Carver Owners Forum

I have a 1988 3807 with 350 Crusaders. Maintanence was done well for first owner but number 2 not so much. I got it last summer and it actually did very well. Wanting to catch up on needed maintenance and since crusader sold out, some parts not easy to find or cross reference. Bottom line I was told to change out entire ignition system and go electronic. Said each kit would be complete with wires etc. Basically plug and play on distributor change with need to change plug gap from .035 to .045 and change thermostats from 140 to 160 degrees.

anyone else do this? What was your experience/results?

KT, I assume when you say you have 350 Crusaders your referring to the model 350 crusaders which are 454 cid. I have the same engines and I too have wonder about upgrading to electronic ignition so I will be following the thread, but I haven’t found any difficult in obtaining parts for them. Your about 400 miles upriver from me on the TN River. I do my most of my own maintenance and order a lot of my parts from a place in White House,TN just outside Nashville. You can pm me For their info if you want it.

I am planning to convert my Carver. I just am not sure if it will be this year or next. Everyone I have spoken with who has done it wish they had done it sooner. I'm thinking it is a good mod to make.

Put Mallory's in our 1986 Carver Mariner 5.7L Crusaders along with new coils and what a difference. You won't regret the upgrade cost. They tell me GM Delco makes a good electronic upgrade too!

Changing to electronic ignition is one of the easiest and best things you can do. The Petronix and others are simple to install and make an immediate improvement in starting and running. You will need to check the timing after install - then it's basically maintenance-free!

Regarding the 145 vs. 160 degree thermostats - it depends on where you are running. You get less salt buildup with 145 - that's why they are the spec for some engines. The engine will be more efficient with a 160. IMHO - use 145 for use in salt water and 160 if you are running in fresh water.

See ya on the water!

I would only move to a 160 t-stat if you're in fresh water OR your engine is fresh water cooled (coolant in block). Your engine will love you for it. Some guys go with even hotter stats.

There are several choices for electronic ignition conversions. Anything from a points and condenser elimination kit to a full distributor upgrade, and incorporating an ignition control module, etc. The key thing to keep in mind is that the distributor and supporting hardware be designed for a marine application to ensure you end up with a proper advance curve for your marine engine. You don't want an automotive advance curve in a boat.

I have the 350HP Crusaders (454ci) from 83. I did the ignition upgrade about 20 years ago and haven't looked back since. Definitely like NOT having points anymore. I kept the old distributors on board for a couple years "just in case" there was a problem with the electronic ones but never needed to use them. My kits were Prestolites and came with everything including new coils. I think they were $200 each back then.

Parts came in today. They are Delco EST. Thanks for all the encouragement. Gonna try to do this tomorrow and am hoping for the best.
In response to ColRon, yes they are Crusader 454's w 350 HP. The hell of it is they are running fine. And I hate to mess up something that works, but intuitively it just seems these will make it even better. Hope I'm correct cause it's a big investment in two full kits and I just don't want to screw this up...

Viper, Thanks.
Yes it is fresh water cooled. Appreciate your comments.

KT, let me know how it turns out and if it makes a big change in performance. The admiral and I are planning a trip upriver to Chattanooga this summer. Our carver, Escape Plan, originally was purchased new by her first owner in Chattanooga, so it will be like she’s returning home for a visit.