454 King Cobra

[262Crowne]

Question here: '93 OMC 454 King Cobra. Love the engine, but am considering changing out the Spitfire EEM (the electronic ignition system), as replacement parts appear harder and harder to get for this unit. How difficult would the swap be? Would I choose something like a Mallory Marine distributor, add the HEI controller (not sure what the "brain" of the unit is called) and coil? Seems like a lot wiring would be involved, especially considering gauges, senders, etc. Obviously, I've never attempted anything like this. Can someone tell me exactly what's involved, appx $$ involved, and the level of difficulty? Would I stand to gain anything from such a switch?

Also, would doing so preclude me from upgrading the outdrive to a Volvo SX or SX duoprop later (I assume attaching a Bravo unit would be much more expensive/labor intensive...this I would have done professionally).

Thanks for taking a look. This is a salt water boat, FWC.

 

[262Crowne]

Re: 454 King Cobra

Anybody have any thoughts on what's required in changing out an entire electronic ignition system for a newer aftermarket one? I'm considering it only because I'm concerned I'll have a tough time replacing the original OMC components when the time comes.

Thanks again.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 454 King Cobra

I would suggest you talk to Blowho about his. He's got a 7.5L King with the "Spitfire"

He said he could not find coils, ECU etc.

He's going to use the dist from my old 460 on his then I think he might go to an MSD electronic distributor.

This is what I was going to do if I had not swapped out the 460/King Cobra for the 454/Bravo III

The swap was not that difficult. You'll need a hoist. Everything bolts right up and chances are, if your engine is ok you could even use it with the Bravo as long as you get the Mercruiser bell housing and other stuff.

As far as changing to a Volvo SX or Duo. THat might be a better choice. Don can probably tell you what's involved. I don't know what year the Cobras and Volvos were the "same"..........I know it was in the mid 90's or so.

You're in a lot better shape than I was since you have a "Cone clutch" drive.

that's a good thing. There's really nothing wrong with it.

If you need to change your ignition system I would use an MSD or Mallory marine distributor. The MSD dist is about $300. I don't know about the Mallory.

None of these are hard to install.


Cheers,


Rick

 

[BlowHo]

Re: 454 King Cobra

Crowne - one of my ignition packs went bad so I started looking to replace, I found a guy selling an ignition pack and the computer for $900! I did see one 454 coil pack during the search, but can't remember price. It was on ebay.


At any rate, I am switching to a distributor and deleting all the Spitfire stuff. I have done a little research and found some good information on other sites, google like crazy and you should find the same.

I just got my motor back from a rebuild yesterday and started re-assembly, I hope to fire it this weekend on a distributor so I'll keep you posted.

 

[Nukem]

Re: 454 King Cobra

Hey 262Crowne, how did you make out with the spitfire conversion?

 

[Don S]

Re: 454 King Cobra

I doubt 262Crowne ever looked at this post again after August 6th. If he did, he didn't have the good manners to ever say "thanks for the info" from the ones that posted replies to his request.