Ford distributors (ignition)

(lukeduke95) · (lukeduke95) **Join Date: May 2002** 07-22-2003, 5:47 PM

Was wondering if anyone had ever changed out thier stock one for an aftermarket. Its going in an 88 nautique, and I want to see if anyone has ever put a Mallory Unilite distributor in their boat. I see on their site it says that thier distributors for the windsor only go up to 1980 but every other manufacturer says all years???
If you have changed out you distributor please respond with pro's cons
I do know a lot about motors and tuning but want to see if anyone has any info for boat applications.

(bob) · (bob) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 07-22-2003, 10:15 PM

course, make sure its ignition protected, but i wouldnt try it if it doesnt say it will specifically fit your model without calling the company to ask about it, oh and be sure and ask someone who actually knows their products not the salesman on the phone

(vortech347) · (vortech347) **Join Date: Aug 2000** 07-23-2003, 4:37 AM

Luke,

Not to put down the Unilite but why would you choose it over a MSD distributor? MSD makes marine specific distributors and IMO are a better distributor. I haven't changed out a distributor in a boat but I have been around racing for years and the overwhelming majority of racers prefer MSD over Mallory products. Plus their service and support is the best in the business.

(the_madness) · (the_madness) **Join Date: May 2003** 07-23-2003, 7:56 AM

Make sure you know your application and the distributor is the right one for that application. Specifically in that year the 351W motors can in both standard rotation and reverse rotation. This refers to the direction in which the rotor spins, and is determined by the angle at which the gear on the bottom of the distributor is cut. This means that the two are not inter changable. I just rebuilt a 351W in a 87 Natique for a friend of mine and were about tho throw it back in the boat. I hate adjusting and having to change points so I want to put in a electronic setup. I couldn't find much for that motor (he has the reverse rotation) so I think were going to go with a Pertronix electronic conversion. This kit cost about $100 but I've seen a few on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10076&item=2424853 821

I haven't got one and tried it out yet, but I should have one in and the boat running in a week or two. I'll try to remember to post how it works out.

(shredhead) · (shredhead) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 07-23-2003, 8:53 AM

I have an 89 Nautique that needed a tune. One of my gear head buds said he could fix it up easy. So we went to napa and got all the parts, but the boat never ran right. I called Midwest Correct Craft and they had a prepackaged tune kit with everything you needed for less than napa. Put the Correct Craft stuff on and it ran great! My .02 is to call your distributor, Bruce at Midwest knows whats going on.

cisom 07-24-2003, 1:28 PM

Brad,

I went through the top end of my '75 Southwind and converted to electronic distributor and modern alternator with internal regulator. The 351W in the boat was reverse rotation. Check http://www.basicpower.com/

They have the distributor kit for most engines, standard and reverse rotations. I believe its a Unilite and has worked flawlessly for me.

(the_madness) · (the_madness) **Join Date: May 2003** 07-24-2003, 4:10 PM

Thanks Craig this site has some good stuff.

clipper 07-25-2003, 2:54 PM

If you still have the Prestolite distributor you could purchase an electronic conversion for it from Discount Inboard Marine. It's a lot less hastle and cost compared to changing the complete distributor.
http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RP173072&variation=&aitem=5&mi tem=33