HEI ignition on a 5.7 Merc question.

[1kwik72]

Anyone know of any reason why a quality HEI can't or shouldn't be used on a 5.7 I'm rebuilding? Seems like it would increase reliability but there may be some good reason not to go that route.

Thanks

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: HEI ignition on a 5.7 Merc question.

If its not IGN protected you shouldnt use it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: HEI ignition on a 5.7 Merc question.

Anyone know of any reason why a quality HEI can't or shouldn't be used on a 5.7 I'm rebuilding? Seems like it would increase reliability but there may be some good reason not to go that route.

Thanks

Ayuh,.... 1,... There's Nothing about the Hei that is more dependable....
2,... Hei has a vacuum advance, that won't work in a boat...
3,... Hei is not igntion protected, so the boat could go BOOM...
Do ya need More,..??

 

[dan t.]

Re: HEI ignition on a 5.7 Merc question.

GMs coil in cap hei is not the way to go, the advance curve can be set up and the vacuum advance doesnt have to be used,but,it is not ignition protected. However the dist from a 87 t0 95 chev pickup with tbi is identical in every respect to the Delco Voyager and is ignition protected. In fact it is what is sold as the Delco Voyager just doesnt have the sticker. This same dist is used by Volvo Penta, Kodiac marine,and a 4 cyl version on Merc 3 liter.Pick one up at the local auto wrecker. Lots of threads here on how to set the timing with it.

 

[1kwik72]

Re: HEI ignition on a 5.7 Merc question.

Is this one not for marine applications and ignition protected.

LINK

 

[dan t.]

Re: HEI ignition on a 5.7 Merc question.

Yes the Pertronics looks like a good set up and it says it is ignition protected, it is also $228. probably pick up a Delco EST unit at the wreckers for $50.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: HEI ignition on a 5.7 Merc question.

You can buy a brand new Delco EST kit with wires and everything for $320.

http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-119.html

 

[1kwik72]

Re: HEI ignition on a 5.7 Merc question.

Great! Thanks for the link, I'll go with the Delco setup. For $100 more than the Pertronics setup you get EVERYTHING in the kit from Michigan motorz.