what Ignition to use on my 3.6??

[matty74]

I have a 993 based 3.6 running PMO's 50's for my 3.6 build (I am not running efi) what are my options regarding ignition?

Can I user a pair of MSD's? Or do I need something else??

[GaryR]

Electromotive XDI?

[sjf911]

You could run Megasquirt (MS-I or MS-II) with twin EDIS ignition systems for twin-plug spark.

[matty74]

XDI Does'nt this replace the distributor? what other options are there where I don't replace the disributor?

Megasquirt, did not clarify, I'm running PMO carbys not efi bodies, I was hoping I could run a pair of MSD's

[EarlySport]

hey Matt,

Give me a call about this. You need something to give you an advance curve, as the 993 distributor has no mechanical advance.

I use a MSD Timing computer on my RS. It is a little limited as you only have 20 degrees of maximum programmable advance. That means you have to run a little more idle advance than ideal.

One of these with twin MSD boxes would be your easiest and possibly lowest cost option ( I think ).

Alternatively go with a complete aftermarket ignition system like Electromotive HPV and sell your distributor to recoup some of the costs.

Cheers,

[longhornchris04]

Electromotive XDi would replace the entire ignition system - replace the dizzy with a crank sensor and multiple waste-spark coil-packs

The Megasquirt w/ EDIS suggested is the ignition portion of the megasquirt EFI. EDIS is Ford's waste-spark system, that is "easily" interfaced with the MS Computer that provides timing information.

In both cases, your timing becomes computer controlled and you would need crank and MAP sensors to set them up. (ok, you can get away w/o vac advance/retard, but why not add it if you can). Bonus with either system is the ability to add knock protection.

[matty74]

With carbys also I need an early 3.0 flywheel (which I already have on my 78 3.0) I think there is 6 bolt and 9 bolt types anyone know which one?

[matty74]

Done a bit of reading, the Electromotive crank fire looks like the way to go. How difficult is this to set up?

[TimT]

How difficult is this to set up

Easy peasy...

however the Xdi timing adjustment is rather crude.. four trim pots...

You can also use a twin tower distributor, and on of MSDs more advanced ignitions where you can input timing parameters via laptop...

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by TimT

Easy peasy...

however the Xdi timing adjustment is rather crude.. four trim pots...

You can also use a twin tower distributor, and on of MSDs more advanced ignitions where you can input timing parameters via laptop...

I'd basically agree,....

FWIW, we've used a modfied 3.6 dual-distributor (installed a trigger and modified the the advance mechanism) to trigger MSD's with excellent results.

I think such cars run FAR better than with the Xdi.

[longhornchris04]

The XDI2 is fully programmable from a laptop - so tuning should be "easy", especially if you can get the factory 3.6 timing parameters as a baseline.

[mike the snake]

I recently installed an XDi on my race engine. It is an easy install. The XDi adjusts easily, set it and forget it.

The XDi2 has computer programmability if you want more fine tuning.

Both have knock sensor abilities (which I hope to utilize soon).

I like the fact that the distributor goes by-by.

[MBruns]

Take a look at the 12 pin distributor that we build, uses MSD boxes and coils, the web site is JBRacing.com
Do a search here and you will find some feed back as well
Thanks, Mike Bruns