87 Sundancer "Thunderbolt" Ignition

K

Kevin250

New Member
Sep 11, 2022
9
Boat Info
1987 Sundancer 250
Engines
5.7 Mercruiser w/Alpha One outdrive
In the process of pulling and rebuilding my motor. The thunderbolt ignition seems cumbersome, and contains a lot of wiring. Can it be converted to a standard GM H.E.I. ignition system? I have a Mercruiser 5.7.
Thanks for any help.

Kevin
 
Kevin250 said:
In the process of pulling and rebuilding my motor. The thunderbolt ignition seems cumbersome, and contains a lot of wiring. Can it be converted to a standard GM H.E.I. ignition system? I have a Mercruiser 5.7.
Thanks for any help.

Kevin
Click to expand...
Search you tube. Looks like a few have done it.
 
As long as you can get it "Ignition Protected". I also like the idea of the H.E.I.
 
Give me a few hours and I can send you the part numbers and type of distributor I used.

I used a DUI distributor with new wrapped wires. It came as a full replacement for my Thunderbolt system. I got it from JEG’s for about half the cost of a new module
 
Last edited:
dwna1a said:
Give me a few hours and I can send you the part numbers and type of distributor I used.

I used a DUI distributor with new wrapped wires. It came as a full replacement for my Thunderbolt system. I got it from JEG’s for about half the cost of a new module
Click to expand...

That would be great!
Thanks
 
Golfman25 said:
Search you tube. Looks like a few have done it.
Click to expand...
I have seen that. But, was hoping for more input from members here, who have actually done it, and can answer questions, give tips, advice, etc.
 
Kevin I have done it to one of my engines. All the Thunderbolt system simply gets removed. Then stab in the new distributor and fine tune it. It took maybe 3 hours total.
 
dwna1a said:
Kevin I have done it to one of my engines. All the Thunderbolt system simply gets removed. Then stab in the new distributor and fine tune it. It took maybe 3 hours total.
Click to expand...

What distributor did you use? And how did you wire it?
Thanks
 
A DUI for Chevy 350. Then double wrapped plug wires. It came with the wires for the tach. Keep in mind, this is what my boat uses.


DUI Marine Distributor Kit for Small Block Chevy V8
Part Number: 314-M12720BKK
 
Last edited:
dwna1a said:
A DUI for Chevy 350. Then double wrapped plug wires. It came with the wires for the tach. Keep in mind, this is what my boat uses.


DUI Marine Distributor Kit for Small Block Chevy V8
Part Number: 314-M12720BKK
Click to expand...

Thank you for the help. This is what I was looking for! Why did you double wrap your wires? Was that to stop spark crossover?
 
No you miss understand. The wires I choose to use are double warped. My engine guy highly recommended these to keep them from jumping and grounding. Better spark.

I’m not blowing wind..I get better power out of that side (most likely wishful thinking)
 
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