Anyone using Amethyst setup ?

[RCK974X]

Thinking about going this way for my 2.8, to get it to run better on the unleaded stuff here in NZ

Any comments/feedback ? Is it good or bad ?? How's the interface ??

Thanks,

Andy.

[RCK974X]

Thanks Zig - I have had a good look at their web site, and downloaded the instruction manual (in PDF).

One thing that I could see immediately it's a bit crude.....

What I mean by that is that you program the ignition advance via RPM in one set of numbers (just like the way the dizzy springs work), and then a separate set for vac advance via MAP or throttle.
It appears that those two values are then just added together. Not even a table....
Instructions aren't clear about negative values either - I guess you must be able to enter them in the MAP version for a boosted engine ? But it doesn't say so...

Even the very first EEC-IV from Ford had a proper 2 dimensional table (RPM one side, throttle or flow on other), in fact the first Granada one (1985 2.8) had several (hot,cold,etc) and it used them to come up wih a final timing.

So even ONE 2d table would be a better answer.

I looked at the MegaJolt too, but it's always for a no dizzy setup with multiple coils and a toothed wheel, so costs more, and you have to attach timing wheel to crank pulley. Those cast 2.8 Pulleys are already a bit fragile and prone to chipping...I don't want to have to drill one....

Zig, did you get your money back ? Just one day is AWFUL....

[RCK974X]

cinquecento said:

But it gives you reliable(EDIS), well documented and supported, fault tolerant (defaults to 10deg btdc) and a fully mapable system and it's only a small step to add fuel to complete the process.

Very True.

I wasn't knocking the Megajolt as such, just that it's a much bigger change, and it requires engineering mods.

Further, I'm not sure there's enough room in front of the crank for another wheel, and my crank pulley already has a chip in it (which seems to be common).

Early 2.8 wedges are so cozy there it's hard to change the fanbelt !

It's just a shame to me that there isn't a simpler [good] solution.

Whilst I'm here - I noticed that the Megajolt has only one marker (missing tooth) - does this mean engine has to crank by a full revolution before it can spark ??

Anyone got a spare crank pulley ??

[RCK974X]

mrzigazaga said:

Hi Andy

Unfortunately it peeved me so much that i cut the wires, Threw it to the floor at the Ford garage and stamped on it with my size 12 kipper..Revenge is sweet nonetheless...

Yes i could of quibbled for ever trying to get money back but i think the reason why they don't supply the diode for the ignition variant?...Is that it stated in the return policy that there would be NO REFUND if
1. Fitted
2. Modified
3. Or damaged.

Unfortunately you have to fit it...Fit the Diode..Im still not positive what that was for.....Probably the clause for NO REFUND! <snip>

Yes, but I thought that as the product proved completely useless (faulty, not fit for purpose etc), it overrides that kind of disclaimer ?? And you followed THEIR INSTRUCTIONS. Still - a lump hammer is more satisfying.

Diode - diode is because a reluctor pickup produces voltage pulses BOTH ways, and so the diode 'chops' the negative half of the pulse. A lot of transistor/logic chips don't like 'reverse' pulses .... You are right though, why isn't it included by default ?

Hmmm... did you put the diode in the right way round ?

Edited by RCK974X on Sunday 26th October 18:54

[RCK974X]

Thanks B@tman, I have been reading through the whole megajolt/megasquirt setup and sites, and it looks like a great system.
I've been reading some VW/Audi sites too, where they converted from 'K' injection to Megasquirt.

Interesting stuff...

[RCK974X]

I guess that's what known as a 'reluctor' type pickup (small coil and magnet per cyl), which is the same as the 2.8 before Efi setup, except of course it only has 6 points instead of 8.

The EFi dizzy was a Hall effect one, which was fixed timing, as EEC controlled ign timing.
It had a kind of slot wheel inside, but again only with a pin/tooth per cyl.

Ford also had a 'narrow slot' option, so that Cyl 1 was marked by a shorter pulse.
(I think it's shorter, not longer, but it doesn't really matter, it's marked).

From what I read I think that the Megasquirt can utilise the narrow slot as a sync marker.

It occurred to me that the 36 crank slot with wasted spark is very clever, as it supports anywhere from 4 to 12 cylinders without any mods, just a different coil/spark unit, and it's always a whole number of teeth between firings
4 cyl = 18 teeth, 6 cyl = 12, 8 cyl = 9, etc, but 5/10 cyls doesn't work !!

By comparison, the 3.8 (Buick) V6 from my Holden Commodore has TWO slotted rings at the back of the crank and the unit is supposed to be able to tell where it is almost immediately (can't remember the slot combinations something like 18 and 6 ?)

Edited by RCK974X on Monday 27th October 20:59