So, I've decided to go with a MS2 for a full standalone, but I've been having some trouble figuring out the Ignition system. I've read about swapping to the older icm/ignition coils from pre-obd2 gm's. I am wondering though if I could just run a coil-pack off of the MS itself with the BIP373 coil driver, and send the 7x signal from the crankshaft sensor. DIYAutotune has a wasted spark coil with 4 outputs which is looking kinda tempting if it helps avoid the additional cost and hassle of finding used coils/icm from an older gm(there arent any decent wrecking yards around me). Would the MS be able to use the crankshaft signal to make a tach signal without the ICM? I have read through the GM DIS instructions on megasquirt.info many times, but it still seems kinda confusing as to how to connect it all.
louis cobarruviaz wrote:So, I've decided to go with a MS2 for a full standalone, but I've been having some trouble figuring out the Ignition system. I've read about swapping to the older icm/ignition coils from pre-obd2 gm's. I am wondering though if I could just run a coil-pack off of the MS itself with the BIP373 coil driver, and send the 7x signal from the crankshaft sensor. DIYAutotune has a wasted spark coil with 4 outputs which is looking kinda tempting if it helps avoid the additional cost and hassle of finding used coils/icm from an older gm(there arent any decent wrecking yards around me). Would the MS be able to use the crankshaft signal to make a tach signal without the ICM? I have read through the GM DIS instructions on megasquirt.info many times, but it still seems kinda confusing as to how to connect it all.
Sorry, meant to say "and send the 7x signal from the crankshaft sensor straight to the MS unit."
I knew a guy locally that did this, you have to make sure that you get the proper ICM as some have 5 pins and some have 6, there should be a write up somewhere on here for this??????????
With the newer code they have now, you should be able to set it up to control a jbody ICM. It was a limitation of the code at the time that kept us from using the newer ICM. If you want to run the coils directly from Megasquirt with the BIP373 coil drivers though, then it begs the question why you wouldn't just swap to COP?
I have no signiture
The lack of a camshaft signal seems like it would fire wasted spark even if I went with COP. If I am wrong correct me, but that's why I am contemplating going to a LSJ head later on so I can have a camshaft sensor, or even fabricating a mount to replace the A/C compressor with a different power steering pump and rigging up a LSJ cam sensor where the PS pump is at now. I have the MS2 3.57 board and have one of the newest Extra codes, so if I can get away with running the stock Ecotec coil and ICM, that would be nice, but I have searched everywhere possible and haven't found anything about using them. I've decided to just replace all the gauges, and I can rig up anything else that the PCM might run with relays, so retaining the PCM or anything it needs to function isn't an issue that I see causing a problem. I just want the to get it running good, then I'll work on sequential injection and COP later, if that makes any sense.
louis cobarruviaz wrote:I just want the to get it running good, then I'll work on sequential injection and COP later, if that makes any sense.
That makes plenty of sense. I keep forgetting the L61 doesn't have a cam sensor.
I have no signiture
honestly not sure, never really cared to even know about the ms setup, umm maybe msextra.com can help, but it looks as though thats got a daughter boad and is an upgrade info for going from ms1? but states its also to get an ms2 running with daughterboad? I assume this maybe a little helpful...idk i was trying to research a bit before I'm out the door to pull a 2.3 apart...and I though maybe I can give you some kinda input, I do hope you find what you are looking for.
The MS2 and MS3 can take the gm 7x input directly from the crank sensor (MS3 needs nothing but the 2 pots inside turned to adjust for the input, while MS2 will need a vr input built - Zeal engineering daughterboard)
If you check out diyautotune.com they have a tech article about cutting a gm icm so you can control the coils directly and just modify the MS so you have 2 BIP373's controlling the spark.
With you having the MS2 3.57 (if I read right) you may already be better off and be able to take the vr input straight into the MS unit without modification.
I wouldn't worry too much about running coil on plug as gm 2-tower coils are plenty hot and aftermarket ones are cheap, but if you really want to use COP you can wire cylinders 1&4 together to one BIP373 and 2&3 to the other BIP373 for a wasted COP setup.
If you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email
2.2 L Ecotec, P&P Head, Stage 3 Comp Cams, Supertech 76 lb Spring kit, Supertech Oversized Valves, Wiseco 8.9:1 CR Pistons, Eagle H-Beam Rods, Home-Built Turbo Kit T3/T4 57 Trim Intercooled, 78 lb/hr Racetronix Hi-Z injectors, Aeromotive FPR, Racetronix f body fuel pump,MEGASQUIRT MS3 + MS3X Finally street tuned on 21 lbs! Now if only I could get it to hook....
louis cobarruviaz wrote:So, I've decided to go with a MS2 for a full standalone, but I've been having some trouble figuring out the Ignition system. I've read about swapping to the older icm/ignition coils from pre-obd2 gm's. I am wondering though if I could just run a coil-pack off of the MS itself with the BIP373 coil driver, and send the 7x signal from the crankshaft sensor. DIYAutotune has a wasted spark coil with 4 outputs which is looking kinda tempting if it helps avoid the additional cost and hassle of finding used coils/icm from an older gm(there arent any decent wrecking yards around me). Would the MS be able to use the crankshaft signal to make a tach signal without the ICM? I have read through the GM DIS instructions on megasquirt.info many times, but it still seems kinda confusing as to how to connect it all.
It looks like you are quite a bit farther down the road than I am. I'm installing a MS3 on my 95 J sedan with a 2.2OHV.
After going back and forth over the same question, I've decided to use their 36-1 wheel and sensor, and the ford EDIS coil on plug. Fortunately, I have a great junk yard less than five miles away, and one of the guys that works there has a MS 2 on his 2.2OHV S10.
Unfortunately, I'm in the middle of some medical issues and am not getting much done.
Best of luck to you
dennis
