Has anyone done one of these? Do you know what happens with the VST fuel system and the Mechanical fuel pump? I had the old side mount style on a Gen VI but don't have any experience with the new center mount style. I also heard a rumor that you had to replace your ECU with a MEFI 3 - any truth to that?

Hi Kokopelli,

I have the newer Whipples on my engines (3). Installed them a little over 2 years ago when he first introduced the topmount for the 500 EFI. Great system, virtually trouble free.

Your VST and mechanical fuel pumps will be discarded. (easily saleable in the used martet) They will be replaced with a cross over water distribution (the old circulating water pump is also discarded). The new fuel system comes with with an Essex electric pump, or similar, with an in line filter and fuel regulator. (comes with Whipple kit)

The ECU's are sent to Whipple for reprogramming. In some cases you'll get back different ECU's as he has lots of them. Due to this your hours will read what's on the ECU that you receive, so mark your log book from the hours on your new ECU's as -0- for your boat. I'm not certain about the pre MEFI 3 deal. (mine are MEFI 3) Since my install Merc has gone with an even newer ECU, which has more finetuning and really makes the Whipple perform even more refined. However, Dustin can tell you in a second about your existing ECM and it's compatibility. If it isn't they are a snap to replace, albeit not real cheap.......

If you need any help with the installation, feel free to e mail or call and I can walk you thru it. Our project took about 8-10 hours per engine.

Once you're finished, I think you'll be really pleased. They run smooth as silk, better fuel economy than when you were non Whippled, hardly any transom residue and a top end increase of at least 12 MPH (more likely higher.)

Take care,
Steve

Thanks Steve. Spoke with Dustin today and got the whole rundown on the system and yes the MEFI 1 ecu does in fact have to be replaced by the MEFI 3. Unfortunatley GM has halted manufactuering them so you have to get them from Mercury Marine at a cost of allmost 8 bills versus 4 from GM. I think I'm going to pull my heads and upgrade to roller rockers and put in Inconel valves and Felpro gaskets, then save my pennies for the Whipple after I've recovered from the Christmas bank account drain. I may contact you later for some advice though.

Thanks again,
Shane