I am new at the DFI so this question may seem a little dumb. With the DFI, do you check the timing on the motor the normal way? How do you know when the motor is totally advanced? Do I have to disonnect a certain wire to change the timing?

 

I'm assuming that you are talking about the Accel/DFI, right?

To set the timing properly, first link up to the ecu and "save all spark tables in a file". Now while linked to the ecu, set all of the values (all 64) for the spark table to the same value, like 18deg. Then start up the car, and hold the rpm's to about 1500 r's (the only reason for this is to bypass the "idlespark" control). If you try to do this at idle, the ecu constantly changes the timing.

Now use a dial back type timing light and set the distributer to match the 18deg (while at about 1500 r's). When done reprogram all spark tables from the previously saved file.

[This message has been edited by TunedPort350 (edited May 03, 2001).]

 

So if I do not have the CALMAP software, i cannot change the timing? I had a shop do the tuning on the car with their computers.

 

I don't know of any other way. FYI, before I put the Accel/DFI ecu in I had the base timing set at 6deg with the stock ecm. After I installed the Accel/DFI I checked the timing (as I stated in my previous post) and when I checked it, it was right on and I didn't have to move the distributer at all.

So if you just disconnect the ESC connector (just like you would for a stock ecm) and set your base timing to 6deg, I think that you will be REAL close.

One other thing to remember is that will the electronic timing control, you will not have a typical (ie..vacuum or mech. advance) spark curve. With the elecronic control you have the ability to have a completely different curve based on rpm vs. load. So you can't just rev up to 2500 r's and set your total timing. Check out page 5-7 of this manual, it better explains this.

http://www.mrgasket.com/ftp/pdf/EMIC.pdf

Actually you might want to download and save the whole thing...in case you decide to get calmap...which I highly recommend

[This message has been edited by TunedPort350 (edited May 03, 2001).]

 

P.S.

Most of the DFI guys (not that there are many of us) hang around in the DIY Prom board... You might want to post any DFI or Calmap questions there for more/quicker responses.

 

The main thing about setting the timing with the Accel DFI is that you sync the map for your spark table to the actual timing you set at the distributer. Calmap suggests you use 6 degrees...I use 10 degrees just because it's easier to keep my motor running.