Convert 305 to Electronic Ignition/HEI???

[kylejb2663]

Hey Guys,

So one of my winter projects is to convert the Points ignition system over to an Electronic Ignition System. I could do just a electronic module but I don't see that as being able to take full advantage of electronic ignition. The Boat is a 87 Chris Craft Twin 305s. Model number of the engines is 504APARY. Current ignition system is Prestolite, or at least that's what my parts manual says it should have in it.

I was thinking of doing a system like this, listed all the way at the bottom. Delco EST Electronic "HEI" Ignition Kit.

http://marineengineparts.com/shopsi...y electronic ignition conversion kit, 9-26000

Is this possible, has anyone done it? Does anyone have any suggestions or other options??

Thanks!

 

[kylejb2663]

Re: Convert 305 to Electronic Ignition/HEI???

I should also add... I do not want the boat to be a BOMB!!

I also found a drop in distributor but is there anything different with that then just adding a module into mine...

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/dist/billet_marine.aspx

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Convert 305 to Electronic Ignition/HEI???

here, this will save a few bux from your first link.
http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-140.html

lots of people have installed the Voyager system
you'll have to search up the conversion of your shift interrupt (ESA) system to Mercruiser style as the stock ESA won't like pointless ignition. info about that here on iboats somewhere

 

[Bridar]

Re: Convert 305 to Electronic Ignition/HEI???

I should also add... I do not want the boat to be a BOMB!!

I'm sure there are numerous options. Just be sure to stick with MARINE spec unit. I went with a Mallory kit a couple years ago. It works just fine.

 

[NetDoc]

Re: Convert 305 to Electronic Ignition/HEI???

Electronic ignition? YES! Go for it. Far more reliable than points.

HEI? Not needed but it will work. HEI was developed to ignite the incredibly lean mixtures being used to get emissions down in the late eighties and through the nineties. You really don't need that on a normally aspirated engine.

Here's another (cheaper) option for you: http://www.hot-spark.com/

 

[kylejb2663]

Re: Convert 305 to Electronic Ignition/HEI???

Alright guys I broke down and bought two kits... Ahhh... Two motors can be expensive- I'm calling it my Christmas Present to myself, haha

http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-140.html

So my question is what do I need to do in order to make sure the ESA and everything else continues to work correctly. Also are there any other steps I need to take once this is installed.. Bear with me as I am use to using a laptop and tuning software for my car to set advance and such, not a timing gun........

 

[Don S]

Re: Convert 305 to Electronic Ignition/HEI???

See if this thread helps any. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=489940

 

[kylejb2663]

Re: Convert 305 to Electronic Ignition/HEI???

Don S.,

Thank you for the response, that definitely helped!! I'm going to at least get them installed this winter and then I will have to do timing, adjustments, and testing in the spring-

Thanks a lot!!!