EDIS-8 to MSD 6AL

[Blown'37]

Okay so right now I have a MS-II running EDIS-8, but I would like to switch it over to run a MSD-6al with a distributor and a coil. Other than the obvious hardware changes that would have to be made, what would I have to change on the MS-II board it's self and what would I have to change in megatune? Anybody want to buy a complete Edis-8 system?

Thanks Matt

[Matt Cramer]

You'll want to install the high current driver to control the MSD box, and jumper it to match whatever pick-up is in your distributor (VR sensor, Hall effect, etc.).

[Bender142]

I'm speculating that you'd have to make some changes to the input curcuit on your MS-II to handle the MSD input and a dizzy.

Read up on the subject here: http://www.megamanual.com/ms2/V3assemble.htm#input

There are links within the page that you'll have to follow which show how to config the input circuit. Did you build your MS unit? If so, you'll be familiar w/the jumpers for the different ign trigger curcuits. I've read up on EDIS and the changes to the ign circuit are minimal (IMHO).

If you did not build your MS unit, no big deal. Just read the MSD section and the assembly guide for the ign trigger circuit and make a plan. Be sure of the hardware you intend to use i.e. MSD, HEI dizzy w/4 module (or the dizzy of your choice). You need to decide what method of ign triggering you'll be using before you reconfigure your MS-II. After you sure of the configuration you'll be using, source the parts (DIYAutoTune provides EXCELLENT service), and get out your soldering iron. Go slow as you assemble the components; make sure resistor values are correct and properly located, pay careful attention to diode orientation, etc. Test the circuit after your changes. Use the stim to make sure everything is okay. You might even be able to get an MSQ file from another helpful user that matches your set-up so you verify your MS-II on the bench. I turned an aluminum drive stub that I chuck in a 3/8 drill to spin a spare dizzy. You're welcome to borrow it if need be. I found this very helpful when trouble shooting on the vehicle. You can power up your system and 'see' the ignition pulses without having a running engine and verify your trigger circuitry and wiring.

Let me know how it goes.

Cheers

[Bender142]

Coffee has really kicked in this AM......

If you go down the HEI 4 pin module route not only do you match the example in the MS documentation, you get a small cap dizzy and access to low cost parts. I see HEI's at swap meets and on Craigslist for $15-$30. At that price you can afford two, one for the vehicle and one for bench testing. The small cap HEI should clear your blower but don't hold me to that. I've seen blown cars that have to use those short dizzy caps that allow the plug wires to attach horizontally instead of straight down.

Since I'm speculating about dizzy clearance; why do you want to go away from EDIS? Going with a dizzy may be a more common approach and offer more support but there's plenty EDIS users out there. I finally got my TPI'd 283 running with a 7-pin HEI (thanks to many patient people on this forum). That should have been a slam dunk but I made mistakes along the way so there are no guarantees of sucess. You may be closer than you think with your current EDIS set up.

Thinking in terms of 'isolate' and 'validate' really helped out when I was trouble shooting my problems. Are you getting spark? If not, why? Check batt voltage, check wiring, check ign pulse, check voltage to coil, is +12v in "run" and "start" correct? Once you've identified an area of potential problems figure out a way to verify that its' working.

Another tool that helped me out was MegaLog Viewer. You can crank the engine and collect data without starting up. You can then take a look to see if something seems out of the expected. You can also post this data for others to see which can be very helpful.

Let me know how it goes.

Cheers

[Blown'37]

It slipped my mind but I'm running a relay board as well, but where do I connect the white wire from the MSD to? It says to DB37 pin#36 where does that match up on the board?

[Bender142]

Taken from the manual under the "Wiring and Sensors" section:

Note that for MS-II, the DB37 pin #36 is an output, used to control an ignition module, or control a coil directly (if the high current ignition driver circuit is installed). It only needs to be connected if you are controlling ignition timing and dwell. (Pin #24 is still the ignition input, marked 'tach' on the relay board.) The ignition control signal from MegaSquirt-II on DB37 pin#36 corresponds to the relay board pin S5 of the 20 position terminal strip.

This link also provides more detail (if need be) http://www.megamanual.com/v22manual/mwire.htm#rb

This section describes how your EDIS set up should be wired up:

If you are using the relay board with a v3 main board:

the SAW signal connects to the S5 terminal (#11 on the 20 position terminal strip) on the relay board, it comes from DB37 pin 36 (make sure you have a wire connecting pin 36 to pin 36 in the MegaSquirt/relay board connecting cable),
the PIP signal connects to the Tach terminal (#15 on the 20 position terminal strip) on the relay board, it goes to DB37 pin 24.

I'm interested in swapping to an EDIS system some time in the future. I'm curious about the issues you're having with your set up. Can you crank the engine and see the ignition pulses? Are you geting spark? Is your base timing correct?

Regarding my project, I need to focus on getting everything in order and tuned so I can use the vehicle. That said, it's a project and I'm sure the EDIS 'opportunity' will haunt me until I get er' done.

Cheers

[Blown'37]

Yeah my edis stuff works fine, my problem is going to be that I can't get enough spark to run a blower motor with 10+ lbs of boost. When I talked to msd they have a 4 channel DIS-4 box that is like $600.00 or more, also I still need to buy two msd coil packs and assorted wiring and new spark plug wires. The whole venture got too expensive, however, I have a 6al, a distributor and a coil readily available. Bender I will sell you the EDIS stuff when you are ready, everything works and it was easy to set up. I just can't use it at this point because of cost/performance issue. Furthermore, I plan on driving this thing all the way to vegas from south florida and I would hate to have a bunch of hard to find parts if something broke, at least with a regular ignition I'd be able to get parts off the shelf.

[Nitrobanshee]

Have you tried 10lbs or more of boost yet?
I have ran 25psi with my turbo EDIS motor with no problems with spark.
I dont know how much power you are planning on making but I have seen alot of EDIS cars making more than 800hp without spark problems.

[Blown'37]

On just stock edis stuff? Man that would be nice if I could make it with out up-grading everything.