So apparently the DUI hei distributors are "marine" but not certified for SAE J1171 - So what now? Who actually officially makes things "certified"? I see pertronix units are "
Marine approved" - ??
Products:
http://performancedistributors.com/product/marine-dui-distributors/
From the DUI advertisement:
Look closely at the words that I have highlited in bold font.
Product DescriptionIncrease performance and simplify the ignition system in your boat by installing our Marine DUI Distributor! The Marine DUI (Davis Unified Ignition) is a one-piece distributor that is virtually waterproof and will withstand the severe vibrations of a marine engine. The DUI is a complete ignition system in one simple unit.
No external coils or ignition boxes are necessary! Just one 12 volt hot wire hooked up to the DUI is all you need to get your marine engine running with more power and torque.
Improved performance comes from our 50,000 volt coil and high dwell Dyna-Module. The coil allows spark plug gaps to be opened up to .055″. The increased dwell within the module makes the coil produce a longer duration spark. The combination of the two will provide the most complete burn of the fuel mixture possible.
Performance is also enhanced from the super smooth advance curve tuned into the DUI. A special weight and spring assembly is hand fitted and dialed-in using a distributor machine for a precise timing curve that will match the specifications of your engine and boat.
**I take this to mean that you will need to run this unit on a Sun, Allen or King machine as to adjust the curve to your OEM specs, of which is never a bad idea!
The custom tuned advance provides instant throttle response and maximum power throughout the rpm range. Our Marine DUI is available in two versions. The Marine 7000 version is designed for stock to mildly modified engines that will not turn more than 7000 rpm’s. The Marine 10,000 version is built for high performance and racing applications that turn up to 10,000 rpm’s. Both versions are blueprinted and precision built by polishing, lubing and setting exact tolerances as they are assembled.
The Marine DUI also has flame arrestors installed which distinguishes it from our automotive DUI’s. All distributors come complete, including the brass terminal cap and rotor and stock gear. Reverse rotation gears are also available for most dual engine applications. No matter what your boat is used for, cruising, pulling skiers or all out racing, we have a DUI to fit your needs.
Marine applications using Chevrolet EFI engines can also benefit from a DUI! Our one-piece unit comes with a 50,000 volt coil and high dwell 7 pin Dyna-Module.
This distributor also allows plug gaps to be opened up to .055″. This unit can be used to replace the small EFI distributor and remote mounted coil. A plug-in adapter is included for the conversion to reduce wiring to a minimum.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Pertronix/Pertronix-Flame-Thrower-Marine-Billet-Distributors/2853256/10002/-1
Again, look closely at the words that I have highlited in bold font.
Features:Integrated patented Ignitor II technology with adaptive dwell control.
Upper ball bearing and extra long oil impregnated bronze lower bushing work together to reduce friction and high RPM vibration.
Adjustable mechanical advance with proprietary limiting functions permits multiple settings. Distributors are factory set with a performance advance curve and additional springs are provided for custom advance curves.
See ** above!
"
DUI confirmed they are not SAE J1171 certified as they have not gone to the expense with the USCG process"
From:
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating...er-351w-ford-hei-vs-marine-distributor.html#b
I've not spent any time looking at the Hulltruth forums. In my opinion there's not much real life experience is to be had from that forum.
If you read that thread, member C1steve says;
"Marine distributors have mechanical advance. If you used a vacuum advance model, there would not be enough advance and power would be down. Also marine distributors have some spark protection..................."
Apparently this guy is not a mechanic.
Another member recommends Prestolite, of which use the poorly designed Hall Effect triggering!
Another member says;
What Steve said!. I believe vacuum advance is not used on marine engines mostly because marine engines are operating under greater constant load at cruise and apparently do not develop enough vacuum at those throttle openings for appropriate advance.
He is partially correct, but that is NOT the primary reason for NOT using an ignition system with vacuum advance!
