I completely understand the function and limited abilities of a knock sensor. The only purpose that I can find for the knock sensor is maximizing the AFR/timing advance at cruising speed. The knock sensor is confused by "noise" around 4500 rpm. I was hoping to use it to maximize my tables through my entire range of use.
I am running a turbo V8 on the street, revving 7000. I am concerned that as I reach the rpm limits of the knock sensor, I will be getting corrupt information regarding knock. If I disregard the knock sensor at, say 4000 rpm, then there would be no benefit to having the knock sensor for maximum performance tuning.
Am I missing some of the abilities of the knock sensor? Is anyone using it for purposes other than what I believe it is limited to? Thanks for your replies. Please do not reply unless you are using a knock sensor. I have plenty of theories. What I need is experience and application. Thanks again!
Tuning with a Knock Sensor
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If your question is about troubleshooting, configuration, or tuning, you MUST include your processor type (MS-I or MS-II) and code version in your post. If your question is about PCB assembly or modifications, you must also include the main board version number (1.01, 2.2 or 3.0). For tuning/troubleshooting questions, please attached a datalog and your MSQ file to your post.
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Read the manual to see if your question is answered there before posting. Many users will not reply if the answer is already available in the manual.
If your question is about troubleshooting, configuration, or tuning, you MUST include your processor type (MS-I or MS-II) and code version in your post. If your question is about PCB assembly or modifications, you must also include the main board version number (1.01, 2.2 or 3.0). For tuning/troubleshooting questions, please attached a datalog and your MSQ file to your post.
If you have questions about MS1/Extra or MS2/Extra code configuration or tuning, please post them at www.msextra.com Such questions posted here will be moved to: a temporary MSextra sub-forum, where they will be removed after 7 days
The full forum rules are here: Forum Rules, be sure to read them all regularly.
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HomeBlown57
- MegaSquirt Newbie
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:24 am
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Matt Cramer
- Super Squirter
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- Joined: Sat Jul 03, 2004 11:35 am
Re: Tuning with a Knock Sensor
We check for detonation while tuning with a knock sensor clipped to the block, as a secondary tuning tool to tell us to back off the timing if we hit knock the engine stops making power from more timing. Originally we had a home-built setup, but when we tuned the MegaManiac we decided to order a high-end setup from Phormula as we didn't want to blow a motor that expensive.
None of the engines we've tuned were set to rely on the knock sensor to pull timing if run on the edge of detonation - we prefer not running the engine on the edge of detonation in the first place.
None of the engines we've tuned were set to rely on the knock sensor to pull timing if run on the edge of detonation - we prefer not running the engine on the edge of detonation in the first place.
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HomeBlown57
- MegaSquirt Newbie
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:24 am
Re: Tuning with a Knock Sensor
EXCELLENT! Thank you for the real world answer!