Prestolite conversion

Took it out to the lake after correcting the dwell to a gap of 8-10/1000ths, the timing to 6 deg BTDC. Wow are we smooth now. Did not have to unhook the tach wire or anything else. Bought a new coil for electronic ignition but did not need it. I am using the stock coil , will insatall new coil as needed. Runs like a champ again. Seems to re-start better after being warmed up. I would recommend the conversion even after the problems I had.

After following the installation directions from step one again I would not be afraid to do it myself. Invest in a dwell meter and a timing light and learn how to use them and you shouldn't have to guess if settings are right.
Thanks Vince @ Skidim for the walk thru and tips. Once you put the pointless adapter in and you have it gapped correctly(tool includded in kit) the dwell does not have to be perfect any more. 43 mph @ 4300 rpm and very fast out of the hole with the acme 542 prop.

Probably chebby folk

sounds like they had the timing light clipped on the wrong wire.

In the conversion kit instructions it should say if you need a ballist resistor or not. The kit I installed said to remove the ballast resistor or resistor wire. I suggest using a coil for electronic ignition. Make sure the springs are connected properly and the mechanical advance weights move freely (put some greese on the pins). Check the timing at idle and at 3000 rpm to make sure it advances. It sounds like the timing isn't advancing.
I converted to electronic igintion a month or two ago and had the same problem. I adjusted the timing and that problem went away. Then I found other problems.

Don't most conversions have you take out the ballast resistor? If your kit requires removal, maybe that is a problem. I'm sure others will chime in as I have not done the conversion yet.

Did you use a new coil that was matched to the Prestolite? An earlier post used a Blaster II on a distributor that was not rated for all the voltage.

Timing OK?

I have a 85 2001 351 that I put electronic ignition in rather than points. Prestolite clip down type. Boat always ran fine but points were due for a change and I have read here what a big difference the conversion made both good and bad. Well I got the bad. Also did new plugs, wires, distributor cap and coil. Of course it ran like a kitten in the driveway.
Took it to the lake today started right up. Sat and let it warm up. Left the dock and it ran great for 300 yards. Started cutting out, sputtering, and choking. Made it back to the launch and it ran fine again at low RPM. Held it to about 2000 rpm and it acted up again. Shut it down loaded it up and comtemplated the problem. Checked all the hook ups, plugs, wires, springs etc. Put it back in the water and same problem. It seems the warmer it gets the worse the symptons.
I checked my receipts and the coil is for standard ignition. Did I screw up and get the wrong coil? I now see there are two types. What else will cause this?. Any other prognosis. Grounded, what a drag.