www.iFourWinns.com

My distributor on my 94 horizon 180 SE is due for an upgrade. The engine is the 5.0L OMC engine with Cobra outdrive. Pulling a 1.5v draw not running, causing electrical issues. Narrowed it down to the distributor after a ton of troubleshooting. Ive been advised two paths that are recommended. One is to replace the distributor and coil with PerTronix Distributor (D230800) and flamethrower coil. This means adding a ESA system as well. Path two is to simply replace the coil and update the distributor with a pertronix ignitor kit. If I do this I wouldnt need to add an ESA from what I understand.

Has anyone done either of these or have recommendations? Thanks in advance.

need more specifics on what you actually have:
Which 5.0 is it, a GM (distributor in rear) or Ford (distributor in front)?
carb or fuel injection? it matters because they used different ignition systems for each.
What OEM ignition system do you have now?
The Cobra outdrive, is it the original dog clutch unit (flat across the top) that has to use an ESA, or is it the joint venture drive (just like a Volvo SX with the hump on top) that uses a cone clutch?

1994 was the start of the joint venture period where the Cobra was converted from dog clutch shifting to cone clutch but a 94 boat can have a 93 drivetrain, so that's why it matters to know which you have.

from looking at catalogs on http://www.marineengine.com the carbed version used a Prestolite BID system with a centrifugal advance system and electronic module whereas the fuel injected ones used what looks like a Ford electronic distributor (not sure who made it though). A lot of parts for these are NLA, so depending on what you have, the Petronix might be the best option if you have the BID system.
About the ESA system if your drive is the dog clutch model (last made in '93) then you need a functioning ESA, usually when you go to Petronix you have to change the module, so it works with the electronic distributor, CDI electronics sells them.
If you really have a 94 drive train with the cone clutch drive you do not need an ESA, that is only for dog clutch outdrives.

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Firstly, thanks for the help. Second, here is the additional info.
1. It is a ford block
2. It is carbureted
3. Im assuming its prestolite, but don't see any labeling. Its not a points system if that's what you meant.
4. Im almost positive its cone clutch.

Prestolite made 2 versions of the same distributor, one with points and the other an electronic module, the rest of the distributor is the same (centrifugal advance system). Those OEM modules have been NLA for many years, the points models you can still get parts for, I have one on my 1988 4.3 V6. I think you could use a Petronix module in the place of the OEM Prestolite if needed.
Post a pic of your outdrive, the cone clutch has a hump on top of the upper gear housing, just like a Volvo SX. The dog clutch is flat across the top. The cone clutch does not need an ESA. Only the dog clutch Cobras need an ESA.

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II