Want protection against knock, ping and detonation? This is the cheapest, easiest way to do it. Get a GM ESC controller and a knock sensor (with 100k olms resistance). Wire it as shown in the wiring diagram. This system does NOT control timing.... the vacuum and mechanical advances in the distributor do this. The ESC controller only adjusts timing if knock is detected. This system can be used on ANY engine that has a distributor and a magnetic pickup coil. It can be used on any four, six or eight cylinder engine. The module and/or coil can be externally located if need be. I would highly recommend adding a knock sensor to any engine that is high compression, supercharged or turbocharged.

 

Cool idea. Reminds me of the cheap boost retard with the 5-pin.
https://www.instructables.com/Dirt-c...harged-engine/

 

Yes, I read that article many years ago... very informative.

 

 

Question on knock sensors. Trouble shooting guide for code 43 (I believe) knock, says sensor should read about 3900 ohms? You mentioned 100k ohms and I have 4 knock sensors that all read in that range, 90 - 100k. So I assume the T/S guide is wrong. Are there knock sensors that are different or more desirable than others? Different in their ohm value I suppose. Different maybe for the size of the engine? 305 v 350?

 

The 3900 ohm knock sensors are used on ECMs that do not have an external ESC module, they are wired directly to the main ECM. The 100k ohm knock sensors are wired to an external ESC module, which is separate from the main ECM.

 

Thanks! Now I have to retrieve my T/S manuals from the dumpster.

 

https://youtu.be/cCsJxKWixSw

 

 

Not anything new...
But an Excellent Write-Up and Thread!

Nice Job!!!

 

Looking for a part Number for 3.9K ohm Knock Sensor. I have a 1989 Firebird Formula 350. I have ordered 3 already and all of them measured 100K Ohm. I test installed a 3.9K ohm resister in place of the Knock sensor and it worked perfect, no Check Engine light. Will not having the knock sensor plugged in make timing retard? Thanks

 

85-89 uses a 100k ohm knock sensor
90-92 tpi was 3.9k

 

if only this could be integrated into a Holley Sniper EFI using the Hyperspark!!!

 

Hi, also inspirated by this. I have ford duraspark II, and I bought yellow strain module which has 2 wires for 3 and 5 degrees of timing. But it doesnt work still for me. On idle i can pump into switches 4psi and then 8psi and I see that retard is working on timing light, but when i drive, when it hit 4psi by blower, engine shoots from pipes and look like dying.. I always step of from gas pedal to keep it steady.. Initial set is 8 and Im boosting 10psi maximum. Now i took retard wires off, put initial lower to 6, and in cruise and also in wot its. Running great, afr 12, sparkplugs looks ok.. But anyway when you boosting you need to retard total advance. Any advice?