EZ69 Solution? 964 Turbo Ignition Module

[Neil Harvey]

Back in 2021, we did a small simple conversion that removed the Ignition module and replaced it with another unit that was programmable. There was some simple wiring to be done to convert. Nothing that a DIY would struggle with.

If anyone is interested I can supply more into. I do need to refresh my memory of exactly what was required but I still have the wiring diagram of the conversion. Costs may have risen since then.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

Back in 2021, we did a small simple conversion that removed the Ignition module and replaced it with another unit that was programmable. There was some simple wiring to be done to convert. Nothing that a DIY would struggle with.

If anyone is interested I can supply more into. I do need to refresh my memory of exactly what was required but I still have the wiring diagram of the conversion. Costs may have risen since then.

A potential basic solution like this;

[Cobalt]

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

Back in 2021, we did a small simple conversion that removed the Ignition module and replaced it with another unit that was programmable. There was some simple wiring to be done to convert. Nothing that a DIY would struggle with.

If anyone is interested I can supply more into. I do need to refresh my memory of exactly what was required but I still have the wiring diagram of the conversion. Costs may have risen since then.

I have some EZ units with programmable chipsets in them from Brumos marked car #58. These go back to the racing of the 3.3L AFAIK do you have any info on them?

[Neil Harvey]

Originally Posted by Cobalt

I have some EZ units with programmable chipsets in them from Brumos marked car #58. These go back to the racing of the 3.3L AFAIK do you have any info on them?

Know absolutely nothing about the EZ units. Never had anything to do with them. Our involvement was for a customer in New Zealand who had a car sit for over 1 year without a working unit.

We looked into what was required and what this unit needed for inputs etc. We integrated a small ECU and used only the ignition side. There was some simple wiring to do, changing over plugs sort of thing. All of the stock parts (except EZ) were retained and used in the solution. Simple and effective solution for a part that was NLA.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

Know absolutely nothing about the EZ units. Never had anything to do with them. Our involvement was for a customer in New Zealand who had a car sit for over 1 year without a working unit.

We looked into what was required and what this unit needed for inputs etc. We integrated a small ECU and used only the ignition side. There was some simple wiring to do, changing over plugs sort of thing. All of the stock parts (except EZ) were retained and used in the solution. Simple and effective solution for a part that was NLA.

The Mercedes Benz, VW, & the Porsche 965 used the basic same design to calculate the engine's RPM,
i.e. measuring the start/stop time between the leading & trailing edges of the flywheel lobes.
The Porsche 964 & the 911 3.2 used a flywheel ring gear with a missing tooth to calculate engine RPM.

Knowing the ignition coil's primary inductance, the battery voltage, & RPM, the coil's current can be controlled
such that the coil driver semiconductor is not over-heated. The EZ modules likely didn't use this approach
and just switched the coil current on and off at the spark time. This resulted in the need for a very good heat sink,
e.g. the vehicle's body.

[Reanimotion]

Hi Folks,

I tripped over this thread while researching a project we are doing for Dkubus.

Long story short, I'm part way through development of a tunable EZL for 90's Mercedes that use what seems to be an identical Bosch module design to the 965 setup.

Basically, we are putting modern electronics in a custom case as a plug and play solution.
The concept is to have a unit that looks OEM and is an economical replacement for these failing units

Shall I start a thread ?

[budge96]

Steve thanks for including us either start a new thread or continue here as you were or even link the two might be better .
A lot of folks are looking for a plug and play alternative with digital electronics so that we might have
an option to these archaic design units .
Thanks for your help and contribution in advance , Bert

[Reanimotion]

Ok,
I shall report back soon.

[Reanimotion]

OK folks,

there are some minor differences between the Mercedes EZL and your 965 EZ69
I'm adjusting the next batch of prototypes to include those quirks

[Cobalt]

So will there be variations for the 3.3T EZ69 and the 3.6T EZ69. There are differences. Maybe one unit with two maps option?

[Reanimotion]

Yes,

Variants with specific tunes/maps is the intended outcome.
Though getting one of each to replicate the factory map is going to be a quest.
Especially as you all seem to be hoarding the remaining spares.

Beta-3 board design was sent off to manufacture this evening.

[Reanimotion]

Ok folks,

We are seriously way down the rabbit hole on this one, and I've hit a possible snag.

The EZL/EZ69 is relatively simple in 4-pin form, so not much differs electronically between Mercedes and Porsche applications.

Where we might come way unstuck is the Porsche specific harness connectors are both bigger than the Mercedes one and sadly clocked at a much lower angle.

As a direct plug and play fit is essential for this to work for the Porsche application, does anyone have a loose connector that can be photographed from the pin side?

Angle of the key and pins is what I'm looking to confirm.

The Mercedes plugs are keyed 90 degrees to the wire.




the Porsche ones could be anywhere between 30 and 45 degrees on the images I've been able to find so far.

[budge96]

Steve if I can get in my storage and get a pic next 24 hrs will do so and post , thanks Bert

[Reanimotion]

Thanks

We are hoping to clear an expansion connector that allows some cool stuff.

[budge96]

[Reanimotion]

Spectacular, thankyou

[Reanimotion]

OK, looks like we have enough clearance



back to developing the thing I shall now go.

[Neil Harvey]

Originally Posted by Reanimotion

OK, looks like we have enough clearance



back to developing the thing I shall now go.

I admire the commitment. It takes balls to develop new product. Costs, demand and solution are all incorporated in this.

We took the more basic approach. Looked at the technical requirement and adapted a std small ECU to the problem. At the time there was no other solution. It did require some simple wiring changes, but it did work and included some other functions.

Not sure what of these were used but I do know of one example where the Ignition maps trims were used along with the boost control feature.

Like many aftermarket ECU's, we were able to supply a solution that solved the module issues along with Ignition map trims based on Eng and Intake air temps, a dual map function where different fuels can be used, a trigger scope, Boost and knock control, logging, lambda control etc.

This solution is for those that would want more than just a simple ignition control. Other solutions may have these extra functions as well.

The more choices out there the better for all.

[Cobalt]

I picked up these units years ago when ANDIAL shut down. I sold one of the units To Maverick over on rennlist. The two are marked EZ68 and have the number 58 on them. I am assuming these were used on the Brumos #58 car at some time.

I have no idea what the chipsets are and how to read them but if the remaining unit I have will help the cause I am happy to lend it. I do recall the unit I have did not work as well as the second in his 3.3T so it might not be anything that can help.

Neil

Do you recall these and f they might be of help?

I believe adapters were needed to make the plugs work.

[Reanimotion]

Part of the development we are doing involves running the stock units on the bench and documenting the ignition map against RPM-Temperature-Pressure/Vac and variations on the octane/region coding plugs. Essential to have reference tunes by part number.


Getting the maps from the multitude of Mercedes models (and now the 2 EZ69s) means we are contemplating building a companion mapping device which can be sent out. So hang on to your EZ68 for a little while and we will arrange to document it for you.