Mercury Computer Upgrade/Update?

[d9avey270]

Is it possible to upgrade a computer? I have a 2000 500 EFI and I'm wondering if it's possible to upgrade the existing computer or even replace it with a newer model? I ask because the mechanic, who is rebuilding my engine, said it would be a smart idea. Is this even possible?!

He mentioned the Holley programmable computer, but, told me this should be plan b.

*I am in Colorado and it would be nice to tune my boat for lakes at different elevations*

Thoughts?

 

[JFMFG]

Is it possible to upgrade a computer? I have a 2000 500 EFI and I'm wondering if it's possible to upgrade the existing computer or even replace it with a newer model? I ask because the mechanic, who is rebuilding my engine, said it would be a smart idea. Is this even possible?!

He mentioned the Holley programmable computer, but, told me this should be plan b.

*I am in Colorado and it would be nice to tune my boat for lakes at different elevations*

Thoughts?

I’d send it to whipple

 

[mattyc]

Is it possible to upgrade a computer? I have a 2000 500 EFI and I'm wondering if it's possible to upgrade the existing computer or even replace it with a newer model? I ask because the mechanic, who is rebuilding my engine, said it would be a smart idea. Is this even possible?!

He mentioned the Holley programmable computer, but, told me this should be plan b.

*I am in Colorado and it would be nice to tune my boat for lakes at different elevations*

Thoughts?

Somewhat dependent on what the rebuild entails. Is it a stock refresh? Or are you upgrading heads and cam, more displacement?

 

[d9avey270]

Somewhat dependent on what the rebuild entails. Is it a stock refresh? Or are you upgrading heads and cam, more displacement?

Gotcha! I know that we're just replacing the block and heads.

 

[Livewire Fabworks]

If you are running the Stock Merc or the Holley it all comes down to finding someone that can tune it right. Both can be tuned. With that said if you are staying stock or stockish I would stay with the Merc computer.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Gotcha! I know that we're just replacing the block and heads.

"just" the block and the heads!? That sounds like a much bigger job than a simple refresh.

 

[DaveH]

it is my understanding a REPLACEMENT for the merc ECU is in the works. unplug the merc box, plug in an entirely different ECU that can be tuned. PM me for more info.

 

[Runs2rch]

it is my understanding a REPLACEMENT for the merc ECU is in the works. unplug the merc box, plug in an entirely different ECU that can be tuned. PM me for more info.

What kind of Carb is it???!!!

 

[DaveH]

What kind of Carb is it???!!!

it aint. this will be a game changer for anyone that wants to upgrade a merc engine for more power.

 

[Runs2rch]

it aint. this will be a game changer for anyone that wants to upgrade a merc engine for more power.

Sweet!

 

[Bowtiepower00]

If all you are doing is replacing the block and heads, the Merc MEFI 1 or 3 ECM should be fine. Were you having issues with the factory engine not adjusting for altitude?

If you’re not adding boost, or a bunch of cubic inches, get your injectors cleaned and flowed and call one of the guys who tunes these older ECMs, try mefituning.com, or precision marine. You can purchase the mefiburn software if you have a local tuner familiar with the older systems. Tyler Crockett used to tune these but I don’t think he still does. I don’t know if Whipple ever did custom tuning but I don’t believe they still do, beyond a canned tune for their superchargers.

Top Quality Source for Boat MEFI ECU Tuning | CO, KS, OK, TX, NE, AR, MO | MEFI Tuning

We keep changing and have lots more information comming your way!

www.mefituning.com

If you need to replace or upgrade injectors, Boats Unlimited out of Texas has replacement injectors available, as I don’t believe the originals are still available.

Boats Unlimited | Marine Technician Service | Inspections

Boats Unlimited offers a full service & repair department. We also offer a professional marine fuel injector cleaning service.

www.boatunlimited.com

You might want to give him a call, he might do tuning, and is a wealth of knowledge on the 500efi platform.

I believe accel used to offer an ecm upgrade, but I don’t know if it is still available. These older platforms are 25 years old, and the number of companies offering custom services for them is shrinking.

There is a bunch of knowledge on offshoreonly if you want to do a deep dive.

 

[575cat]

Eddie Young would be a great source , Young performance marine

 

[4Waters]

it is my understanding a REPLACEMENT for the merc ECU is in the works. unplug the merc box, plug in an entirely different ECU that can be tuned. PM me for more info.

All he has to do is turn up the fuel pressure, SMH

 

[DaveH]

All he has to do is turn up the fuel pressure, SMH

this one is never going to die

 

[d9avey270]

"just" the block and the heads!? That sounds like a much bigger job than a simple refresh.

"just"...meaning...exactly what I'm replacing

 

[02HoWaRd26]

Whipple has a custom tuning option under the Mercury Racing section on their marine products. Seems like the simple solution.