Distributor Cap for '05 5.0GXI-E

[scutty]

Hi, Doing a tune up and popped my distributor cap off and found it pretty corroded. Cleaned it off and put it back on but figured I'd replace it. Nearly fell out of my chair when I found a new one, 3858975, on line for over $80! Is there anything special about it? Can I just use a regular one from the auto parts store?

Thanks in advance,

 

[MikDee]

Don't use it if it's a so called "crab cap" (flat cap) they have issues. Get yourself a hi-perf cap, like MSD, Accel, Mallory, Hi- Standard, etc. They all have brass contacts, & better plastic like a marine cap.

 

[scutty]

Sharing my research:
The VP # for my ’05 5.0GXi-E distributor cap is 3858975.
The only difference between automotive and marine caps is the marine caps are not vented. As it was explained to me this to reduce the likelihood of igniting fumes not water resistance. As for aluminum vs brass contacts there does not seem to be any consistency. Both VP and Merc have moved back and forth over the years. The VP part above uses AL contacts.
I also found that the Merc Tune Up Kit for MPI engines 898253T29 and Sierra part 18-5247 are one in the same and manufactured by the same company. And they both have brass contacts. The Mallory cap is 9-29318 but I could not confirm that it had brass contacts or not. Looks like a decent cap costs $70.

 

[MikDee]

Some guys are using NAPA's Best Distributor caps (brass contacts), and have been very happy with them over the stock units.