Second this recommendation if you are looking for something GM. The EST distributor is rock solid, has a nice curve (with the marine module), and you can chose what coil you'd like. A bonus is the distributor straight from Delco was used by Merc an others with no mods (spark screens etc are standard), and it is marine approved. I've had zero problems from mine. Cheap, reliable, good spark. I turn mine at 5300 with no problems.

Does anyone have a graph of the advance curve on the HEI EST distributor? I've never had an issue with the Thunderbolt system, but if I do I may look into this. What advantages does this system have over the Thunderbolt IV? I'm guessing easier parts availability, and potentially less wiring.

http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/downloads...structions.pdf

Jeff

Great info guys.

Those look like my factory ignitions. So that's easy enough.

I have used the Delco in quotes below and had 22* all in just before 3000rpm. I always check up to 4000rpm just to make sure.

Note, these modules will usually start advancing before 600-800 rpm, so set total timing and let initial just fall where it is.

Note,some aftermarket part store replacements won't have any advance curves or some crazy thing like 10* or so.

lol. You. :wink:

One thing nobody mentions is rev limiter.

ICU peepin, im guessing based on the cam/build combo we discussed, you will be wanting to turn 5500-5800rpm. A stock merc rev limiter isnt going to let that happen. I certainly would not run witbout a limiter myself.

In saltwater, i would not run anything that uses centrifugal weights and springs for advance. I dont even care for it in freshwater.

As far as daytona being expensive, a msd marine box is 350, a comparable marine coil from them, is over 100 dollars. Thats 450 dollars. You are left with no electronic timing curve, no data logging, no idle stabilization, no ability to choose between preset timing curves, 2d or 3d timing maps, start retard, and some other cool stuff you get for an extra 100 bucks over the msd marine box.

The stock mercury igntiion is good, but doesnt leave alot of room for fone tuning your timing curve, and the rev limiter is an issue .

I just purchased the Daytona kits. I've always have had in gear idle problems on my 588s. I used a stock merc dist and I believe the kits were 500each with the coil. I'll tell ya this, things r unbelievable my boat idles at 700 all day and will still run upper 80s Very user friendly. I've had msd, dui Hardin distributors etc. this is by far the best working kit imo!

Good points on the rev limit also.