD has left me sitting in the water. And not only that but I've had RF noise problems with MSD that was a nightmare figuring out.

Msd=suck

Stick with the TB IV. If you need more initial timing, run the V6 module. Yes, MSD sucks.. and no need to further complicate a simple build.

Does a Gen 4 Mercury ignition work in a Gen 5/6 application. If so, would you guys also stick with a Gen 4 Merc Mag ignition over a GM HEI or other?

MSD = my spark died

Gen 4,5,6 can all use the same parts. I have 2 dist and v6 modules I'll let go fairly cheap.

then you didn't have your connectors set up right.I posted a long time ago a diagram laying out the connectors.If and when the msd crapped out,switch a couple connectors and you were up and running on the HEI igntion.
Btw ,I ran my engines on a stock HEI and other on msd (560hp 454's) didn't notice any difference in performance.

Ask Dave where you are gonna need to be propped at at wot with the new builds. The stock rev limiter may be an issue, and you don't want to run without one. I think rev limit is 5350 RPM on the stock limiter.

I'm going to use the Daytona sensor CD ignition box and a mallory electronic distributor to trigger and distribute the spark.
In my opinion, any Hall effect magnetic trigger distributor in good mechanical order will work. The ignition box is way more important.
That said, I'm done with MSD stuff as I had a one year old electronic billet distributor corrode on me. Once is enough for me.

I've ended the nasty msd under cap corrosion issue by coating the internals with CRC SP-400 . years back they had got so corroded the weights and springs were a frozen mess of rust

Had mine rebuilt at msd in 2010. When I got them back they were literally like brand new. Coated them and still look good inside today.

Had the same rusted, non operational mess under my cap too.
When I called MSD the guy said something to the effect of, "yeah, that's common".

Great point. Hadn't thought of that.

Be careful what you spray with that CRC. All of Hondas turbo ski's got a recall to replace the plastic fuel cells due to people lubing their turbos with CRC. Honda had recommended the CRC. I have two skis that are like new that have to have the recall.

SP-400 caused that ??

I'm not positive which flavor it was. I'll check the recall notice tomorrow at office.

http://powersports.honda.com/news/09...-aquatrax.aspx

All years, all models.

my guess is honda used a chit material to make the tank and used the crc use as an excuse.i also use the crc sp400 on every msd distributor i install and to date no issues.

I use a HP early model HEI simple works great...removed all the MSD(may soon die) a while back...and yes had a terrible time with RF interference with it as well...

You could be right on this issue. Did some reading and many think it was defective tanks. I have never used any aerosol products on my turbos, but looks like I need to take them in for a tank refit. Cant imagine letting some new helper at Honda split my skis apart To replace the tanks. Not happy.