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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 10:14 AM
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Default using MSD distributor with factory computer

im needing a way to have a programable spark curve and i have see guys use the MSD distributor and the "gold msd box".... what parts do i need and how do i do this?

thanks,

Tyler
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 12:17 PM
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i have seen pictures of these cars.... like madman's builds.... someone tell me!!!
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 12:34 PM
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You can use a wegner (sp) machine front cover/distributer drive or run a pro stock style front distributer off a jesel belt drive.

You can use a front crank trigger along with a digital seven (I assume traction control is what you are after) and use the stock PCM for fueling I suppose. But by the time you spend all that you will be well over BS3/XFI money and that will do what you want.

The stock PCM has a very programmable timing curve
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by kp
You can use a wegner (sp) machine front cover/distributer drive or run a pro stock style front distributer off a jesel belt drive.

You can use a front crank trigger along with a digital seven (I assume traction control is what you are after) and use the stock PCM for fueling I suppose. But by the time you spend all that you will be well over BS3/XFI money and that will do what you want.

The stock PCM has a very programmable timing curve

in SD i cant seem to get the timing tables to work worth crap... i can only change the WOT timing from 4000k up by using the "lowest timing" table or whatever its called..... i'd like to use the IAT for timing control but nothing seems to work right since i went into SD....
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 04:40 PM
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also the digital msd box appeals to me cause i have a good friend who is very well aquainted with going fast and all he knows is msd digital boxes and distributers.... his knowledge and awareness is something im looking to get along with tuneability...
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 04:41 PM
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i see guys use BS3 and other EMS with the MSD stuff and cant think of a reason why they use the MSD except that, that is what they are used to using and can use it very effeciently...
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 05:07 PM
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I think most guys are using the distributer/msd to get more spark energy and high rpm stability more then using the traction control aspect of the box. The COP ignition is great but somewhat complex and the stock 24x crank wheel/pickup is going to fall off at some point.

Most big series dont allow the traction control to be used and they check on the digital 7s.

If you have a 4000 or above converter its all moot anyhow, other then the first 60' or so feet the car will never see under 6000 or so rpm.

Something is wrong if you cant change the timing under 4000, I believe in the custom SD operating systems IAT is no longer there to control spark but infuences a/f like it should in SD.

Either way you are looking at a fair amount of cost and not sure if its worth the hassle for what you are doing. Dont be surprised if some traction control stuff makes its way into some of the newer standalone EFI boxes.
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:00 PM
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i can change the spark under 4000 via the high/low octane table.... but like you said its never seen under WOT

you say the stock engine management has enough spark control but i dont think it does.... i know me and you have talked about it before... and i always see the faster bosted cars- 9.5x and faster using after market EMS....

timing is being just a problem right now and with the stock ecm i dont know of a way around it.... im up for suggestions..
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:06 PM
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i'm still working on that progressive boost controller i told you about.... the way i had it, it didnt have enough pressure to open the bypass valve... i will either have to use a 2nd noid to close off the manifold vacuum/boost hose when putting pressure inside the mondo or use more bottle pressure... but i think the earlier will be the best way.
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:07 PM
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if all this doesnt work i guess i'll be going to a MSD ignition then a BS3 later on when i need more fuel...

also i agree on the crank wheel being retarted... i have seen ls1's randomly detonate but throw no codes... i can only lean towards the crank wheel moving some since its pressed on... on my build i welded it in 3 spots and then rebalanced it...
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by ty_ty13
i can change the spark under 4000 via the high/low octane table.... but like you said its never seen under WOT

you say the stock engine management has enough spark control but i dont think it does.... i know me and you have talked about it before... and i always see the faster bosted cars- 9.5x and faster using after market EMS....

timing is being just a problem right now and with the stock ecm i dont know of a way around it.... im up for suggestions..
If I had a 99+ I would probably be on the stock PCM still. BS3 is nice because everything, low-z inj drivers, two step, several timers etc, its all there.

But the stock PCM has a limited number things that will affect timing, the stock timing range is pretty broad. Are you looking to do different (switchable) timing at the same load/rpm points? The stock PCM wont work for that..
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:32 PM
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thats exactically what i want... i want to control timing based on time down the track... i want a programable timing curve... like the digi boxes
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:33 PM
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these guys that are using the front distibutors with the belt .... this removes the oil pump so what are most doing about a oil pump... no dry sump for me...
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by ty_ty13
thats exactically what i want... i want to control timing based on time down the track... i want a programable timing curve... like the digi boxes
Man just sell all that stuff, call Kurt at W2W and buy a BS3
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by ty_ty13
these guys that are using the front distibutors with the belt .... this removes the oil pump so what are most doing about a oil pump... no dry sump for me...
You can use the wegner (or however its spelled) timing cover with a distributer. Still uses the stock chain, oil pump.
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