I know this is old BUT, has anyone locked there ignition into MBT (purple/white wire) and run a dist with mechanical advance. Will the ignition run without any problems? I think I should be fine but need some feed back from someone who has done this for extended period of time? I want to set up my own curve and would like to just buy mechanical or programable distributors. I feel the stock ignition will work fine, it just won't hunt for best rpm. 2001 540 bulldog ignition. Thanks pete

Not really sure what you are trying to achieve. If its a stock 2001, it should have a TB V ignition.

You can run a mech distrib. If so, you remove the thunderbolt module. I am sure it is possible to run a centrifugal advance HEI dist with that module, but I don't think it is worth reinventing the wheel.

Yes it could be the V. I know it hunts for best timing and there is a knock sensor but the timing is to long for my engines. Indeed more advance at idle so she idles strong. The 16 r module comes in to fast.Anyway. I need advance all in between 3500 and 4000. Probably closer to 4000 to be safe. It's either new programmable ignition boxes or new distributors. As you know the distributors are just triggers with no advance mechanism. I know it has 25 degrees of advance and it can retard up to ten when it senses knock. I have found that module it is 25 not 24. when set at ten degrees at idle, it doesn't fire up easily plus it tends to load up some if idling around. I want shorter curve more advance at idle.

Do you think it's better to remove the module as opposed to just locking it out and running a mechanical distributor. Grounding the purple white wire locks out the module, seems simple. To just lock it out and drop in new distributors. Also did you know MSD is making a programmable distributor which allows you to change advance curve via PC

T bolt IV does not require timing to be set in base timing mode but T bolt V does. Merc recommends NOT to leave T bolt V left in base timing mood but ONLY for adjustments ie: timing and setting correct idle speeds and carb adjustments. Would need a engine serial number to see what exactly you have to determine ignition set up.

Daytona Sensors Marine CD-1 can be used on both Tbolt IV or Tbolt V - if you want true self programmable ignition curves/rev limits/ide stabilization and etc, etc. Make sure to get their phased Tbolt Rotor if you end up purchasing this unit.

Must be the V then. Do they feel module can be damaged by running in mbt. Thank you for the info by the way. It's Tuff to find anything that works with those ignitions. I do like the way it works and feel it's a good ignition system but would be nice if the module could be reflashed or programmed with a different advance curve. Pete