I did a search and found quite a bit of information but I still have a few grey areas I am not clear on.

As I understand it, It is possible to eliminate the Distributor and use CNP with the 730 ECM and the eDIST.

I also understand that a Cam Synch is needed for the eDIST. The MSD 8514 Dist. plug with Cam Synch looks like it may work with the eDIST, since Monty Williams used on his vette, only difference is he had a F.A.S.T. ECM. (found in my searching)

The eDIST also requires a Distributor Reference Pulse (DRP). this is where I am confused.

Would this come directly from the ECM or would I get this from the wire coming from the HEI module that goes to the HEI coil?

OR

is this something in which I would need to install a crank trigger wheel and sensor?

My thinking is that I would get the DRP from the HEI Module's output to the coil, but I may be way off.

It does sound pretty straight forward once those connections are determined.

 

The eDist, needs a **Point** type signal, and a Cam Synch. You just leave all the wiring alone, other then interupting the EST line to the module.

You can eliminate the cap, and rotor, but you need the reference pulse generator parts in, to feed the ecm. You could use a crank trigger in lieu of the Distributor, but then you'd have to make sure the timing offsets are correct. The code has a provision in it for figuring out the *error* of the reference pulse generator, since it's in fact an A/C generator. Not a big deal, but something to remember when doing the tune.

I ran an eDist for about 2 years, with my GM ecm.

 

Thanks grumpy that helps..

I will do some more reasearch on it, I wonder if the Vortec Crank wheel and sensor will work with the eDIST. or even an aftermarket one would work I would guess.

 

Seems like. Just gotta tinker with which way the reluctor wires need to go.

Getting crazy now, with the Vortec, Optispark, LS1, 24 tooth shutters, not to mention the N* stuff.

 

Only thing I woudl be concerned with is a good starting point for timing in the ECM, I would also need to determine 'base' timing for whatever trigger wheel/sensor I would use on the crank.

the GM Vortec seems like a cheaper alternative to an aftermarket piece, Also with the aftermarket crank trigger wouldn't it offset the crank pulley when installed or would the crank trigger wheel go behind the balancer??

I never reaaly looked into it that deep.

 

On another topic. How have you been? Havn't seen you, or eddie in forever.

-- Joe

 

Doing good.. Eddie sold his F-body about 5-6 years ago.. He works alot and I don't really get a chance to talk to him much but I still try..

I still have my vette and I am always looking to change things, although having a family (2yr old boy and one on the way) keeps me from tinkering with it..

Thanks for asking!!!


Now if I can just find a pinout with info on the eDist...

 

Man it's been a while.

I'm putting an edist on my car as well. Bruce says you can use a dist out of a 90 caddy for the crank + cam signals.

Still trying to find somoene who has done that. It wouldn't be bad since you need something to spin the oil pump anyway.

-- Joe

 

Yeah it has been a while

As for the eDIST, I read that too about the caddy Dist, I was thinking of the Vortec Crank Trigger Wheel and then the MSD Dist Plug..

But like you said I have not seen one working yet.

 

back from the dead.(thanks search)

would a vortec trigger work w/ a dog bone(gear drive) since it will not work w/ a 2x roller?

 

IIRC, they are the same width at the crank gear so no.
You could measure to verify. But I don't remember the GD being that thin. You actually need to use a vortec TC I think.
Do a search on DrJ. He has a vortec crank trigger setup.

 

Cut and past from this post I made last week in the general tech forum. I got no responses.
From https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=311140

I'm going to attempt to add a cam sensor to my distributer. The idea is to run ls1 coils with the Edist. I have the edist, 8 ls1 coils, and a cam sensor from a 90's cadillac distributer. I want to add the cam sensor from the cadi dist, to my remote coil distributer from my TPI. I have a HSR, so I have to run the remote coil dist.

Has anyone here added a cam sensor to a small block chevy? I tried searching, but didn't find much of anything.
I'm not against installing a cam sensor in the timing cover, but I can't seem to find one.
I don't want to buy a duel sync distributer. Too expensive for my purpose.
any thoughts?

Here are a few pics of the cadi cam sensor
This is the optical sensor, with the distributer shaft.

Cam sensor installed

Cam sensor installed with Dist shaft. The shaft isn't all the way in.

 

Looks good from over here, just gotta remember that the eDist has to count x pulses before it fires the first coil, and then synch that to the right coil. Kinda a PITB the way they did that.

You also have to remember that there's no EST below like 375 RPM, so you have to drop that setting down in the code. Then you can feed the EST directly to the eDist.

For those that have the *ear*, they'll think you have a LS series engine when you start up, when you're done.

 

Are you going to use the Distributor for your crank reference

 

ok, found the cover pn#93800970

anybody have the rest?

 

I think someone posted all the p/n's.
Try a search on Vortec & crank on DIY Prom.
In case you haven't seen it. MSD cam sensor

 

Yep, I want to add the cam sensor to my existing Distributer. ANd keep the crank reference. I don't knwo if this will work, but it's a start. Otherwise, I hope to add the cam sensor to the timing cover. Or I can do the cam sensor from the dist, and get crank reference elsewhere.

Right now my priorities have changed. I have bad blow by on my motor. I'll be rebuilding it this month. Then I want to break it in before I start changing major components.

 

dont the eDist need a crank trigger also?

 

Yes
IIRC, they need a 4x and a 1/2x ie crank and cam.
What I don't know is what kind of signal they ea need to be.
VR or Hall.

 

This is how I modifyed my HEI distributor, converted to a 7 pin module.

 

eDIST info:

Crank reference signal
The eDist requires a crank reference signal that has been generated by an engine
management system or other ignition control system that generates a spark dwell signal.
The eDist cannot change the ignition timing, so the incoming dwell control signal must
already be properly timed. The signal should consist of a single pulse per cylinder. The
pulse may be a 0-12 volt pulse or a 0-5 volt pulse, and it may have either an active high or
active low dwell state.

Cam sensor installation
• The purpose of the cam sensor is to tell the eDist where in the firing order to start
counting. This helps to ensure that spark will occur in the appropriate cylinder at the
appropriate time.
• The cam sensor used with the eDist may be an inductive pickup or discrete-type /
hall-effect sensor. The eDist is compatible with either type.
• The cam signal should consist of a single pulse every 2 revolutions of the crankshaft.
• The normal range of ignition timing values is 10 to 45 degrees BTDC, typically. The
cam signal should be timed so that the cam pulse does not occur within 10 degrees
of this range. If the cam sensor signal is received within this range, the eDist may
not be able to properly discern the correct cylinder in the firing order.