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Most customizable ignition system, advance, curve, etc FOR CARBURETORS

biomedtechguy

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The Hyperspark distributors for Holley EFI seem awesome.
I like the idea of an ignition system that provides the best possible performance under all circumstances.
I know that vacuum and mechanical advance curves, when tuned properly, with max advance limiters and tunable vacuum advance cans can do a lot.
BUT
What is the most flexible, customizable ignition system for a CARBURETED engine? It would be nice if it could provide more power if, for instance, you were to run race fuel at the track and "turn it up" vs 93 octane on the street, and under both circumstances not have detonation issues.
I'm also curious about how much more can be done with the ignition system when you do have EFI.
Nitrous power adders can be part of the conversation too.
:thankyou::popcorn2::popcorn2::popcorn2::popcorn2::luvplace:
 
What is the most flexible, customizable ignition system for a CARBURETED engine?

That's easy: Autosport Labs Megajolt. I'm running this EDIS setup on two cars, one with a 440 big block and one with a 408 small block. Go to the junkyard to get the F*rd EDIS parts, get yourself a 36-1 trigger wheel, and wire it up. Not difficult at all. Got less than $400 in mine.

Once you make the move to EFI, many systems like Holley's can drive the ignition coils so you can get rid of the EDIS module and run both fuel and spark through the EFI box.

https://www.autosportlabs.com/product/megajolte-mk2_crank_fired_ignition/
http://www.bobclevenger.com/Crank-fired ignition.html
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/36-1-crank-trigger-wheels-318-340-360-383-440.378527/
 
That's easy: Autosport Labs Megajolt. I'm running this EDIS setup on two cars, one with a 440 big block and one with a 408 small block. Go to the junkyard to get the F*rd EDIS parts, get yourself a 36-1 trigger wheel, and wire it up. Not difficult at all. Got less than $400 in mine.

Once you make the move to EFI, many systems like Holley's can drive the ignition coils so you can get rid of the EDIS module and run both fuel and spark through the EFI box.

https://www.autosportlabs.com/product/megajolte-mk2_crank_fired_ignition/
http://www.bobclevenger.com/Crank-fired ignition.html
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/36-1-crank-trigger-wheels-318-340-360-383-440.378527/
Cool stuff, great answer!
On a carbureted engine, what plain English real world experiences have you had? In other words, what are some of the benefits of the setup that you have had?
Thanks!
 
When I was running the 500 stroker I found that the vacuum advance in the stock distributor was too much, so I disconnected it. I liked the idea of being able to dial in more advance for cruising. I bought an MSD pro billet distributor, which has an adjustable advance curve, and this MSD timing control where you could dial 15 degrees in or out. Never got around to installing it, and now that I have sold that engine, I may not end up using it. This is not high tech or automatic, but it does give you an easy way to add or subtract timing.

MSD timing.jpg
 
That one is very nice. I already had the basic control box, so I went with this as an add on.
 
I have a fairly simple FBO ignition system. It's taken me far beyond the Chrysler electronic ignition, by adding a rev limiter (very important to me) adjustable vacuum advance can (that I can't seem to get the allen wrench to bite to make any adjustments:rolleyes:) preset for what Don and I discussed was the current build status of my engine, a total timing limiter device (mechanical) and uses the factory wiring harness.
I'm trying to plan ahead, and also consider what may give me more performance potential now too.
 
@qkcuda
@HEMI-ITIS
Thanks for the perfect answers to my question!
Now I will likely have a need for automatic timing retard in the future with the addition of a nitrous spray plate, and that is easy for me to understand, and I know there are also other ways to accomplish that.
For now, just having a carbureted engine with no power adders, what are some of the benefits either of you can say come with either setup?
I'm trying to get a better idea.
 
That's easy: Autosport Labs Megajolt. I'm running this EDIS setup on two cars, one with a 440 big block and one with a 408 small block. Go to the junkyard to get the F*rd EDIS parts, get yourself a 36-1 trigger wheel, and wire it up. Not difficult at all. Got less than $400 in mine.

Once you make the move to EFI, many systems like Holley's can drive the ignition coils so you can get rid of the EDIS module and run both fuel and spark through the EFI box.

https://www.autosportlabs.com/product/megajolte-mk2_crank_fired_ignition/
http://www.bobclevenger.com/Crank-fired ignition.html
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/36-1-crank-trigger-wheels-318-340-360-383-440.378527/

That looks nice, and less expensive than the MSD stuff.
 
Cool stuff, great answer!
On a carbureted engine, what plain English real world experiences have you had? In other words, what are some of the benefits of the setup that you have had?
Thanks!

It's great. Just like you're looking to do, I've been able to exactly dial in timing both at WOT and at cruising speeds. It's helped both performance and mileage. Plus, if I want to change up the engine combination in the future, I can easily adjust the timing to match.

Also, the crank-trigger timing is much more stable than a distributor. The timing light is dead-on and perfectly stable every time. It gets rid of all the error that stacks up between the crank/timing chain/camshaft/distributor/rotor.
 
That looks nice, and less expensive than the MSD stuff.

Correct. And, unlike MSD, the bulk of it is OEM engineered and tested on millions of vehicles. If something goes bad, a local auto parts store or RockAuto will have the replacement Motorcraft stuff.
 
@qkcuda
@HEMI-ITIS
Thanks for the perfect answers to my question!
Now I will likely have a need for automatic timing retard in the future with the addition of a nitrous spray plate, and that is easy for me to understand, and I know there are also other ways to accomplish that.
For now, just having a carbureted engine with no power adders, what are some of the benefits either of you can say come with either setup?
I'm trying to get a better idea.
This works well for me.Does let my me have a cruise curve that I programmed then the map sensor will trigger the map sensor to take out the timing degrees of my choice.

The Programmable 6AL-2 lets you lock out the distributor and program a timing curve via a PC. You'll also be able to set a 2-Step Rev Limiter, a retard for use with nitrous and even a boost timing curve for forced induction engines! The Programmable 6AL-2 shares the same advanced features of the new 6AL-2 with 535 primary volts and spark energy reaching 135 mJ! Vibration mounts, wiring and a PC cable are supplied. Must use MSD Pro-Data+ Software to program.
Features:
  • Advanced features allow for use in street and racing applications
  • PC Programmable with easy-to-use Windows based Pro-Data +Software
  • Plot a boost timing map with 0.1° per psi accuracy
  • Programmable 3-Step Rev Limiter (100 RPM increments)
  • Step retard for nitrous applications plus a boost timing map
  • Capacitive Discharge technology for fast rise time and maximum spark energy
  • EO # D-115-21

3.6.14 025.jpg
 
This works well for me.Does let my me have a cruise curve that I programmed then the map sensor will trigger the map sensor to take out the timing degrees of my choice.

The Programmable 6AL-2 lets you lock out the distributor and program a timing curve via a PC. You'll also be able to set a 2-Step Rev Limiter, a retard for use with nitrous and even a boost timing curve for forced induction engines! The Programmable 6AL-2 shares the same advanced features of the new 6AL-2 with 535 primary volts and spark energy reaching 135 mJ! Vibration mounts, wiring and a PC cable are supplied. Must use MSD Pro-Data+ Software to program.
Features:
  • Advanced features allow for use in street and racing applications
  • PC Programmable with easy-to-use Windows based Pro-Data +Software
  • Plot a boost timing map with 0.1° per psi accuracy
  • Programmable 3-Step Rev Limiter (100 RPM increments)
  • Step retard for nitrous applications plus a boost timing map
  • Capacitive Discharge technology for fast rise time and maximum spark energy
  • EO # D-115-21

View attachment 877279
Very nice reply my forum friend!
You even used bullet points and indentations...
:lol:
Thanks guys!
I saw a cool piece from Innovate Motorsports that will shut off the nitrous solenoid (and fuel solenoid I assume) if the A/F ratio goes above or below a user defined preset.
I have the Innovate Motorsports Dual Wideband O2 sensor system and got it installed a few months ago.
It's really cool and incredibly informative, even for a rookie like me. The point is that I am trying to incorporate modern technology into my carbureted 50 year old car, and it's obvious when you have 3x 2bbl carbs how this O2 A/F ratio data can help.
Innovate Motorsports 3891 Dlg-1 Dual Lambda Oxygen Gauge Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013UG0GHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZPC6DbM02GVYC
Screenshot_20191205-212714_Amazon Shopping.jpg
Screenshot_20191205-212744_Amazon Shopping.jpg
 
Hey @biomedtechguy just a thought....you mentioned not getting an allen wrench to engage the vacuum can. My apologies if you've already tried different sizes and it's just stripped or something, BUT my Firecore takes a 3mm (or maybe it's a 4mm) instead of the 3/32" that they normally use. I think the instructions even said to use a 3/32"...check it out if you haven't already!
 
Daytona sensors.

Google it. I believe Don (FBO) is a dealer for them.
 
thought....you mentioned not getting an allen wrench to engage the vacuum can. My apologies if you've already tried different sizes and it's just stripped or something
I spoke with Don about it, and he complained about some of the vacuum can assemblies being "cheaply made" and the part inside (I think it is a fitting in the center of the diaphragm) breaking or not being able to grip the allen wrench because they were weak...
I was taken aback by that since he was the one building and selling them. But then again talking with Don is kinda weird anyway.
Look, I gave him my money and I like the ignition system, and I probably still have untapped potential in it as is, but when I'm told it's adjustable and I can't adjust it, and then that is blamed on cheap parts, well that's disappointing.
 
I spoke with Don about it, and he complained about some of the vacuum can assemblies being "cheaply made" and the part inside (I think it is a fitting in the center of the diaphragm) breaking or not being able to grip the allen wrench because they were weak...
I was taken aback by that since he was the one building and selling them. But then again talking with Don is kinda weird anyway.
Look, I gave him my money and I like the ignition system, and I probably still have untapped potential in it as is, but when I'm told it's adjustable and I can't adjust it, and then that is blamed on cheap parts, well that's disappointing.
I hear ya..I'm 50/50 on Don, but that's another story! So have you already tried multiple sizes of allen wrenches?
Made overseas=metric tools required:rolleyes:
 
Daytona sensors. I believe Don (FBO) is a dealer for them.
That WEGO IV dual exhaust wideband O2 sensor system is basically what I have but I bought the Innovate Motorsports dual setup. It doesn't data log onboard like the WEGO IV, but I can data log to my notebook computer. The one I bought was around $310
I just posted information about the Innovate Motorsports system I bought a few posts up in this thread....
https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...ve-etc-for-carburetors.183428/#post-911426804
Watching this video is exactly what I want mine for.
 
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I hear ya..I'm 50/50 on Don, but that's another story! So have you already tried multiple sizes of allen wrenches?
Made overseas=metric tools required:rolleyes:
I have 2 intricately sized allen wrench sets, standard and metric, and I tried every size above and below and the specific size Don said to use, and none of them bite.
I'll give it another go after a refresher "briefing" with Don.
I don't have anything bad to say about Don, he is "highly opinionated" like Jerry at BCR Products, and Bruce Fulper-a Pontiac guy who hooked me up at a fair price with a nice factory crankshaft for the 421 in the GTO. All 3 of them are the same in that regard, but they usually are right, and occasionally brilliant.
 
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