Delco EST igniter vs. Thunderbolt IV

[rodgeml1]

I've replacing my old 1995 4.3L that had a broken block with a 4.3L reman. The reman came with a Delco EST ignition and I've trying to figure out whether I should leave that on there or switch it out for the TBIV from the old engine that was fully functional on the old engine. I know the EST's can be tricky when setting the timing, but I'm curious as to if that's the only downside.

Thoughts?

 

[NHGuy]

The pro's on here really like the TB IV. I'm just an an interested amateur, my TB IV has been perfect.
Whichever one you use, the other goes to e-bay!

 

[bruceb58]

Both are good. Advantage to leaving the IV is no rewire although the wiring for the EST is simple too. Advantage of the EST is it is new and new spark plug wires, cap and rotor. The timing is easy as long as you follow the directions and use the shunt.

 

[achris]

Advantages of TB-IV. It leaves the engine more 'standard' so the next person working on it doesn't end up pulling their hair out trying to figure out how the mods have been done. The TB-IV doesn't require any 'base timing' mode jumper to time it. TB-IV curves are published, and repeatable, Apart from the module, all parts are still available and quite inexpensive. If the module does fail (unlikely) it's upgradeable to the TB-V without any harness mods (just the addition of a small wiring adapter that comes with the new TB-V module, so it can be plugged into the TB-IV plug. And TB-V can have knock sensors added).

We have seen quite a few threads here on the Delco system, and the support seems 'minimal' at best...

Chris......