Information about an BFN?

I bought an 86 bfn with a 454, somebody has put an hei distributor on it, and the boat runs horrible, im looking to buy a DUI distributor but i need information first. Does anyboby know how much the boat weighs? The biggest issue is the rotation, reverse or not? ive been told it was and then it wasnt? The rotor bug turns clockwise, along with the harmonic balancer, so what would it be?

I am not aware of any HEI style marine distributor besides the DUI. I am betting the one on your boat is an automotive unit- I would consider swapping it out regardless in the name of safety if that is in fact the case.

Chris, I know you dont like the DUI, though I still dont know why. Ive picked up a ton of performance on everything Ive installed it on- both acceleration and top end. Like I said, HEI is a nice style of ignition, and DUI is the only one making a marine version that I know of.

Your boat ran ok, but it wouldnt run in the top 5 at GL the past few years. It also took about a half mile to get up to speed- hardly monumental performance. Put your money where your mouth is and build a faster CC! I can point to a handful of people with new Mallorys that are struggling to get the curve right... I still havent heard a DUI owner complain. If your buddy doesnt like the curve, send it back to Davis and have them dial it in for him. Or recurve it for him, its not rocket surgery. Does the Mallory contain magical pixie dust that allows it to automatically recurve itself?

Back to the original owner's problem...

The first thing I would do is tune the motor up before upgrading to a $$$ distributor. Go through the fuel and ignition systems, and replace the maintenance items (cap/rotor/plugs/wires/fuel filter/etc), set the timing, then the idle and see how it runs. THEN evaluate replacement parts if youre still having running issues.

BTW if the base of the HEI unit doesn't have any vents then it's a marine unit, even if it has a vaccum advance, you just don't hook that up and there is a cap over the port where a hose would go if used.

if the HEI unit has vents then you have to verify that they are the flame arrestor style, that requires you to see if an open flame passes through it or not if it doesn't your good to go for a marine application. Early units used the same base as the automotive unit with the exception of the screen being replaced with a flame arrestor style screen, How do I know, I was emplyed by Delco Remy and worked in Engineering department as a designer is how.

My question is where in the automotive world would you use a reverse rotation distributor?

thanks learn something new everyday around here

Poor Dustin is asking himself, did I just shake a bees nest?
Welcome to the world of CC's, but a special welcome to the world of BFN's. The engine is a reverse rotation. I don't know much about the dizzy's, curves, etc. But I do know that you should start with the easy stuff like the plugs, wires, fuel filter, and timing. Mine was running a little rough, and it was a carb rebuild the did the trick.
BTW, this morning I received my new plug wire set from Skidim.   

D86BFN wrote: The rotor bug turns clockwise, along with the harmonic balancer, so what would it be?

Getting back to the questions, I don't think anyone has commented on the rotation. If the front end of the engine viewed from the front is turning clockwise, then it's a standard rotation ending which would be spinning a LH prop.

Dustin,
Check to see what prop is on it. A LH will turn counterclockwise when going forward. (with a 1:1 trans)

anthonylizardi wrote: Can I open the gap on my spark plugs if the coil is what drives the plugs? I have an MSD Blaster 8222 on my 87 SN 351 engine. I have been thinking about this for a while. What you guys think? Any recommended gap?

yes you can.