Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: What year did Mercruiser go distributor less?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    1,833
    Rep Power
    22

    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
    Da Taz
    "Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary will get you every time."
    Wes

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    44
    Rep Power
    0
    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.
    We the Willing, led by the Unknowing, and paid by the Uncaring
    Have been doing so much, with so little, for so long
    We are now qualified to do Anything, with Nothing at all
    (Tuk U - McKinnley Bay '82)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    1,833
    Rep Power
    22
    Quote Originally Posted by FarPoint View Post
    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
    Da Taz
    "Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary will get you every time."
    Wes

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    470
    Rep Power
    20
    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
    " Just piercing the surface"

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2001
    Posts
    1,442
    Rep Power
    24
    OMC had the distibutorless " Spitfire" ignition in the late 80's and early 90's. I would NOT recommend it however.
    better to die on your feet, than live on your knees

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    1,833
    Rep Power
    22
    Quote Originally Posted by HallJ View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by smokediver View Post
    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
    Da Taz
    "Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary will get you every time."
    Wes

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    470
    Rep Power
    20
    Which engine do you have?
    I would think a call to these people would answer your questions,

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


    Jeff
    " Just piercing the surface"

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    1,833
    Rep Power
    22
    Quote Originally Posted by HallJ View Post
    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
    Da Taz
    "Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary will get you every time."
    Wes

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    470
    Rep Power
    20
    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

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    1,833
    Rep Power
    22
    Quote Originally Posted by HallJ View Post
    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
    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
    Da Taz
    "Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary will get you every time."
    Wes

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    470
    Rep Power
    20
    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
    " Just piercing the surface"

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •