2.7l changes year to year?

I have a 3RZ going into my '85 4Runner, and a couple points are eluding me:

Were all '97 motors equipped with coil packs, or was that a mid-year change? I'm trying to determine if my ECU, which is labeled "97.1" with a sharpie (serial number is gone) is compatible with my motor, which has a distributor.

I'm missing a starter, and will need to troll the junk yards. There's two starters available, with different kW ratings. Any reason I shouldn't just grab the beefier one?

Ditto the airbox - there's apparently two different styles. I'm not sure I'm going to use a factory airbox anyway, but if I do, what's the difference?

My search-fu has failed me, any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

1997 was the year they switched to coil packs vs distributor..so hard to say really...

One would think if its a 97.1...i would work..but i can't say for sure as i don't know what a coil pack ecu would be labeled..

air box should be the same for 3rzs i think..make sure its not a 2rz your looking at.