Distributor Selection

[BUSTI]

I am in the middle of building a 400" Small Block for a Ski-Deck Biesemeyer. Solid Roller cam, single plane and 11.78:1 compression. The boat originally had a Mallory Super Mag II no Alternator and all mechanical gauges. Seems to be a very simple set up(I have never used a mag before). My issue is I really like the Super Stock style scoops but the magneto looks to be a little tall and will interfere with the scoop. I have been thinking about going to a MSD distributor so the scoop clears. I have used MSD in the past with the marine 6 box with great success but this time I may try the MSD Ready to Run distributor. My thought is less wiring and mounting of the box trying to keep it simple still.

Hopefully the engine will make power to about 6800-7000RPM. Any experience with the MSD Ready to Run making reliable power at those RPM levels? or should I stick with the MSD box?

Thanks for any input.

 

[DaveH]

if you are running gas and not alcohol based fuels, you will likely be OK at that RPM range without the CDI box.

 

[Bajastu]

I've used the DUI marine HEI's and I’ve have good luck. They are locked out at 7,000 rpm and for a non-race application, they are super simplistic, easy to hook up, and low maintenance. I'm not sure if it's low enough to clear your scoop though.

 

[obnoxious001]

HEI style is simple, and what you will see in super stock race boats that run over 7,000 rpm. I have a question though, why so much static compression, what fuel will you be running?

 

[BUSTI]

if you are running gas and not alcohol based fuels, you will likely be OK at that RPM range without the CDI box.

Just Gasoline.

 

[BUSTI]

I've used the DUI marine HEI's and I’ve have good luck. They are locked out at 7,000 rpm and for a non-race application, they are super simplistic, easy to hook up, and low maintenance. I'm not sure if it's low enough to clear your scoop though.

I think an HEI may fit. I like the idea. The Supermag II is huge. I'll take up some measurements.

 

[DaveH]

I think an HEI may fit. I like the idea. The Supermag II is huge. I'll take up some measurements.

the HEI will work, just pay special attention to the advance mechanism. Not as easy to get the curve right compared to an MSD where springs and weights are readily available.

 

[BUSTI]

HEI style is simple, and what you will see in super stock race boats that run over 7,000 rpm. I have a question though, why so much static compression, what fuel will you be running?

Since the boat is unusual having a small block, I wanted a little more than a pump gas 9:1 engine. This is my first small block and I figured a little more compression with a bigger cam and great heads, I could have a unique build that is fun & different.

I plan on using either the Sunoco 260GT or Torco 100.

Torco has told me their Accelerator would work great with 91 in my application if I wanted.

 

[BUSTI]

the HEI will work, just pay special attention to the advance mechanism. Not as easy to get the curve right compared to an MSD where springs and weights are readily available.

Thanks. I wonder if I can lock out the HEI.

 

[Bajastu]

Thanks. I wonder if I can lock out the HEI.

Yes you can.

 

[BUSTI]

Yes you can.

Dang. On the DUI website the HEI is advertised at 10,000RPM and twice the power of a Mag. Pretty good.

 

[Bajastu]

Dang. On the DUI website the HEI is advertised at 10,000RPM and twice the power of a Mag. Pretty good.

They make the same unit in 7,000 RPM. If you call them, they can build a unit for your specs, RPM max, Advance, ect.....

I usually don't over complicate engine builds. Simplicity equals reliability. Plus, I've had a bad run with MSD quality.

 

[obnoxious001]

Since the boat is unusual having a small block, I wanted a little more than a pump gas 9:1 engine. This is my first small block and I figured a little more compression with a bigger cam and great heads, I could have a unique build that is fun & different.

I plan on using either the Sunoco 260GT or Torco 100.

Torco has told me their Accelerator would work great with 91 in my application if I wanted.

I have a story about brand new 91 octane ruining an engine in the first tank full. The guy pulled some gas out of his boat (all the old was previously drained), put it in a turbo Mercedes and the car would not run until it was drained and fresh gas put in the car. If you go that route, use name brand like 76 or Chevron, which have been tested in Havasu as better better than the rest.

 

[BUSTI]

They make the same unit in 7,000 RPM. If you call them, they can build a unit for your specs, RPM max, Advance, ect.....

I usually don't over complicate engine builds. Simplicity equals reliability. Plus, I've had a bad run with MSD quality.

They look pretty nice. I sent them an email. Gave them engine specs with RPM. I'll see what they say. I want to see if they can make the base black too.

 

[BUSTI]

I have a story about brand new 91 octane ruining an engine in the first tank full. The guy pulled some gas out of his boat (all the old was previously drained), put it in a turbo Mercedes and the car would not run until it was drained and fresh gas put in the car. If you go that route, use name brand like 76 or Chevron, which have been tested in Havasu as better better than the rest.

I will most likely get Sunoco 100 octane at the pump. There is a local gas station that has 100 octane at the pump.

Yeah, I don't know if I'd use 91 octane with the Accelerator in a car. Not a great idea in a modern car.

 

[wzuber]

Thanks. I wonder if I can lock out the HEI.

Absolutely, I run a locked out DUI in my SE sprint boat. 355" sbc.

 

[rivermobster]

I am in the middle of building a 400" Small Block for a Ski-Deck Biesemeyer. Solid Roller cam, single plane and 11.78:1 compression. The boat originally had a Mallory Super Mag II no Alternator and all mechanical gauges. Seems to be a very simple set up(I have never used a mag before). My issue is I really like the Super Stock style scoops but the magneto looks to be a little tall and will interfere with the scoop. I have been thinking about going to a MSD distributor so the scoop clears. I have used MSD in the past with the marine 6 box with great success but this time I may try the MSD Ready to Run distributor. My thought is less wiring and mounting of the box trying to keep it simple still.

Hopefully the engine will make power to about 6800-7000RPM. Any experience with the MSD Ready to Run making reliable power at those RPM levels? or should I stick with the MSD box?

Thanks for any input.

I'd pass on Anything MSD these days.

I've never had a issue with Pertronix.

They make a HEI also.

https://pertronixbrands.com/collections/distributors?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign={campaignname}&utm_content={assetgroupname}&utm_term={search_term}&utm_id=21711263210&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwq7fABhB2EiwAwk-YbI-l7uP_BTK7cOYilRE0_iIEisVcm0cXPbInpmzZXcEM3F9vi6mXRRoC9eAQAvD_BwE

 

[BUSTI]

I'd pass on Anything MSD these days.

I've never had a issue with Pertronix.

They make a HEI also.

https://pertronixbrands.com/collections/distributors?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign={campaignname}&utm_content={assetgroupname}&utm_term={search_term}&utm_id=21711263210&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwq7fABhB2EiwAwk-YbI-l7uP_BTK7cOYilRE0_iIEisVcm0cXPbInpmzZXcEM3F9vi6mXRRoC9eAQAvD_BwE

I'll take a look at Pertronix. I have never used Pertronix in a V8 but back in the day i used Pertronix modules in VW Type 1 engines.

 

[rivermobster]

I'll take a look at Pertronix. I have never used Pertronix in a V8 but back in the day i used Pertronix modules in VW Type 1 engines.

They are in San Dimas. They will custom make you a module for pretty much anything.

 

[wzuber]

The DUI units are pretty durable. I've barrel rolled my SE twice now and the only issue was a broken dist. Cap. Blew them out with comp. Air and kept on trucking the same day. They'll accept any gm style module as well although I think theirs are pretty good/durable. Good luck with whatever you choose.