UIW Delco Aftermarket EST Distributor Kit

Our goal is to educate you about the purpose and function of many of the marine boat parts required to keep your boat running smoothly. Whether you're a veteran seaman or a novice, one thing you all know is that a boat comes equipped with hundreds of moving parts.

No one person can know everything there is to know about the proper functioning of every boat part. That's why we've tapped the collective wisdom of our long-time technical experts to share their knowledge and expertise.

What You Need to Know About the Delco Marine Aftermarket EST Distributor Kit

This GM EST V8 distributor kit represents an aftermarket version of the Delco EST marine distributor kit. The uniqueness of this particular distributor kit is it’s a billet aluminum distributor vs. cast aluminum, making it more robust and heavy duty.

The distributor in this kit uses the OEM Delco ignition module which people prefer. There are and have been a lot of different aftermarket modules offered in the industry. Some are good; some are perhaps not so good. Boaters who have had bad experiences using the aftermarket design prefer the original equipment Delco. By using the OEM GM module in this distributor, they can be confident about the manufacturer and the product itself.

The distributor cap features longer-lasting brass contacts vs. aluminum, which corrode more quickly. The spark plug wire set is manufactured with low-resistance 8mm silicone wire and is better than the original factory equipment. It’s an improvement to higher quality from the actual Packard or Delco wires which came in the original Delco kit.

Upgrade Over the Delco Marine Distributor

This aftermarket product represents an upgrade over the Delco because you’re getting the better wires, a billet distributor with the brass contact and an original equipment module -- all at a lesser cost.

It fits both small block and big block GM V8 engines and is SAE J1171-certified, which means the ignition is protected in marine applications. We want to make it clear this is not a car distributor! This kit fits both left-hand and right-hand rotation engines that use the standard direction helix distributor drive gear. Please be aware that there are some unique engine applications that use a reverse helix which will not operate as designed with this kit.

Electronic Spark Timing (EST) means there is no mechanical timing advance. It’s done electronically, so there are no moving parts to corrode or rust which would prevent proper engine operation due to a mechanical timing advance mechanism sticking. Since timing is controlled electronically, there’s nothing to maintain.

The kit includes instructions so a mechanic or a knowledgeable owner could install this aftermarket Delco EST marine distributor kit. It does require some mechanical ability to install along with knowledge of ignition systems and distributors. So, to be on the safe side, contact a reputable marine mechanic before installing.

Marine Parts Troubleshooters On Call

Once a boat part fails, it's obviously too late to repair it. When possible we've provided tips on simple ways to maintain a part to cut your cash outlay. We know you'd rather be on the water having fun than on the dock calling your marine mechanic.

That said, if you need help troubleshooting a system failure, give our technical experts a call at 866-388-0390. They'd be happy to steer you in the right direction.