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Do away with dizzy?

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Old 07-28-2003, 09:41 PM
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Do away with dizzy?

Ok, I know this isn't exactly a PROM burning topic, but it is a DIY-engine management thing, so I think it will fit here!

I have this hair-brained idea to get rid of the distributor on my car. I think all that I need for this is pretty simple. I need a crank sensor, which would be easily adapted from a newer small-block vortec engine (I already have this! I would just need to put the hole in the cover and install the sensor!) and I'm thinking I would use the Northstar ignition module. I haven't done all the legwork on this one yet (I intend to pull up some wiring diagrams tomorrow) but I'm just wondering if anyone else has tried this, or if there are any ideas floating in your heads that may help with this. If thigs work like I think they would, it would adapt to TPI, TBI, or even CC carbed apps!
Old 07-29-2003, 12:14 AM
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LOL, I started reading this and thinking: "The North Star ignition would be perfect for a (V8) DIS conversion."

There are other options for the crank trigger as I can see the cover conversion maybe having extra issues to deal with. like the trigger wheel, somehow attached to the crank, between the damper and the crank timing gear.

There are a couple of other options though:

You could make a bracket for the Crank Postion Sensor and a custom wheel that bolts onto the damper like an aftermarket crank trigger would, then spacing of the rest of the belt driven accessories could be done with shims and washers, to realign the belt, this will take a better look though.

If the NS ignition works like mine does on my V6 (which I believe it does) there will be 6 equally spaced notches, and a single home signal notch 10* before the #1 TDC notch. But this will also take some research into the NS specific ignition, to see what triggers it does need. I say six notches, because even the 4 cyl uses the same number of notches, it seems the module knows that it is a 4, 6 or 8 cylinder module.

Here is a pic of mine for my V6. Mine was custom and basically just mimicked the design of the factory crank trigger wheel, turned a few degrees due to the fact that the Crank Position Sensor now is "sooner" on the crank rotation than where GM put it.



A modified MSD crank trigger may also work, you would have to add an extra magnet at the proper position for the home signal.

The biggest problem I have heard is with the ECM, I know of one person who was trying this on their 3.4L OHV V6 in an S-10, with the stock ECM, and too date I have not heard any success. I have read though that it may be due to the trigger the ECM needs to see being inverted between the DIS and distributer signals, I have not been able to verify this however.

I'd be interested in hearing what you do find out.

Last edited by The_Raven; 07-29-2003 at 12:18 AM.
Old 07-29-2003, 06:26 AM
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If your really wanting to do the best possible ignition system, then all you need is a set of LS1 coils, an eDIst, and the right distributor. Then wire as necessary.

Just remember once you swap over, you don't have any ignition until you get a cam pulse. The reason for the odd looking DIS triggers is so that they can figure out what cylinder is firing next instead of having to wait around for cam signal.

But, the LS1 coils are worth it.
Old 07-29-2003, 06:57 AM
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The crank trigger would be all OEM GM stuff like on the 5.7 vortec truck engines, and I possibly mod the trigger wheel for a sync notch. The LS1 coils, I'm sure would be a better idea thoug... More thinking to go on this!
Old 07-29-2003, 11:14 AM
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What you want to do can be done with the correct trigger wheel; however, the Vortec 4X wheel is not even close to being correct. The N* DIS module can't read any trigger wheel input, only what the electronics is designed to decode.

Keep digging; you'll figure it out. we've done it here and it does work!
Old 07-29-2003, 02:17 PM
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Originally posted by Speartech

Keep digging; you'll figure it out. we've done it here and it does work!
If you've already figured it out, why not share it?.
Silly me I thought this list was about helping others, and sharing info..
Old 07-29-2003, 04:11 PM
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Because the guy sounds smart enough to figure some stuff out for himself. I think he can make the next logical step and say "hmmm, I wonder what the N* crank wheel looks like?"

I do this stuff for a living, so I don't have time to sit and roam the boards all day like some do.

I contribute when I can and in a way that I think is most beneficial. I could have ignored the post altogether (like you should've) and gone on, but it's interesting enough and the guy is on the ball enough that I thought I would give him some encouragement.

Silly you?.....I don't know, that could probably be a thread all of its own.
Old 07-29-2003, 04:37 PM
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Thats just plain weak. Everyone here doesnt act like that. If I know something someone else doesnt I make it clear and simple what to do. Anything else just makes it seem like you are makeing **** up. Whatever. I appreciate the people on this board that dont have to act like they are all knowing but dont share.
Old 07-29-2003, 07:52 PM
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Originally posted by Speartech
Because the guy sounds smart enough to figure some stuff out for himself. I think he can make the next logical step and say "hmmm, I wonder what the N* crank wheel looks like?"

I do this stuff for a living, so I don't have time to sit and roam the boards all day like some do.

I contribute when I can and in a way that I think is most beneficial. I could have ignored the post altogether (like you should've) and gone on, but it's interesting enough and the guy is on the ball enough that I thought I would give him some encouragement.

Silly you?.....I don't know, that could probably be a thread all of its own.
Hahaha,
but you do have time to roam the boards, if your not here to contribute then what are you doing?.
Most beneificial? Excuse me for laughing some more. Most beneifical would be saying this is how you do it, and explaining it. While he might get the drift of it, the idea of the board would appear to be helping everyone / anyone with sharing the how to do it. Not just playing some silly game.

Ya, would be easy to ignore alot of what gets said here and just look for info to use for commercial gain. But, to some the purpose is a two way deal with people charing info., not just commerical guys snooping out info to cash in on.

So how does one impliment what you've inferred works?. Or are you here just to snoop out info to cash in on?.
Old 07-29-2003, 08:12 PM
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LOL

Anyway, I'm sure you will find that a trigger wheel will trigger the ignition, since hmm, well, all ignitions need some sort of trigger and where do those triggers come from? well most look like wheels, like trigger wheels. Even distributers have parts that you could call a trigger wheel although they are usually refered to as points or reluctors. The ECM just controls the timing.
Old 07-29-2003, 08:23 PM
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Well, I DID have a chance to scope out what the Northstar crank wheel looks like (the shop at which I work at pays thousands of dollars for the software, so I make every use of it that I can!)

If you have some ideas that would make it possible to use such a setup, let me in on it, or if it's only something that is available commercially, link me, but please don't drop in here and just "tease" people with "I've done it"....

Now, in keeping myself from spouting off about board etiquette (sp?), Back to topic.

It seems the Northstar system is a bit more complex than I had anticipated. It uses 2 crank sensors, and a a higher resolution reluctor wheel (many more teeth), along with a high resolution cam sensor. Far more than I thought it would be, so, I think I'm dropping that particular system. I was thinking (more like hoping) that it would be as simple as the late 80's 2.8/3.1 FWD DIS, where I could simply use a modified vortec crank wheel. I have a few other ideas in mind, such as the vortec distributor, LS1 system....who knows what else I may come up with.

On a final note.....Thanks to the ones that have the time to sit and roam the boards "all day". These guys have some great experience that I have learned from by just spending a few hours a wekk on these boards...
Old 07-29-2003, 09:05 PM
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I guess my main issue is finding an ignition system (I think Grumpy mentioned the eDist???) that will work with the GM ECM timing control....

I was interested in keeping with OE parts for that reason, along with parts availability. I'll see what else I can turn up!

BTW....Any linkage for the eDist?
Old 07-29-2003, 09:09 PM
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JP8, look deeper into the northstart system I have a feeling it's set-up ALOT like the newer V6 SFI, where the crank sensor runs to the ignition and the 24x crank sensor and cam sensor both go to the ECM and are used for the fuel delivery aspect more.

I do have the access to the files you do, but I seem to know how GM thinks on a lot of different areas, and they also seem to like simiarity between different engines, platforms etc.

Last edited by The_Raven; 07-29-2003 at 11:52 PM.
Old 07-29-2003, 09:15 PM
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Well, I agree with the thinking of similarity between platforms....Until you get to Cadilac. I'm not so sure I want to go through with makinga trigger wheel for it. I do have someone that could EASILY turn out something like that (I could if I had access to the equipment!) but I'm still not liking the 24x for the cam. Maybe I'll get my hands on a module/coils and paly around with it.

Thanks for all the help so far!
Old 07-29-2003, 09:32 PM
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Quick update...

I found the eDist on th web, but I have yet to see any pricing. They only have 1 distributor in the state (Ohio), and it's not near me. I may have to put in some phone calls soon to see what's out there.

I also need to know if it will work with the GM ECM timing stuff (EST system)
Old 07-29-2003, 10:07 PM
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i think there are a few aftermarket crank triggered ignition systems.....

theres also a company that sells a LS1 coil pack conversion

might want to look into how thoes work......
Old 07-29-2003, 10:14 PM
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Originally posted by Speartech

I do this stuff for a living, so I don't have time to sit and roam the boards all day like some do.

I contribute when I can and in a way that I think is most beneficial.

....................................
To: gmecm@diy-efi.org
Subject: Re: DIS for GMECM
From: Speartech <speartec@iquest.net>
Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2000 23:26:07 -0500
Reply-to: gmecm@diy-efi.org
Sender: owner-gmecm@lists.diy-efi.org
...................................

No words can cover this.
Old 07-29-2003, 10:17 PM
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Originally posted by JP84Z430HP
Quick update....

I found the eDist on th web, but I have yet to see any pricing. They only have 1 distributor in the state (Ohio), and it's not near me. I may have to put in some phone calls soon to see what's out there.

I also need to know if it will work with the GM ECM timing stuff (EST system)
I've been running an eDist on my GN with LS1 coils for almost 2 years now. using the oem 148 ecm.

Just tied the oem module to coil connections with 1K resistors, and then used the negative side of the resistors as the EST signal to the eDist.

The FAST ecm generates an EST signal at crank speeds where as the GM ignitions use the module only for crank.

I think retail is about $300 on them.
Old 07-29-2003, 10:32 PM
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im going to help a bit here. those 2 cranks signals arent needed. you need the low res 9 pulse wheel pattern. you may discard the cam as well the icm is simply converting the vrs into a halleffect. the secondary 27 tooth wheel is primarily to help the icm determine where the crank is in 180 of first crank. i might be wrong which ever whel has an offset tooth will be the one to copy. you can discard one of the crank signals im a bit fuzzy on which one im being honest here. now to rn that for boos youll need $8f in a 727/730 and for non boost any dis v6 code will work. if you wish to run * 58 theres a few thing need to happen code wise or any other non dis code. the min and max advance setting must be swapped with each other. secondly discrad the 24x 6x ref line and use the tach ouput for your ref pulse. the ecm will go bongo otherwise.

just advice and tidbits ive picked up putting a dis gm ecm together for my accord and my caprice with tpi. peace out.

or you could use 2 4cyl dis modules and run the sensors 180 out of phase and tie the est and the ref lines etc into a t . being 180 out of phase though will require experimenting with the firing order to get it right. but just make sure to put a clamping diode onto the est ect ect before the t going to the ecm so you dont get a back feed.

Last edited by funstick; 07-29-2003 at 10:47 PM.
Old 07-29-2003, 10:54 PM
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Thanks Funstick for your HELPFUL input. I may not scrap the Northstar setup after all. I'm gonna have to look at the documentation I printed out at work (and forgot to bring home!) and see what I can do! This could be getting interesting!

I was actually thinking what it would take to get 2 4 cyl modules runnig together, but that would still require a special trigger wheel. Even though the thing doesn't do anything on the "extra" notches (the ones the v-6 would use) it has to see them, correct? If I have to make a trigger wheel, I would rather just go with the Northstar system.... One up-side to using both crank sensors would be faster starting (theory). I know, the 3800's "Fast start" system didn't seem any different in starting times to me though!

As for the eDist setup, it sounds like you still HAVE to run the original ignition module. I'd really rather not have that thing even near the car! (I just don't care for the modules in the HEI stuff! At first, the DIS stuff wasn't any better, maybe worse, but it's come a long way!)

I have some time to think about this, and maybe even experiment on the S-10 before the V-8 goes into it.

BTW.....Anyone ever run a TBI setup with a 730? I'm thinking about trying it on the 2.8 S-10 and using a MEMCAL from a 2.8 MPFI to get the KS circuitry correct. This is a temporary project to get into the ECM tuning.....
Old 07-29-2003, 10:59 PM
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SO the northstar ICM operates (interfaces with the ECM) pretty much the same as the good ole 2.8/3.1 ICM I've seen since 1987? Interesting...... Must not be that bad a design....
Old 07-29-2003, 11:07 PM
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Originally posted by funstick
if you wish to run * 58 theres a few thing need to happen code wise

What things have to happen code wise, to allow DIS to from Distributor code?.
Old 07-29-2003, 11:15 PM
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but that would still require a special trigger wheel
nope 7 notch's crunch the math youd be firing 4 cyliners per revolution same as a regular dizzy. youd just have to pair the throw that are 180* apart. IE throw 1- 4 woul be on coil 1-4 with cyliners 1-8 being on one half of each module. the cylinders

i think with 2 moduels it would work ut in pairs

1-4
3-7
5-8
2-6

with coils on the tdc module firing

1,3,5,7
and thre bottom pair

2,4,6,8

or something like that id have to pull out a crank and walk through the firing order. mind you 2 4cyl moduels new with coils are still cheaper the 1 n* dis module
Old 07-29-2003, 11:20 PM
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if you wish to run * 58 theres a few thing need to happen code wise or any other non dis code. the min and max advance setting must be swapped with each other
i already stated what needed to change. also and i havent had a chance to confirm this but someone else is the regular dis module puts out a 6x ref pulse ( which i blieve is the spark advance gremlin that an umentioned person ) was having. just toss the 6x and use the tach. its not being biased by the dwell like a coiil would so ref pulse capture times will be a normalized square wave stable output.but again i stated this like 3 months ago and the $58 buick the apeared coincedence ?


on second thought the crank sensor for a dual modul setup need to be 90* apart ill explian tommorow when the codine wears off from me breaking my hand today.

Last edited by funstick; 07-29-2003 at 11:27 PM.
Old 07-30-2003, 12:04 AM
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Originally posted by JP84Z430HP
SO the northstar ICM operates (interfaces with the ECM) pretty much the same as the good ole 2.8/3.1 ICM I've seen since 1987? Interesting...... Must not be that bad a design....
Yes, that is how I believe the N* system works, as I stated I don't have much access to the important info, like you do, but I do remeber reading a long time ago about there being similarities between the I4 (2.0L OHV), V6 (60*V6) and the V8 system (I think the N* is the only one to use this design), and that the trigger wheels are the same between all 3, the ICM seems to know how many coils are attached to it and decodes the pulses internally. I can't verify the N* trigger wheel design, but I do know for a fact that the I4 and V6 trigger wheels are identical in number of notches and spacing of each, I had both cranks sitting side by side when comparing. This is where the info you have access to at work will be VERY helpful.

Just so you can see the physical similarities between the V6 coil pack and the N* coil pack, here is a picture of mine.



The code will still have to be worked out, but I have a feeling funstick, knows how.
Old 07-30-2003, 06:26 AM
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Originally posted by funstick
i already stated what needed to change. also and i havent had a chance to confirm this but someone else is the regular dis module puts out a 6x ref pulse ( which i blieve is the spark advance gremlin that an umentioned person ) was having.
Might try confiriming it first, because what you posted doesn't work, at least with the GN mechanicals.
On the GN DIS the tach signal output isn't even used.
Old 07-30-2003, 06:28 AM
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Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2000 23:26:07 -0500
From: Speartech <speartec@iquest.net>
Subject: Re: DIS for GMECM
Sender: owner-gmecm@diy-efi.org
To: gmecm@diy-efi.org

I'll just let this go without comment.
For the new guys got to DIYEFI.ORG and click on GMECM, then archives, then Dec 2000, and then look under authors and then this date.
Old 07-30-2003, 10:50 AM
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On the GN DIS the tach signal output isn't even used

hhmm i wonder why ?? ahh becuase it doesnt carry the proper signals for the ecm to calculate crank and cam position so it wouldnt be able to run sequetially
Old 07-30-2003, 12:40 PM
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Originally posted by funstick
hhmm i wonder why ?? ahh becuase it doesnt carry the proper signals for the ecm to calculate crank and cam position so it wouldnt be able to run sequetially
Hahahaha,
The tach signal is for the TACH. The EST and Cam Synch are for the timing and fuel. Your the one that inferred it had something to do with anything ecm wise, which it doesn't.

Since it has nothing to do with anthing ecm wise, why did you even mention it as a source of the problem for the other guy?.

Never mind........
Old 07-30-2003, 06:10 PM
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Ok, I looked into the Northstar system a bit more, and I think it would actually be pretty simple! Since I have a few different sources for machine work, and some CAD background (I'm rusty on it though!) I think I could easily, and relatively inexpensively do this.

For a trigger wheel, I was thinking about just having some notches put into a harmonic balancer, then fabbing up a bracket to hold the sensor, and I could even design in some timing adjustment. My other thought was to make an internal reluctor wheel that would go in the place of the Vortec wheel, that would have the proper notches in it, and use the Vortec sensor.

One thing I need ot find out is where on the Northstar reluctor wheel is #1 TDC in order to get it to work......

The bad news of all this is that it would be several months before I could implement this, unless the wiring/signals would be compatible with my carbed HEI (CCC) system (LG4). If it would work with what I'm running right now, this could be just a few weeks off.

Again, thanks for all the info! Even if this doesn't work, or if I don't get to do it, I have definately learned some here, and I know we all can appreciate a good learning experience!
Old 07-30-2003, 06:22 PM
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Originally posted by JP84Z430HP

The bad news of all this is that it would be several months before I could implement this, unless the wiring/signals would be compatible with my carbed HEI (CCC) system (LG4). If it would work with what I'm running right now, this could be just a few weeks off.
According to the posting at the other web site, the NS would work with a 730, and I've used CCC distributors with TBIs so by extension it should all be compatible. The connectors differ, but the color codes line up.
Old 07-30-2003, 07:29 PM
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Well, as soon as I can get my hands on one, I'll have to give it a spin.....Or no spin, or.......
Old 07-30-2003, 10:08 PM
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I also thought about notching the harmonic balancer, but due to the design of what it is supposed to do, the notches would not be a true refernce signal to crank postion and would most likely cause an out of balance situation.

Take a look at MSD, thay make custom trigger kits that use bolts with a magnet in the head, that are ment for custom instalations into the flywheel, but that may be more work than it's worth for this. You would also need to use the MSD sensor.

There was one guy on the diy-efi list that used bolts welded to the crank pulley at the proper postions and that worked for him, using the stock sensor, depending on space this may also be feasable.

I feel that the trigger wheel based off the OEM design would probably work best.
Old 07-31-2003, 05:57 AM
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Originally posted by The_Raven
I also thought about notching the harmonic balancer, but due to the design of what it is supposed to do, the notches would not be a true refernce signal to crank postion and would most likely cause an out of balance situation.


I feel that the trigger wheel based off the OEM design would probably work best.
Just use the boat pieces, and bolt it up.
Old 07-31-2003, 09:21 AM
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Take a look at MSD, thay make custom trigger kits that use bolts with a magnet in the head, that are ment for custom instalations into the flywheel, but that may be more work than it's worth for this. You would also need to use the MSD sensor.
only one problem with that idea. MSD uses a hall effect which is a positive baised square wave signal the factory sensor on most DIS applications is a VRS or variable reluctance sensor which has an AC voltage swing. the controller needs to see that swing from positive to negative or more acurately the zero crossing for it to work properly. i looked into using a hall effect on my honda project but the biggest issue was converting the hall effect signal into a VRS signal and that was no small feat btw.
Old 07-31-2003, 06:20 PM
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The MSD stuff will not work as it is used with a distributor, either normal mount or front mount. It doesn't have a TDC reference. AFAIK, no one has gotten a V8 DIS to work with waste spark and the factory ECM. And if someone has made it work, that person ain't saying. There has been some really good theory flying around, but no actual running system. Aftermarket ecm's and DIS is another story.
Old 07-31-2003, 06:37 PM
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I only suggested the MSD parts, because it was suggest it may work with the factory ignition module, at least when we were discussing my set-up. The home signal can be added as MSD now makes a universal trigger kit where you add the notches where they must go. But if the signal will not work with the factory DIS, that is the larger problem. regardles of how the trigger wheel was designed to be used with/for.

You could always just use their brackets to hold the factory crank trigger, I don't remember if you can but each part seperate or not.

Grumpy, what do you mean by "boat pieces"?

Funstick, can you explain a little more in depth, about the differences in signals, AFAIK, the only difference between the 2 designs is that one has the magnet mounted in the sensor (GM) and the MSD use the magnets in the wheel. Is it because of teh magnet being mounted in the sensor, probably inside a coil that causes the A/C swing that you are talking about? That is about all I can think of.
Old 07-31-2003, 06:42 PM
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Originally posted by The_Raven


Grumpy, what do you mean by "boat pieces"?

Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2000 23:26:07 -0500
From: Speartech <speartec@iquest.net>
Subject: Re: DIS for GMECM
Sender: owner-gmecm@diy-efi.org
To: gmecm@diy-efi.org

Exactly!! Makes me think back to the LT1 Optispark distributor. All the hoopla about 1 degree resolution with the 360 deg optical sensor, and then go and hook it all together with a timing chain and a little splined drive off the front of the camshaft! Many folks are unaware of the fact that when the LT1's were used in the Mastercraft ski boats, they used the Northstar DIS, NOT the Optispark. The Nstar reluctor wheel mounts on the back of the harmonic balancer, and a new timing chain cover is used with the 2 crank sensor mounting saddles cast right into the cover. It's a neat little package! The 2 crank sensors feed directly into the full-function DIS module, it decodes and processes the signals, and then you have the usual connection to the ECM (REF HI, REF LO, BYPASS, and EST. In the marine application they used the MEFI-2 controller, but hey, it COULD have been a 730/727 controller.



Look at the front of the left head.... HMMMMMMM!!!

BW

Last edited by SATURN5; 07-31-2003 at 07:10 PM.
Old 07-31-2003, 08:00 PM
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now thats pretty kewl i was unaaware of the n* dis modules being used on boats hmm i may have to call mercruiser and get a balancer and a timing cover.

As for the signals the pole pie e on the GM vrs sensor generate an AC volatge. it works like an A/C genrator when the metal goes by it creates current when there is a notch. the magnatic feild collapses and createts a signal.

when a hal effect is used there is not pole piece its a bit of metal wrapped with a coil and create a DC feild. this DC filed only goe in one direction towards positive. thats why you need a manget in the trigger wheel to create a field.but the filed only goe in one direction.

the VRS is A/C current and when the notch moves by halfway across its span the current goes from positive to negative. when this occurs there is a a zero crossing. the DIS module is looking for this change from positive to negative. thats how it determine where the teeth are and that one even went by. dalec electronics sells all varietys and sizes of vrs sensor. im currently using a wells cps1 which is a ford edis snesor. it has wiring built in and is extermly easy to mount because it can be clamped or glue or how ever you need to fasten it. its also a great deal smaller then a factory sensor making it much easier to work with. but the airgap needs to be fairly tight for it to generate enough volatge to work effectively. so runout becomes paramount.
Old 07-31-2003, 08:21 PM
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Hmmm...Are the "Boat Pieces" still available? I would think so, but I'm just guessing.... That sounds like it may be the way to go though.

I think I'm still gonna do a CAD drawing of what I was htinking, which sounds pretty much the same as the boat pieces minus the second sensor hole...

This system is almost putting itself together!

AFAIK, no one has gotten a V8 DIS to work with waste spark and the factory ECM.
Read earlier in the post, it has been done!
Old 07-31-2003, 08:58 PM
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This is $58 specific, however should provide clues for other masks.

To: gmecm@efi332.eng.ohio-state.edu
Subject: Hallelujah, I figured it out, or How to use a SyTy .bin with DIS
From: Tedscj@aol.com
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 21:28:24 EST
Reply-to: gmecm@efi332.eng.ohio-state.edu
Sender: owner-gmecm@efi332.eng.ohio-state.edu

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I figured out how to get the reference pulses in sync with a SyTy .bin

I'll try to make this short but complete.
The Reference Pulse put out by the DIS module to the ECM is 70 degrees too far
advanced in comparison to what a HEI module would put out. So when the ECM
sends back the EST signal, it too is 70degrees too far advanced. Needless to
say, this causes drivability problems.

In Promgrammer '98, which programs SyTy bins, there is a KREFANGL value.
According to the P4 document (which describes the inner workings of the SyTy
Eprom) this KREFANGL is supposed to adjust for any difference between TDC and
the Reference Pulse timing.

The problem I was having is that no matter what value I put in for the
KREFANGL, nothing happened or changed.

So the solution is in KMAXRTRD2. This, according to the P4 Document is
supposed to be the maximum amount of retard *relative to KREFANGL*.
Apparently this is wrong. When I adjusted this value to 70dgrees it allowed
me to adjust KREFANGL back 70 degrees. And now everything is timed right.

So to sum up: You adjust KMAXRTRD2 to 70 and KREFANGL to 70, and then EST
signal comes in sync with the DIS module and everything SEEMS to be working.

Ted

PS The 70 degrees comes from: 60degrees is how far the reference pulse is
off PLUS 10degrees is how far advanced the DIS is in EST BYPASS mode for a
total of 70degrees.


To sum up...

A northstar coil pack (early) along with a northstar reluctor wheel or facimile on the crank, with the above mentioned timing cover and adjustments to the bin file.. should get you in the ballpark. Lots of reading in the GMECM/DIYEFI archives....
Old 07-31-2003, 09:08 PM
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I know this may sounds simple (Or even stupid) but is it possible that the DIS trigger wheel was/is 60 degrees asdvanced? I guess I'm just not catching on tho this right now, maybe after I look at it a bit more....

I plan to mess with a V-6 DIS setup on a non DIS setup if I can get the trigger wheel made easily enough...

The Raven....Did you have to do anything to get your DIS working? What ECM and base .bin are you working with?

Last edited by JP84Z430HP; 07-31-2003 at 09:10 PM.
Old 07-31-2003, 09:16 PM
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BTW the min and max advance setting need to be swapped and the ref angle is fine BTW. plus you cant use the 6x ref you have to use the tach output. the 6x signal screw up the tpu code in the $58 code. but then again what would i know ?
Old 07-31-2003, 10:40 PM
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Originally posted by funstick
BTW the min and max advance setting need to be swapped and the ref angle is fine BTW. plus you cant use the 6x ref you have to use the tach output. the 6x signal screw up the tpu code in the $58 code. but then again what would i know ?
At times I do wonder...

Have you ever run DIS on a TPI V8?... or is this your Honda with fragile axles?

That chap has..
Old 08-01-2003, 12:04 AM
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Originally posted by JP84Z430HP
I know this may sounds simple (Or even stupid) but is it possible that the DIS trigger wheel was/is 60 degrees asdvanced? I guess I'm just not catching on tho this right now, maybe after I look at it a bit more....
I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if according to the info reposted above, if you were to attach the trigger wheel 60 degrees "retarded" if it would all line up in sync.

IIRC the home signal on my crank was at #1 TDC, or just before, but I'll have to drop the crank in the block I'm working on now to verify, but then again, V8 and V6 home signals may not be in sync relative to #1 in comparison.

Originally posted by JP84Z430HP
I plan to mess with a V-6 DIS setup on a non DIS setup if I can get the trigger wheel made easily enough...

The Raven....Did you have to do anything to get your DIS working? What ECM and base .bin are you working with?
I took the "easy way out" so far, I used a 1988 V6 Cavalier ECM and PROM, since I don't have any working way of programming PROMs just yet, hopefuly in the next week or so, after I get all that I am thinking of playing with some .bins that were not originally intended to be used with a DIS set-up, but I will only know what I will do, just before I do it. I know that doesn't help your situation but that's what I am doing at this point.

I am very interested in knowing what is to be changed in a "non DIS .bin" and so I continue to read this thread.
Old 08-01-2003, 06:56 AM
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We've been told what needs to be changed, but my issue is that I just don't quite understand why! I really need to get my hands on the source code for each, and learn it inside out, then I'm sure I could get it....

For my V-6 project, I planned on trying pretty much the same thing you did. I was going to start with a .bin from a DIS car to get it working, as it should be close to what I need anyway. This has me REALLY thinking now! I suppose I could get an F-car .bin from a 91-92 3.1 car and see what I can do....

Now for the toughy, where can I get commented disassemblies of the code for various apps? I've only seen a couple floating around, and I really want to learn what's goin on with the stuff! Otherwise, how does one do such a task? I'm sure it's very time consuming, and would probably require an ECM bench....
Old 08-01-2003, 07:00 AM
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funstick, I don't think this is relevant to the thread but what are you talking about with the hall effect making dc voltage? A pick up coil or hall effect will make ac voltage but it's not the voltage that matters. If you don't bellieve that a hall effect will run a GM module, you're crazy. MSD dist's and Chrysler dist's are hall effect and guess what, they will run a GM module as the break in the signal is what's being used. The module processes the info and sends it to the ecm as square wave DC.

And JP84, knock yourself out building a system but I will stick to my earlier research into this. No one has made it work with a factory ecm (165/730). Again, notice where it says it "should work with a 727/730". And the few people that have gotten it to work have not been V8 cars. Don't think for a moment that there won't need to be any code changes.
Old 08-01-2003, 07:08 AM
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Beatin up the Hall Effect vs. VR sensor is a non issue. I think it's just as easy to find a vr sensor to fit the application that the module will DEFINATELY take correctly.

There is np reason that it won't work. It uses the same signals between the ECM and module that the V6 unit does, and most of the V6's use a 730 ECM. Now, I could just start with a V6 bin, a V8 memcal, and make the V6 bin do the things I want! This is why I want to get into source code early on in my experience with chip burning....
Old 08-01-2003, 10:51 AM
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Originally posted by SATURN5
At times I do wonder...

Have you ever run DIS on a TPI V8?... or is this your Honda with fragile axles?

That chap has..
ive bench run the $58 with the DIS never on the car but it works when you use the method i descirbed. im working on the tpi SI setup now. trigger wheel is still a bit buggy. im toying with using an LS1 pcm since i have the ls1 crank sensor wheel. but at any rate the $58 and dis does work when you use the method i described. im not sure how to make a DIS code run regular module however. theres some TPU control code differnces that are difficult to iron out.
Old 08-01-2003, 03:07 PM
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Everyone here obviously knows a lot more them me on this but I have a few basic questions. I brought up the idea of using a LS1 PCM before for DIS and it quickly got bashed and the topic died, wouldn’t that just be the easiest way to go for DIS? Also some 730 cars came with DIS, so would you have to use that code if you want to use the N* Coil packs?


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