Megasquirt MS3X to run GM coilpacks

[Zed.]

Anybody know how to setup the MS3X board to run GM coilpacks?

Only information I can find is from people using previous versions of megasquirts and it doesn't seem to be applicable as they add another board to there version of MS to gain extra spark control outputs but the board they use has a "high voltage" output as compared to the MS3X which only puts out a "logic level" output and is not a high enough current to drive the coil directly. I'm  guessing I use the GM ignition module to be used to drive the coils and use  MS3To drive the ignition module. Not sure how though!

Any help greatly appreciated!

Also if anyone knows which wire is which on Holden (GM) Commodore VT-VY ignition module plugs (13 wire plug) feel free to share. Thanks

Liam

[Metro]

I'm not entirely sure what you're talking about, but googling Commodore VT-VY ignition module shows pictures of a GM DIS wasted spark coil packs.

 

You might have seen this article. I removed the old electronics and replaced it with three BIP323 ignitors. It seems like most people go that route. Theoretically you should be able to use them like an EDIS, but you would need to supply the correct signal of which, I have no idea.

Edited August 22, 2014 by Metro

[Zed.]

Sorry I posted this on another forum and re-reading it I probably didn't make it completely internationally friendly, Holden (GM) have a car here called a commodore which runs a GM DIS so for clarification that's what I'm talking about.

 

Thanks Metro, I have seen that article but the part I'm stuck on is the MS3 only has one ignition output as fas as I can tell which is why I purchased the expander board as well. However the expander board only has a "logic level" output which is not powerful enough to fire a coil so I was wondering if you are supposed to just use the stock GM ignitor and send the low power signal to that from the MS3X and use that to fire the coils?

 

I have found this which uses the BIP373 ignitiors (I think thats what you meant by the BIP323) on an MS3 without an expander board: http://www.diyautotune.com/tech_articles/using_bosch_bip373s_with_megasquirt.htm

But that just seems a waste to me, why make an expander board with 8 ignition outputs but not be able to use them to drive multi-coil applications? This is why I'm hoping there's a way to make the 8 ignition outputs on the MS3X high voltage rather than logic level signals.

 

Does anyone know a way to use the 8 outputs on a MS3X to drive GM coilpacks? Or do you just have to use the basic MS3 ignition output and add more high powered outputs to the board?

[Metro]

Yeah my mistake, BIP373.

 

But that just seems a waste to me, why make an expander board with 8 ignition outputs but not be able to use them to drive multi-coil applications? This is why I'm hoping there's a way to make the 8 ignition outputs on the MS3X high voltage rather than logic level signals.

 

It just doesn't work that way. In order to make logic level outputs fire a coil you will need to supply ignitors (homemade ignition module with the BIPs) or an friendlier multichannel ignition module (Bosch? 300zx?) to drive the coils. The other alternative is running COP (such as LSx which have built in ignitors) in wasted spark mode, since I'm guessing if you lack the cam input for full sequential.

 

Anyway to answer your question, there's this thread. It very much looks like you'll be treading unknown waters using the GM-DIS, so if you're new to MS, I would look for other options.

 

Wiring up a homemade ignition pack with a 36-1 wheel is just about the easiest thing you can do with MS and there will be tons of people out there to help you.

[winstonusmc]

I use a DIS Module from many random 6cyl Nissans like Maxima and I30 for my Ford coil on plug off the MS3X. Just need to find out if the coils you use have a logic input or need some sort of ignition module. As far as I know, LSx coils are logic, but you might need to verify. It took me a while to find out if my Ford coils were logic or not, but I found out through a few different mustang forums.