I have the stock 1986 Thunderbolt IV ignition box and distribitor. While installing the dist. in the new engine I noticed that the magnetic pickup was BADLY rusted. I ordered a new one. I was told that If it was bad it would cause it to backfire....Hell It ran perfect. The only problem was a possible loss of rpm at WOT. Im not into my outdrive yet so it could just be I have 1.3 gears not the 1.5 that normally come on 5.7l. With a 17pitch SS prop I was turning 4950 rpm's. Does the pickup (since it's really just a magnet) either work or not? Is it that simple? My mechanic says I probally won't see any noticable improvement. My engine builder says outherwise.....Also does anyone know how to find out what ignition module I have? it is cast iron and bolted to the riser. It has NO part number or numbers at all visible on top or the back....And where can you purchase new ones so I can dial in the right amount of advance? I haven't seen anyplace that offers them for sale.... Thanks in advance.....

Bad-Habit

I also found the trigger in my distributor to be quite rusted. Never noticed a problem with it though...