Digitally controlled ignition CB Black Box vs Megajolt

[Lo Cash John]

Question: Would it be possible to use a CB Black Box to trigger and therefore set the ignition curve of the EDIS system?

I have available to me, a FREE EDIS system from 2001 Escort. I can also get slightly used a Black Box for cheap.
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[Krochus]

I don’t think you could ever get a black box to control an edis module and coil. Simply because you have to way to drive two coils on the logic side.

The 2165 turbo Baja bug Megajolt has been such a smashing success that I’ve opted to convert what was my single port turbo rail (wife is making uncomfortable claims) to edis 4 Megajolt as well. This time I’m doing things a little differently. That dodge neon coil I mentioned before is pretty freaking sweet on a flat 4 using Caravan wires. The primary resistance is the same as the Ford edis coil so I don’t envision any problems using one electrically.

I’m also going to try a much wider .045” plug gap in anticipation of taking advantage of the much higher energy spark.

[jpaull]

My friends and I have had that exact coil up to 20psi on SRT4's. The genuine Mopar Coils always outlasted the MSD replacements. It was funny, guys would replace the stock coil with MSD or Granetelli thinking they were getting a upgrade, and then later think they have issues of what they thought was fuel cutting out at high boost, but was actually the cheap MSD coil failing.

[Lo Cash John]

Yes, as stated I did a good bit of reading on the EDIS system and how it works.
Conclusion: There is no way the CB Black Box can control the EDIS module.

The EDIS gets an input from the VRS (crank angle sensor). Unless "told" otherwise by an ECU (or a MegaJolt) it fires at 10* before TDC. So, the EDIS is capable of running by itself, sort of like a crank fire version of a locked distributor. If the EDIS receives a 5V square signal on pin 3, then it can advance or retard the timing. If there is an increase in the duty cycle of that signal the timing will advance. If there is a reduction in the duty cycle the timing will retard. Note, it changes based on duty cycle, NOT frequency.

The Black Box is designed to get an input signal from a locked distributor (points, electronics module, etc) that is installed at 70* before TDC. The BB then decides how long to wait before firing the coil. It can delay by 70*, giving you 0* before TDC or it can delay by 30*, giving you 40* before TDC, or anywhere in between. Since it's really just a very fancy "retard box", it doesn't have the ability to adjust it's output duty cycle, therefore it can't advance or retard the EDIS unit.


Since this EDIS setup will be going on a budget build, I will probably install the VR sensor so the EDIS will "limp" at 24* before TDC. Then when my buddy wants to, he can buy a MegaJolt unit, re-time the VR sensor and build an ignition map for his motor.
_________________
www.LoCashRacing.org
More brains than bucks...Believe it or not!!

If you actually drive your VW, you need www.AirMapp.com

My boss told me I need to work on my mutli-tasking. So now when I use the bathroom at work I surf The Samba on my iPhone.

[Krochus]

[Lo Cash John]

Hey Krochus, how's that Dodge coil working out with the EDIS and MagnaSpark?

Do you have any additional pics of the rest of the install?
_________________
www.LoCashRacing.org
More brains than bucks...Believe it or not!!

If you actually drive your VW, you need www.AirMapp.com

My boss told me I need to work on my mutli-tasking. So now when I use the bathroom at work I surf The Samba on my iPhone.

[Krochus]

[Krochus]

Some of the cheap IAP brand plug boots for a Porsche are a perfect fit for the caravan wires with a little persuasion and silicone lube.

[didget69]

[didget69]

[Krochus]

Yeah because unfastening one 1/4-20 bolt will turn a Belt change into a total ordeal

[clonebug]

[Krochus]

[clonebug]

[oprn]

I just read through this thread a couple times and have some questions:

1) In addition the these ignition systems appearing to be a career all of their own, it seems you fellows speak a different language. There are a few that I am familiar with but could I bother you for a glossary of terms?

EDSI
CLT
IAT
COP
PIP
SAW
CNP
VR
DIS
BIN

2) I did an online search for distributors of Megajolt products and as usual the only clue as to where they are situated is the currency the prices are in. That narrows it down a bit but I would like to know if there are any here in Canada. This would minumize additional charges for exchange on the dollar, import and duty taxes.

3) In this thread there is talk of pressures in kPa. Can I assume that is kPa absolute or is it kPa gauge? Is this pressure referance taken from the intake manifold or from the distributor vacuum port on the carb?

4) Looking at the timing maps it appears to me that there are only 10 timing steps between 0 and 7000 rpm. I expect to idle at 900 and never run higher than 5500 rpm so that leaves 5 steps at 6* per step. Is that not pretty poor resolution? I'm thinking that any mechanical distributor, even an O my-gosh 9 does better than that!

Or am I not understanding this correctly?

On the learning curve, thanks Merv.

[Krochus]

[oprn]

Thanks for clearing up these questions!

[clonebug]

[oprn]

Ya that is what I am thinking, advance should be all in by 2800 rpm or so that's not many bins. Or can I even cut it that close? Is it 2500 or 3000 with no adjustment between then?

Also would there be an advantage in taking the pressure signal from the vacuum advance port on the carb instead of manifold vacuum? I'm thinking part throttle advance for better mileage here.

This is an N/A engine at the moment.

Are we stuck with using a 36 tooth timing wheel or would other tooth numbers work too?

Am I correct in assuming the pick up sensor puts out a millivolt signal? Will any magnetic pickup coil work?

[Krochus]