EFI system for Scorpion

[DJ]

I'm in the middle of installing an EFI unit on my Scorpion using an '82 Zagato setup. One of the commonly accepted realities for this conversion seems to be that the distributor HAS to be replaced by an end-drive or exhaust-side unit because the stock dizzy would interfere with the fuel rail.

However, I've done a bench-top fit-up and find that this really doesn't appear to be accurate at all. I'm using a Euro Monte intake cam box and the stock dizzy and find that, while the pressure regulator does come close to the dizzy, there IS indeed clearance. Of course, this box requires that I fabricate an alternate method for fixing the fuel rail bracket to the box but I think this will be simple. Additionally, as the fuel rail attaches to the injectors via rubber hose, I can also flex it a bit to move it farther away from the distributor for even greater clearance.

The main reason I am interested in keeping the stock dizzy is that I trust my new Crane electronic ignition a lot more than I trust a 20+ year old Lancia electronic unit, which I don't have anyway. (I have the dizzy, just don't have the coil and igniter units.)

Is there something I'm missing here or is the stock distributor route just something that no one tried to do before?

[Will]

DJ. I don't think interference is the reason people change the dizzy, they do so to use the EFI cams, which have no dizzy drive gear. In fact, it's usually an entire 2L EFI that they are setting up (In like 90 percent of all cases)
You could theoretically move the dizzy to the side or end of either cam, or the block, or even the timing cover, whatever works. The Marelli module is actually a GM underneath, those are fine units, sometimes the condensors go on them (lead rots off) other than that, no reason not to use. The funky Marelli box is just a heatsink.
-Will

[Will]

You don't HAVE to attach the fuel rail to the cam box at all. the hoses themselves will secure it- but if you want to, there are several easy ways.

[Wallace]

Why not just ditch the dizzie and go for a twin coil set up ?? Easier all the way round if your using an aftermarket black box. .. .. .

[DJ]

DJ. I don't think interference is the reason people change the dizzy,
I've read that in at least one or two accounts but maybe those individuals just assumed it would be an issue.
they do so to use the EFI cams,
Aren't these already pretty much identical to the stock Scorpion cams? I thought the only real reason they went to the EFI cams was to use the end-drive dizzy. I want to use my Euro Monte cams.
You could theoretically move the dizzy to the side or end of either cam, or the block, or even the timing cover...
Timing cover? Just curious.
The Marelli module is actually a GM underneath...no reason not to use.
Except that I don't have one and see no reason to spend the money.

Thanks for the input.

[DJ]

You don't HAVE to attach the fuel rail to the cam box at all. the hoses themselves will secure it- but if you want to, there are several easy ways.

Right. I just want to secure it so it's not flexing around and able to bump the back of the dizzy.

[DJ]

Why not just ditch the dizzie and go for a twin coil set up ?? Easier all the way round if your using an aftermarket black box. .. .. .

I may do that someday but it's mostly just cost and time at this point. . But please define easier. 8O

Let's see...Buy expensive new ignition unit, pull engine, figure out how to mount crank trigger, install new bits, re-install engine VS bolting it on with existing hardware? My way sounds a LOT easier at this point.

[Wallace]

Sorry DJ - didn't think (as usual !!) - I forgot that you can run the ECU off the dizzie to give you the RPM sensor input . . . . and yes - making up the trigger disc for my engine WAS a pain and yes I did have to pull it out .. . . BUT - as to cost - the coils came from a breakers and cost diddly !