Can someone please explain the difference between an automotive distributor and a marine distributor? I have an old donzi x-18 and it runs fine, but someone mentioned it had an automotive distributor and would run better with a marine distributor. The motor runs fine as it sits, so just curious what the difference is? Thanks

Depends on the distributor, but the difference is boom and no boom
Marine parts are ignition protected to keep sparks away from causing gas fumes from blowing up the boat

Automotive doesn't require the flame arrestor vent in the bottom of the housing which CG cert. does (Pic from Holley).. Just the same as a marine Alternator has the flame arrestor vents....

Thanks guys.

vacuum advance is a dead giveaway its not a marine unit

I had a clear blue dist cap on a hot rod with the old points ignition. It was kind of cool, but the cap wasn't made real well and didn't last a year.