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Dual Sync

Old Nov 5, 2024 | 01:53 PM
  #1  
BRYDENGTA's Avatar
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From: Mersea island near Colchester Essex
Car: ProCharged 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 383 stroker with TPiS miniram
Transmission: fully built 700R4
Axle/Gears: late model 4th gen axle
Dual Sync

Hi all, I have a built 383 stroker with a ProCharger and i am using the Terminator X with a FAST dual sync distributor.

I first started with the MSD dual sync but after having 2 pack up on me and my brother having the same issue I have now switched to the FAST one that has lasted longer but does not seem to pick up as well compared to the msd and some times breaks up at higher rpm (which i did hear that others had this issue) so i was wandering if there is another/better dual sync distributor that would work with the Terminator X.

I dont really want to have to strip back and go for the coil per cylinder set up as is a lot of money.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Old Nov 7, 2024 | 12:53 AM
  #2  
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From: Armstrong B.C.
Car: 1991 camaro Z28
Engine: Forged 370" LS turbo s488
Transmission: Built 4L80e FTI converter
Axle/Gears: MWC 9" 35 spline 3.25 gears
Re: Dual Sync

Choices are fairly limited. I've haven't heard anything good about any of the dual sync distributors. Lots of people having the exact same issues they're a real hit and miss.
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Old Nov 8, 2024 | 12:40 PM
  #3  
BRYDENGTA's Avatar
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From: Mersea island near Colchester Essex
Car: ProCharged 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 383 stroker with TPiS miniram
Transmission: fully built 700R4
Axle/Gears: late model 4th gen axle
Re: Dual Sync

Originally Posted by thatsupnow
Choices are fairly limited. I've haven't heard anything good about any of the dual sync distributors. Lots of people having the exact same issues they're a real hit and miss.

Yeah sadly i am starting to find that out.
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Old Nov 8, 2024 | 01:37 PM
  #4  
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From: Nebraska
Car: '89 Formula
Engine: 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt
Re: Dual Sync

I initially went with the Holley 6 EFI box and dual sync and had misfire issues at higher RPMs. Ended up switching to coil-on-plug, which seemed to help at least some.

If you do go that route, you can pick up cheap factory coils and don't have to get the expensive aftermarket stuff.

It's interesting to me that older cars seemed to do fine at higher Rs with more primitive distributors and technology. And now they just can't seem to do the job.

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Old Nov 8, 2024 | 10:55 PM
  #5  
thatsupnow's Avatar
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From: Armstrong B.C.
Car: 1991 camaro Z28
Engine: Forged 370" LS turbo s488
Transmission: Built 4L80e FTI converter
Axle/Gears: MWC 9" 35 spline 3.25 gears
Re: Dual Sync

Originally Posted by formularpm
I initially went with the Holley 6 EFI box and dual sync and had misfire issues at higher RPMs. Ended up switching to coil-on-plug, which seemed to help at least some.

If you do go that route, you can pick up cheap factory coils and don't have to get the expensive aftermarket stuff.

It's interesting to me that older cars seemed to do fine at higher Rs with more primitive distributors and technology. And now they just can't seem to do the job.

Is that any surprise that old stuff works fine and the new stuff sucks?? Just look at things like household appliances washers and dryers from the 70's and 80's are running better than new appliances today. It's not about quality anymore it's about how much money can we make
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Old Nov 9, 2024 | 07:26 AM
  #6  
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From: Nebraska
Car: '89 Formula
Engine: 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt
Re: Dual Sync

Truth. Which is also why you see storied and loved brands being bought up by private equity vultures and driven into the ground.

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Old Nov 9, 2024 | 07:53 PM
  #7  
thatsupnow's Avatar
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From: Armstrong B.C.
Car: 1991 camaro Z28
Engine: Forged 370" LS turbo s488
Transmission: Built 4L80e FTI converter
Axle/Gears: MWC 9" 35 spline 3.25 gears
Re: Dual Sync

Originally Posted by formularpm
Truth. Which is also why you see storied and loved brands being bought up by private equity vultures and driven into the ground.

Exactly.
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Old Nov 10, 2024 | 06:52 AM
  #8  
BRYDENGTA's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Mersea island near Colchester Essex
Car: ProCharged 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 383 stroker with TPiS miniram
Transmission: fully built 700R4
Axle/Gears: late model 4th gen axle
Re: Dual Sync

Originally Posted by formularpm
I initially went with the Holley 6 EFI box and dual sync and had misfire issues at higher RPMs. Ended up switching to coil-on-plug, which seemed to help at least some.

If you do go that route, you can pick up cheap factory coils and don't have to get the expensive aftermarket stuff.

It's interesting to me that older cars seemed to do fine at higher Rs with more primitive distributors and technology. And now they just can't seem to do the job.
What sort of set up have you got or how did you go about the coil per plug set up?
with the power and cam on my set up i need something that is reliable.
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Old Nov 10, 2024 | 03:39 PM
  #9  
formularpm's Avatar
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From: Nebraska
Car: '89 Formula
Engine: 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt
Re: Dual Sync

The HP software supports with the right configuration. I used Holley's cam sensor, which drops in the distributor hole and also runs the oil pump. So directly replaces the dual sync, but has a much more durable sensor.

Used a 36-1 crank trigger, and spliced both that and the cam signal into the existing harness. The crank trigger is supposed to be for "off-road use only", which is a cute way of saying that they can't help you and won't support mounting it with accessories. The damper snout has to be shortened to keep the crank pulley in line with the rest of the accessory drive, but it's doable. Also have to make sure that you can still center the pulley since the centering lip will now be pulled away from the damper.

Purchased some used LS coils (D514A style) off Ebay and fabbed a valve-cover mounts for the coils. Those came with the 4-to-1 harness, so just had to run two power wires to the coils via relay, ground on the heads, and run signal wires back to the ECU.

Here's what I did for the covers (was the most simple way I could come up with).Three brackets with two long bolts going through all four coils.



Looks like you're running a Procharger, so one word of caution. I'm working on my D1SC install now, and not sure how the air filter is ever going to fit with tall valve covers and coils on top. May be major clearance issues for you, but could really mount the coils anywhere close.

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Old Nov 11, 2024 | 12:17 PM
  #10  
BRYDENGTA's Avatar
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15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 35
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From: Mersea island near Colchester Essex
Car: ProCharged 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 383 stroker with TPiS miniram
Transmission: fully built 700R4
Axle/Gears: late model 4th gen axle
Re: Dual Sync

Originally Posted by formularpm
The HP software supports with the right configuration. I used Holley's cam sensor, which drops in the distributor hole and also runs the oil pump. So directly replaces the dual sync, but has a much more durable sensor.

Used a 36-1 crank trigger, and spliced both that and the cam signal into the existing harness. The crank trigger is supposed to be for "off-road use only", which is a cute way of saying that they can't help you and won't support mounting it with accessories. The damper snout has to be shortened to keep the crank pulley in line with the rest of the accessory drive, but it's doable. Also have to make sure that you can still center the pulley since the centering lip will now be pulled away from the damper.

Purchased some used LS coils (D514A style) off Ebay and fabbed a valve-cover mounts for the coils. Those came with the 4-to-1 harness, so just had to run two power wires to the coils via relay, ground on the heads, and run signal wires back to the ECU.

Here's what I did for the covers (was the most simple way I could come up with).Three brackets with two long bolts going through all four coils.



Looks like you're running a Procharger, so one word of caution. I'm working on my D1SC install now, and not sure how the air filter is ever going to fit with tall valve covers and coils on top. May be major clearance issues for you, but could really mount the coils anywhere close.

Thanks for all the info, something to look into. As i am running the Terminator X ecu system will have to work my wiring out for that.
Then crank sensor etc.

Yeah would have to find somewhere different for coils to mount because of the higher valve covers and ProCharger filter etc.




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Old Nov 11, 2024 | 01:17 PM
  #11  
17RamGTA's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 47
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From: Nebraska
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: 383/ procharger P1S-C
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: factory axle 3.73's
Re: Dual Sync

I am currently dealing with a dual sync issue as well, it starts missing at high RPM. I also have a 383 with a P1S-C and I am looking at going to coil on plug, but not sure how I wanted to deal with the crank pickup without spending a bunch of money. Just found this thread and will be doing some research on options.
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Old Nov 11, 2024 | 02:13 PM
  #12  
formularpm's Avatar
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20 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 988
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From: Nebraska
Car: '89 Formula
Engine: 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt
Re: Dual Sync

BRYDENDTA,
Yeah likely not going to work with that filter setup. Maybe you could mount coils on those support bars that go across the strut towers.

17RamGTA,
The triggers I researched weren't cheap, but I think there are a number of aftermarket ECUs that are capable of running COP.



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Old Nov 11, 2024 | 02:41 PM
  #13  
17RamGTA's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 47
Likes: 22
From: Nebraska
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: 383/ procharger P1S-C
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: factory axle 3.73's
Re: Dual Sync

I'm running a Terminator X, after some researching I might just replace the dual sync and see how long it last.
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Old Nov 11, 2024 | 04:24 PM
  #14  
BRYDENGTA's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Mersea island near Colchester Essex
Car: ProCharged 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 383 stroker with TPiS miniram
Transmission: fully built 700R4
Axle/Gears: late model 4th gen axle
Re: Dual Sync

Been looking at these

https://www.eficonnection.com/home/p...-early-engines
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Old Nov 11, 2024 | 08:16 PM
  #15  
formularpm's Avatar
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20 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 988
Likes: 57
From: Nebraska
Car: '89 Formula
Engine: 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt
Re: Dual Sync

Looks like it includes both the crank trigger and cam sync. That's a pretty good price.



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