"Bruce, that CNP looks SO cool , makes me want to wait off on the whole 6 speed swap....hmm....if I can find the coils for under $100 I'll do it."
reply from Grumpy: "At 6K RPM you have 10 msec for one crank revolution. Four sylinders will fire during that time, meaning each cylinder firing allows for 2.5 MSECs for the coil to charge and fire.

You can do one of two things, go CD which the trade is that you get the voltage, but at a limited amperage (short spark), or with CNP you can get both voltage and amperage since you have all the time in the world to charge each coil.

Coils were $35 a pop, but that took some shopping to find."


Okay, I can get em used $200 a full set. Still a little expensive considering that is only for the coils. What else is needed? I saw that E-dist piece of hardware and that was what, $300? What else do I need? A crank or cam position sensor but from what and where? There was some talk at the pow-wow about using a 96+ vortec truck distrib, does that have the sensor built in?
Are there any other ideas instead of using the CNP's off of an LS1? I'm just babbling here but somebody mentioned using 2 sets from a 4 banger Escort or some other 4 cylinder CNP system.
I'm really interested in doing this swap considering my dissy has a solid 160k miles on it, rotor is rusted solid on the shaft AND I'm still using original coil . This could be a huge advantage in the long run.

 

FAST makes what's called an eDIST.
for any DIS or CNP you need a cam and a crank signal.
MSD had announced they were going to do a series of EFI distributors for getting both signals. However, at the POWWOW we discussed some other alternatives. They will take some time to research. Experimenting isn't for those looking for instant gratification, some of this stuff takes time, and even then fails. There is an individual that has the majic parts, and we're just waiting to hear back on it all.

 

I don't expect instant gratification. I think I've proven that with my determination to run with TBI and do with what I've got.
When you hear about the parts, please let me know just incase I don't catch it on the diy-efi list. I just want to make sure that there are the parts to make it happen on a 1st gen SBC, not an olds like Bob was talking about.
If you need help/want help installing that bus intercooler let me know. I'll drive out so long as you give me a ride in it .
About the CNP, that e-dist looked WAY too easy to build diy...are there any guys thinking about doing a copy or is that too illegal?
Sorry for the game of a thousand questions, I'm just kind of excited about the idea of even more technology on a budget small block. First it was the heads, then the EFI, I'm also thinking about slapping in an Lt1 cam that I picked up for $10. The CNP project would be the icing on the cake.
Who should I contact about helping out?

 

How does the e-Dist get it's timing curve? Do you program a curve into it or is there someway to interface the ECM into it to control the timing curve?

I've read all (what little I can find) the info on FAST's website and I can't find an answer to that one question.

TIA,

 

The eDIST just installs between the ecm and coils, you need to incorporate the stock ignition module, into it.

It just synchs the regular coil pulses, to fire the coils in the proper order.

I don't recall seeing any patent numbers on it, but it's not a rocket science devise. The trick with stuff like this is proper component selection. The stuff has to be bullet proof.

 

It uses all the regular ignition module wires, and just organizes the signals to fire the coils. All you add is the cam synch pulse and you're ready to go.

 

How much power are you going to get cnp vs hei on a 400 hp engine?I understand it's a better system.

 

I was there at the powwow on Sunday and got to see the GN also, It was definatly an interesting site. Got Boost? I would like to see some results of the CNP on a SBC myself.

 

I don't know what the HP number would be,
but starting and cold running is MUCH better.
And the transistonal stuff is much crisper.
There is more to life then WOT, well, a little anyway.

Was nice meeting you and putting faces with names.

Bob V is in the process of installing an eDIST on his Olds. Will be interesting to hear his report.

While I did add a litle fuel at WOT, Tween the coils and plenum I've added a new dimension to the car.