conversion to electronic ignition
 

I came across an older Seacraft recently and decided to bid on it (the sickness continues). Oh, yeah, the Seavette is still available (not begging for exodus help yet, but wife ain't any happier) :o

This one is an i/o with a I-6 mercruiser.
I presume it has old school ignition and was wondering if it could be converted to electronic ignition reasonably cheap and what the performance/maintenance benefits might be. I believe it is a 70's 250 cc GM w/MerCruiser 160 although I have not seen it in person. Any thoughts on this.

Thanks.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

I've had one of those I-6 Mercruser i/o before. It was a 250 Cubic Inch Chevy block. It was a great motor. Mine was 165hp. Very Torquey and smooth.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

Great motor!!

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

I think a conversion kit is under $300. I did a conversion on a 350 gmc and it was worth every $$ spent.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

Look on line at Petronix ignitions. They are a old company that makes allot of conversions. You definitely want to get rid of points. I converted my 73 Datsun 240Z and am satisfied with results.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

Oh, yeah, the Seavette is still available

I`m calling D.C.F..

Gillie,
Pertronix makes magnetic induction conversion kits for retrofitting distributors to HEI. I haven`t used a dwell angle meter in 20 years. You`ll need a box and a coil as well. New wires of course. No brainer here. Gremlins must be eliminated. Rebuild the carb too. Oh ,take the box apart and seal w/ silicone.

Cheers,
GFS

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

It's amazing how much of a difference the conversion makes. On our Tsunami it seemed like we gained 100 hp!

strick

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

Thanks Guys.
I have seen the Pertronix products and a couple of others but don't know which way to go. Pertronix definitely seems highly recommended.

Strick, what did you go with? Were your points corroded or is the difference really that big. Did you widen the gap on the plugs better use more voltage at spark? Or is that not logical?

Sandy, are you referring to Discounted Cash Flow or Department of Children and Families - She (the Seavette) is older than 21 and it's not like I'm pimpin' her... I mean, it's not like she's coming from a broken home...yet... :D

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

Gillie-

I'd have to ask Bill (my partner) in the boat if he messed with the plugs or spark but I don't think so. We put new points in the Tsunami and what ever else was needed at the time to get the boat running good. After that we decided that it could be better so that's when we added the electronic ignition. Michigan Motors has good prices. The brand is Delco. I did the same thing to my 25. Night and day difference.

strick

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

Gillie,
I`m pimpin` a 21 YO for Snappah in the am.

In the mid/late eighties, I had a `52 Ford F1 named Bruno.
8 colors pre rat rod sleeper. Found a vintage Hurst trans adapter and motah mounts. `50 Olds rocket 303. Strong build with trip Strom 97s on a vintage Weiand high rise w/ progressive linkage.Balanced thru the clutch. Fell down @ 4200. Thought the valves were floatin`. Single point dist. Switched to hei and wham, bam to 7 grand.

Dual Points would have helped, but the real gain comes from the accuracy of the dwell angle and the hot 40K volt blaster coil. Same plugs n gap.

How was your ebay experience?

Cheers,
GFS

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

Just buy a Pertronic's conversion kit. This way you retain the stock ingnition curve required for your engine. No box is required , no new coil either. You can use one of their coils if you wish. The kit is very easy, & straight forward. I have used them for years, with no complant. George.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

The pickup keeps the curve, the msd is just that, multiple spark discharge and dead reliable. The coil drop increases dramatically with the blaster. Necessary? No. Nice? I think so.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

No It does not. The Box ? ECU has the curve which the HEI or MSD ( Shot gun method / one of the sparks will light the fire)does. In your case the dist. has the curve built in. The points just are an off & on switch. As is the pertronics unit. It Is the KISS principal , and not expensive but very reliable. George.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

ECU? I think you have me confused with some whiz kid who can make a Honda do the Q in 8 seconds. CDI.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

Please do not misunderstand, my intent is to help you not to make a mistake and waste money buying the wrong thing. One can't afford having an engine failure because you used an ignition that can not function properly for your use. If you wish just look for an MSD unit listed for marine use. My wish is to be like many others on this site , helping others using my learning, & experence. George.

Re: conversion to electronic ignition
 

No worries George. That is what makes this place the best!

Cheers,
Sandy