Need Distributor Help - Swapping out 4.3L V6 with 350 V8

nvr-enuf

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 2, 2008
Messages
45
Hello everyone, I have a 1995 / 1996 Mariah speed boat that came with a 4.3L Vortec engine. About 2 years ago we did not properly winterize therefore the block cracked - every year before this we winterized right after pulling it out of the water therefore the thermostat was open therefore allowing anti freeze. We screwed up by not ensuring the thermostat opened up. Regardless, we decided to put a 350 ci motor in the boat. There are several changes required as well as not putting so much HP to my outdrive - I am aware of that so please do not bring this issue up. My question to the forum members is - I need to purchase a marine distributor for the engine but I noticed that my stock 4.3L distributor not only had a 12V and Ground but also a multi pin connector. Can someone tell me what this multi pin connector is? I can get an aftermarket marine distributor but I do not think any will have that multi pin connector. I also am familiar with distributors simply having a 2 wire connection. See pictures of my stock 4.3L distributor below with the multi pin connector shown - distbutor was a Mercruiser Thunderbolt IV.

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Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,361
Re: Need Distributor Help - Swapping out 4.3L V6 with 350 V8

drop me a pm about the dist. not positive but the ign amplifier is different in respect to total timing advance.
 

wca_tim

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
1,708
Re: Need Distributor Help - Swapping out 4.3L V6 with 350 V8

the 4.3 distributer should work fine with a different cap and rotor as will your ignition wiring harness, then you need the ignition module for a v-8. The v-6 module that is mounted on your distributer(has the multipin connector on it) will only yield about 9-10 degrees of total advance. you need more like 20-24. I would hunt down a used v8 ignition module (pm me if you want to know some places to look), and set it up using your current distributer, wiring harness, coil, etc...
 
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