I went to COPs directly and never thought of keeping the CDI because I wanted sequential firing, a 3D ignition advance table, PID idle timing control, over rev cutoff etc. The ECU should handle all those functions and more. My only other consideration was a Bosch six channel ingnition trigger by the ECU and/or a six port coil pack depending on the ECU's capabilities. I felt the weight of a six in one coil pack, sold it, and decided on COPS.
I may not be getting your design but how will you distribute the spark trigger to the required channel/cylinders with the CDI? Are you also keeping the distributor?
It was the first time building a harness for me too and I chose modular also. I found several benefits from this - I didn't have to lock in my design from the start, I could focus on one subsystem at a time and if I messed up it would be an easy fix. This helped my confidence and I could get though the build without anxiety. My next build will be a much cleaner harness but I'll keep the subsections - also helps with easy disconnects to work on or test one section or you can count the few disconnects you need to drop the engine.
I also added hydraulic quick disconnect to the fuel line going to the fuel rails. Makes for fuel spill free engine drops.
With ITBs, the IAV method of idle control was not ideal. I was never happy with it because as Julian pointed out, MAP and idle control in the same system compromise both. I use Alpha-N+MAP hybrid strategy with the EMU Black and it works great now that the idle controller uses a combination of DBW PID and ignition PID. No interference with the map signal under idle. Will you use vacuum assist for brakes? I have a separate pedal triggered pump.
I chose not to replace the sensors for the dash gauges. The only one the ECU feeds is the tach. I have separate sensors for CLT/Oil temp, IAT, Crank and Cam trigger (the Adapt Motorsport one), one wideband directly (the other is through a Spartan controller to an analog input), fuel pressure, gps receiver for vehicle speed. Most of the sensors I ordered had an available calibration curve.
No CHT or knock sensors - I have lower compression.
For DBW, I have the BMW/Hella pedal and EFI Hardware throttle actuator. With DBW, I also mapped in progressive throttle response. The hard wired throttle had much less resolution at smaller openings and lower engine speeds. DBW tunes out the jerkiness.
I use the Bosch VAG COPS.
Next time, I want to build one with a plenum and single throttle on Speed Density...and a Rotrex supercharger where the AC compressor goes...and an intercooler that uses up some of the empty space under the Carrera tail...we can all keep dreaming right?
A couple Pelican members helped me quite a bit. I reached out to one directly and a couple others reached out to me to make sure I had what I needed or offered to provide feedback. Such a great community here.
