What year did Mercruiser go distributor less?

[txtaz]

I have a '99 MEFI 3.

Is the MEFI 4 distributor less? I'd love to get rid of the distributor.

Thoughts? Ideas?

Taz

[FarPoint]

I started seeing them show up in model year 2000 Regals at the dealer level. So it's possible they could have been installing them by mid 1999. I think the model year changes around mid June for the boat builders.

[txtaz]

I started seeing them show up in model year 2000 Regals at the dealer level. So it's possible they could have been installing them by mid 1999. I think the model year changes around mid June for the boat builders.

Wow, really? That early.

I would think any MEFI EFI system could be upgraded to individual ignition coils. It most likely will need an ECU upgrade but I'm seeing MEFI4's for 500-1k.

Taz

[HallJ]

A MEFI4b will run an LS2. I believe it's all about getting the right firmware installed.

UMI racing sold the ecu package for this many years ago. It was then sold off to MSD.
Not sure who is selling it now.

Jeff

[smokediver]

OMC had the distibutorless " Spitfire" ignition in the late 80's and early 90's. I would NOT recommend it however.

[txtaz]

A MEFI4b will run an LS2. I believe it's all about getting the right firmware installed.

UMI racing sold the ecu package for this many years ago. It was then sold off to MSD.
Not sure who is selling it now.

Jeff

It would be nice to have a bolt on package. I'll do some research and see what I can find.


OMC had the distibutorless " Spitfire" ignition in the late 80's and early 90's. I would NOT recommend it however.

Thanks Smoke. I am definitely looking for newer technology. MEFI4 seems to be the way to go for the ECU.

Taz

[HallJ]

Which engine do you have?
I would think a call to these people would answer your questions,

https://www.obd2allinone.com/mefitune.asp


Jeff

[txtaz]

Which engine do you have?
I would think a call to these people would answer your questions,

https://www.obd2allinone.com/mefitune.asp


Jeff

It's a 454 MAG MPI.

Thanks for the link. They seem like a good group.

Taz

[HallJ]

You'll need to add a crank trigger and use an L31 distrubutor for a cam sensor. They make a cap that replaces the normal spark plug style cap. You'll only be using it for a cam trigger.


Something like this would work as well.

https://www.eficonnection.com/home/category/engine-hardware/crank-and-cam-signal-kits/efi-24x-product-line/efi-24x-bbc

You can use an LS ecu which is probably cheaper than a MEFI4b. But you don't have to.

Jeff

[txtaz]

You'll need to add a crank trigger and use an L31 distrubutor for a cam sensor. They make a cap that replaces the normal spark plug style cap. You'll only be using it for a cam trigger.


Something like this would work as well.

https://www.eficonnection.com/home/category/engine-hardware/crank-and-cam-signal-kits/efi-24x-product-line/efi-24x-bbc

You can use an LS ecu which is probably cheaper than a MEFI4b. But you don't have to.

Jeff

Thank you Jeff. Great information.

Did you mean LS1 distributor or L31?

A MEFI4 is about $1K. I'll check on the LS1 ECU.

Taz

[HallJ]

L31 which is a sbc Vortec motor '96-'00. Mercury used the same unit in some of their engines.
It has the right output signature to use it for a sync source.

Jeff