What year did Mercruiser go distributor less?

I have a '99 MEFI 3.

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

Thoughts? Ideas?

Taz

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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

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

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Originally Posted by smokediver

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

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

Taz

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

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


Jeff

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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

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It's a 454 MAG MPI.

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

Taz

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/c...ne/efi-24x-bbc

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

Jeff

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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/c...ne/efi-24x-bbc

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

Jeff

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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

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