EDIS and Megasquirt

[DonH]

A few years ago I played around with EDIS and Megasquirt in Subaru powered sandrails. I looked at putting it in a 89 2.9 V6 B2 mostly because I was had truble with the distributor. I was wondering if anyone was using Megasquirt in their EB?

 

[pcf_mark]

I am working through my MegaSquirt / EDIS install now. I have V 3.57 and a relay board with the full Explorer EDIS 8 system. So far I built the EDIS 8 wiring, mounted the relucotr wheel for the VR sensor and mounted the sendor. My step approach is to run the EDIS home w/o the MS hooked up. EDIS has a limp home mode of 10 degrees advanced so that should get it running. If that works then I will add the MS to tune the ignition. Then I'll go with the fuel side using a complete take off Mustang H.O. intake I have.

To do before I test:
1) Mount EDIS module and coils (using factory brackets)
2) Orient VR sensor and reluctor ring
3) Figure out plug wires (points type wires do not work on EDIS coils)

Hurdles so far:
1) I needed to take a cast iron pulley and machine a diameter on it for the ring to mount. There are other ring options that may have avoided this.
2) Making a sensor bracket. This took a few hours of machining and fabricating but all I need is some paint on it now.
3) The wiring for the EDIS is straightforward and plenty on the net about it. Took me about two hours to built the harness I needed. Tip - HomeDepot sells shielded, stranded two wire wire for security systems and it works great for the VR wire to shield it electrically.

 

[EFI Guy]

Any reason you aren't using the Explorer front dress for your crank sensor?

 

[pcf_mark]

I do not have the Explorer front dress, it is super expensive in my area and it looks like I can get it done with what I have. Maybe...

 

[DonH]

I am working through my MegaSquirt / EDIS install now. I have V 3.57 and a relay board with the full Explorer EDIS 8 system. So far I built the EDIS 8 wiring, mounted the relucotr wheel for the VR sensor and mounted the sendor. My step approach is to run the EDIS home w/o the MS hooked up. EDIS has a limp home mode of 10 degrees advanced so that should get it running. If that works then I will add the MS to tune the ignition. Then I'll go with the fuel side using a complete take off Mustang H.O. intake I have.

To do before I test:
1) Mount EDIS module and coils (using factory brackets)
2) Orient VR sensor and reluctor ring
3) Figure out plug wires (points type wires do not work on EDIS coils)

Hurdles so far:
1) I needed to take a cast iron pulley and machine a diameter on it for the ring to mount. There are other ring options that may have avoided this.
2) Making a sensor bracket. This took a few hours of machining and fabricating but all I need is some paint on it now.
3) The wiring for the EDIS is straightforward and plenty on the net about it. Took me about two hours to built the harness I needed. Tip - HomeDepot sells shielded, stranded two wire wire for security systems and it works great for the VR wire to shield it electrically.

A couple of questions. What engine are you using. I was thinking about a 5.8 and building a upper manifold to fit under the EB hood.
What are the other ring options? I was thinking using the 302 front dress to because of the added expence and I do not mind the V-belts. Are you going to use a intake air sensor? The Subaru engines I built did not use one.
Also a few pictures along the way would be interesting.

 

[pcf_mark]

I am using the stone stock original 289 engine! I am using the Mustang HO intake because I think it will fit under the stock hood and if not I think I can machine the runners to make it shorter if needed. I don't love the v belts but I did not want to go through the hassle and expense of switching to the Explorer front dress. My local PNP wants $200 for the bits and pieces +/-. I am using the full MSII package - coolant, air intake, TPIS but with a MAP sensor so I do not have the MAF to deal with.

 

[bmc69]

Following this thread with great interest..since its looking highly probable that I'm going to go with Megasquirt for my next two EFI conversions, instead of Holley.

 

[pcf_mark]

Also you asked about other ring options. I used a fairly thick (3/8" I think) powerdered metal ring. To fit this I had to turn down the outside of the cast iron pull and install it. This is because if I installed it behind the pulley the belt alignment would be totally off. There are some guys who use a thin stamped steel ring that you can sandwhich behing the pulley not lose alignment. I do not think that is best for sensor accuracy but I have never tested it.

I'll take some photos tonight.

 

[pcf_mark]

Here are some photos of my project right now. Last night I installed the pulley/ring and the sensor. I spent about an hour getting it to run true because the balancer is located by the bolts. When just running the belts Ford did not care if they ran out .060 - .080 but the VR pickup wants .030 - .060. I think it is good now but want to check it one more time and finalize the gap.

Then I need to install the coils, module and put 12V to it. Then we see if we have spark!

 

[DonH]

Also you asked about other ring options. I used a fairly thick (3/8" I think) powerdered metal ring. To fit this I had to turn down the outside of the cast iron pull and install it. This is because if I installed it behind the pulley the belt alignment would be totally off. There are some guys who use a thin stamped steel ring that you can sandwhich behing the pulley not lose alignment. I do not think that is best for sensor accuracy but I have never tested it.

I'll take some photos tonight.

I googled MS EDIS and found this.

http://www.fintechcommunications.com/funstuff/

Do you know what the thin wheel is from. When I was searching in boneyards I never ran across a wheel like that.

 

[DonH]

Here are some photos of my project right now. Last night I installed the pulley/ring and the sensor. I spent about an hour getting it to run true because the balancer is located by the bolts. When just running the belts Ford did not care if they ran out .060 - .080 but the VR pickup wants .030 - .060. I think it is good now but want to check it one more time and finalize the gap.

Then I need to install the coils, module and put 12V to it. Then we see if we have spark!

It looks like you are making progress. To do this there a steep learning curve and you are on about the third page of a never ending book. I had fun with the Subaru's but have forgotten about half the book. Keep us posted.
Don

 

[pcf_mark]

I got my EDIS8 running tonight! I used the old plugs wires and squeezed them down using the crimping tool to make them fit the EDIS coils. I checked for spark and it had some. Then I put all the plugs wires on and it started right up! I was shocked!

I have a little wiring clean up to do then I'll shoot some pictures. Left to do before I start tuning is remove the distributor and either hack it down (I left it in place just took the cap off) or get an Explorer cam position sensor - you need to drive the oil pump. Then get a correct set of plug wires.

Then I can add the MSII and start controlling the EDIS system. Just think low advance for easy cranking, plenty of idle advanced for a smooth idle, plenty of advance at cruise for good economy and the right curve for max power! Woot!