nSpark Q's

[rztmartini]

I am looking into getting the MSnS and got the fuel part of the megasquirt figured out, but i want to be able to control ignition since i am adding turbo. I have a '77 L28 which the p/o switched to SU's so im gonna have to re-do everything. as far as eliminating the distributor to contol ignition, what have you guys done? i have read megamanual etc. but am really confused. moby's sticky helped some, but i want to know what/how to fabricate to be able to contol spark. some have mentioned the MSD 6AL or something and i thought that just added to the existing elec. ign...any help plz? i am really lost...

[trwebb26]

As far as hardware goes - I reccomend buying an 82 or 83 280zx optical distributor. Make sure you get the oil shaft with it because you'll need it for the swap. After that - it is just a bunch of wiring and settings to get it right. We can help with that once you get the hardware you need.

 

I would get an MSD blaster 2 coil to match up to that MSD box, too. Otherwise you have to mess with ballast resistors and other crap like that.

 

Do you have any specific questions that we can help with other than "tell me how to do it"?

[z-ya]

Two ways to add ignition:

 

1) Use the 82' or 83' distributor and oil pump shaft. This is probably the easiest route. You don't need a new coil or an MSD box. The MS V3 mainboard has a VB921 coil driver built in, which produces a great spark with the stock coil.

 

2) Add Ford EDIS ignition. Raid an Aerostar or Exploder in the junkyard for the module, trigger wheel, and VR sensor (get the connector pigtails too). Some machining and fabrication is required, but this option eliminates the distributor for more accurate timing. It also allows much more timing adjustment range than the distributor setup. I'm using this setup on my supercharged L28 240Z with great sucess.

 

The easiest is numebr 1, the best is number 2.

[BRAAP]

Ditto what Pete said.

 

I’m also sporting the 2nd option with NO distributor. MSnS-E, v-3.0 running a Ford EDIS module from an Exploder, coil pack from a Dodge Intrepid, VR sensor and 36-1 tooth wheel from an Escort… Runs great…

 

 

 

[rztmartini]

for the 82 or 83 zx dist, does it have to be the turbo model?

 

for the EDIS, would i have to find everything that BRAAP had in that picture to use no dizzy or would i have to use something else? I am trying to fihure out what would be easiest/cheapest to find from the jy. thanks.

 

ps. any particular year explorer or aerostar?

 

sorry for the ?'s, i want to know exatly what to get, already made that mistake when hunting for a diff. lol.

[BRAAP]

Please don’t be sorry for your questions. That is what this forum is all about. Asking questions and sharing our experiences so that others may benefit and build upon our experiences.

 

 

 

For the EDIS to work with Mega Squirt you will need all the parts in the bottom pic I posted.

 

1) Control module.

2) 36-1 trigger wheel to mounted on the crank.

3) VR sensor to read the 36-1 wheel.

4) and the coil pack.

 

Once you have acquired and installed those items, I “think” the programming portion within Mega squirt might be easier for the EDIS than it is for the Dizzy configuration, though I have no “actual” experience using a Dizzy with Mega Squirt on an L-series, so this is just my guess at this point….

[rztmartini]

thanks for your help! i will be making a trip to the jy tomorrow. any specific years to look for in specific? and these cars have to be 6 cyl right? now as far as wiring it all up and fabricating it, will there be any instructions with megasquirt or will i have to search some more on the forums? thanks again.

[Matt Cramer]

Your best bet would be a '90 or later model with the 4.0. It has to be from a six cylinder - the number of cylidners is already programmed into the module and you can't adjust it.

 

See this page for the details on EDIS:

 

http://megasquirt.sourceforge.net/extra/edis-whatyouneed.html

 

 

They go into a fair amount of detail about how to wire it up and tune it. Here are the wiring details, with pictures:

 

http://megasquirt.sourceforge.net/extra/edis-hardware.html

[rztmartini]

yea i saw those links after the fact, but thank you. i am really scared about soldering/wiring the actual board...but i guess i will have to try right?

[BRAAP]

You can purchase a pre assembled Mega Squirt already set up and configured for everything that you will need, i.e. Tacho output pin, EDIS ignition, and even control the electric cooling fan for the radiator.

 

I purchased my Mega Squirt already assembled from RS Autosport and the craftsmanship is first rate, (solder joints look nicer than the OE Datsun EFI stuff). DIY Auto tune also offers fully assembled systems and everyone that I’ve talked to including my partner Ron Tyler who had DIY do some work on his Mega Squirt, have had nothing but praise for their craftsmanship and customer service.

 

 

When digging for EDIS parts in the wrecking yard, from a Ford Exploder or Windstar with the V-6, you will need the “control module” and the “coil pack”. The control module will say EDIS-6 on it. This will be the EDIS-6 system which will work on pretty much any 6 cylinder engine, inline or V-6. (EDIS-4 for 4 cylinders, EDIS-8 for 8 cylinder engines.) From a Ford Escort, (4 cylinder, 1.9L, ) pull the damper and the VR sensor. That is what I used. You can use ANY 36-1 wheel from ANY Ford vehicle, just make sure you also get its matching VR sensor as the 36-1 crank trigger wheel and VR sensor ARE matched. For more details about this and other good tidbits of EDIS info I encourage you ALL to please read through our EDIS Test Bench thread linked below. LOTS of good technical information regarding the Ford EDIS ignition that will help anyone wanting use the Ford EDIS set up. There are also some great extended exposure pictures the EDIS system running on our test bench

 

http://www.msextra.com/viewtopic.php?t=14920

 

[rztmartini]

okaay...really stupid question: where is the EDIS6 unit located? i found a 2003 4.0L Ranger, will the coil pack and EDIS6 module work from this? i even called ford dealership and the guy didnt know where it was (honestly i think he didn't know what it was...he sounded kinda confused). so i got the 36-1 wheel and VR sensor, so should i get the other parts from this car? its pretty new so im guessing it should have a lot of life left in it...the guy wanted $60 for the coil pack and spark plug wires...deal or no deal? thanks!

[z-ya]

As Paul and myself have done, I would run a Chrysler coil pack. Paul can give you a better idea of what year and model. The nice part about the Chrysler coil packs is that they use standard HEI connectors. This gives you a lot more choices for spark plug wires, especially custom sets.

[Matt Cramer]

Later Fords ended up combining the ECU with the EDIS module; a 2003 Ranger would not have a separate module. I just searched on Alldata and it appears this disappeared sooner than I thought; 1994 may have been the last year for a separate EDIS module on the 4.0 V6.

[rztmartini]

so where would the EDIS unit be located on a pre 94 ford? is it noticeable (i havent looked on the older car yet)

[BRAAP]

so where would the EDIS unit be located on a pre 94 ford? is it noticeable (i havent looked on the older car yet)

 

If memory serves, it is located on the passenger side fender well, either behind or in front of the wheel well, or it maybe on the radiator core support, but still on the passenger side. I do remember it being hidden from “causal” view, but it is easy to access.

 

HTH….

[rztmartini]

thanks for the help. i really appreciate everyone's help!

[Metro]

It looks like you're going the EDIS route, but you could use your current distributor if you wanted. You just need to disconnect the vacuum advance and lock the mechincal advance by welding the arms so they don't move.

[rztmartini]

well.......

i was in the process of gathering all of the necessary EDIS parts and while i was going from junkyard to junkyard i came across an 83 ZXT for $500. so i guess im going to stick with that dizzy for now...

 

now i gotta do all the research for doing that setup...sheesh...lol. any pointers from the pros?

[twoeightythreez]

I'm running the '83 turbo dizzy in my Z with MSII. V3 board.

Don't forget to add a pullup resistor in the circuit. The MS V3.0 has a pullup circuit but it's not very strong, and it does not hurt to add one in the connector. (Mine is using a 4-pole trailer connector, as the Nissan one was messed up and I couldn't find a waterproof connector at any parts store anywhere to save my life, except for the trailer connector)

If you want to use EDIS (which I'm considering strongly for the future) good luck! (I wonder what you guys use to block the dizzy hole? You still need to center up the oil pump driveshaft!)

[z-ya]

Just make a aluminum plate to block off the distributor hole. You should use a gasket or silicone to seal it also. This on is a little ugly, and doesn't fit the greatest, but it keeps oil in the engine.