I already searched so if I missed the answer I apologize, I hope some of you MS experts can help.

I am wanting to start a 5.3 swap into a Sonoma and have it MS controlled.

I am wondering if the MS-II will do GM COP control. The megamanual talks about it but doesn't seem to directly address the LSx engines and more seems to be in reference to 4 and 6 cylinder engines.

I built an MS-II and used it to run a SOHC 4.6 Ford by adapting an EDIS module and it worked AWESOME.

I am looking to avoid the cost of the MSD 6010 box if I can. After seeing how easy the ignition programming was with the MS and EDIS it seems the 6010 is just adding cost and complexity where it isn't needed.

I am not averse to using an EDIS module and adapting a 36-1 wheel to the 5.3 but would like to avoid that route if possible.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I think MS2 can do wasted spark on a V8. I know MS3X will do all 8 coils individually.

 

Please see this link - the MS2 now has dedicated LSx COP control code.

http://www.msextra.com/doc/ms2extra/MS2-Extra_LS1.htm

The coils have to be fired in wasted spark unless you step up to an MS3, as the MS2 has a maximum of six spark outputs. No big deal unless you're running a really massive boost level.

 

what trigger wheel is it? 24x or 58x? if it is a 58x ms1,2 or 3 will work. if it is a 24x ms2or 3 can decode it but sensitive to the input configuration. when you have decided what ms to go with post back.




here is on 5.3 on a ms3/x
https://www.theturboforums.com/smf/the-turbo-%27builds%27-board/project-mullet-hairdrier/

 

Thank you very much Matt! I have been laid up with a concussion and some broken ribs so I have been reading everything MS the last week. Not sure how I missed that write up but it is in my favorites now. After more and more reading I am thinking of stepping up to the MS3. I really like the SD card logging and the built in USB port, that is awesome. For the slight increase in price I think it is well worth it.

Not sure what trigger wheel the engine will have. I haven't even purchased a motor yet! But after lots and lots of reading I am thinking of going MS3 anyways, just too many benefits not too. You thread was freakin' AWESOME. You got the Camaro haulin' ass! It looked like it was going to run the bike down in that one video, I was impressed.

Thanks for the responses guys.

 

Thanks Matt, that's a gold mine. Not ready to go that route yet, but definitely interested in it now.

 

don't mean to hijack but..

Matt what do you mean by your last sentence, what would you call massive boost on a v8? I'm setting up my turbo lt1 with ls1 coils and wasted spark and spinning it at 6200rpms what kind of boost would be too much for the ignition system?

 

It can depend on a lot of things, but as a wild guess, I wouldn't worry about it too much about running in batch fire if you're under 800 hp. If you're using the Optispark to trigger the coils, you'd need an MS3 anyway and it would be a moot point...

 

Question about this; The Vortec 454s used a COP setup with the '411 box that was like the LS1's. I think it had a cam sensor and the 4 position crank wheel. Do you think/know if it would be possible to use this configuration with the packs and do wasted spark?

 

yes it can do that but it is the least accurate of all the crank triggers, about as accurate as a distributor. the ms3 can do it but im not sure about ms2. it wouldn't be much harder to retrofit a 36-1 wheel as any other

 

MS2 can use a 4 tooth crank trigger and 1 tooth cam trigger no problem - you just enter that's what you have in the wheel decoder settings.

 

I have had both MS2 and MS3x. its worth every penny and you will never go back (not that there is anything wrong with MS2 its great as well) you can find all kinds of fun stuff to do with the spare outputs 8)

 

Alright I am panicking a little bit here haha!

I ended up buying an MS2 kit from DIYautotune.com as I have used the MS2 in the past and the MS3 seemed like it was a bit advanced for my skill level.

I know I can build the MS2 no trouble, I have a pretty good understanding of electronics and think I understand the schematics that were on the link that Matt posted. But some of the parts listed there are not available at Digi-Key any longer. Hopefully I can source them somewhere else.

There is also no obvious instructions on how to wire the coils themselves. I have found the pinouts online but don't understand the two different grounds on the coils.

Can anyone help? I really want to avoid buying an aftermarket ignition box. I love the idea of having the MS do it all.

 

one ground is a logic ground(signal return in ford terms) the other is power ground. do not hook them to the same spot.

look towards the bottom of this page http://www.msextra.com/doc/ms3/ls1.html

for the sequence it is

spark to cylinders
a| b| c| d
1| 8| 7| 2
6| 5| 4| 3

spark a is coil 1&6 etc

 

You can use a Microsquirt V3 to control the spark, fuel, and boost on an LSx type engine.

The fuel will be in bank mode,and only high impendance injectors can be used

The spark will be in "wasted spark" mode, same as many factory and high performance cars.

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/...nagement-system-839-wiring-harness-p-509.html

We have one running on soley on a microsquirt, and I see no reason it should be less reliable than a MS1/MSD 6010 install.

The base tune for the install can be found at MSextra.com

Or I may be able to attach it here.

 

Something else I will point out is that this is "pseudo wasted spark" so it shouldn't have as much impact on performance as everyone would think I suspect. The biggest thing would be a limitation on dwell but that may only be a factor at higher RPMs. It's not a true wasted spark as they have the secondary of the coil connected to the opposing cylinders, and jump the gap of both plugs at once. In this case the secondaries of the coils on each cylinder are connected to ground and then each coil only jumps one plug gap at a time.

 

I am at step #50 in the MegaManual and I have to decide between a Hall sensor or VR for tach input. I am 99% positive I want hall sensor, but can someone confirm that for me?

In regards to the link that Matt posted about the mods needed to wire up the coils do I just jumper spark outputs A,B,C,D to unused pins on the DB37?

Thank you all for your help!

 

Okay I may have well and truly screwed myself here.

I bought the ZR1 cam and sprocket so I could have a similar setup to Denmah's. But now it is looking more and more like the MS2 won't be the right choice for this combo as my engine has a 24X reluctor in it and there doesn't seem to be any support for an LS2 style pickup, at least according to the MSExtra instructions.

So maybe I should have just bought an MS 3. Will I end up buying a 6010 box anyway at this point?

Does anyone know if the 24X wheel and LS2 cam pickup will work?

Or is it possible to control ignition with just a 24X wheel?

Ugh, I'm discouraged here.

 

i understand you have an ms2.

if so there is no need for a cam sensor, or more acurately ms2 cant do anything with it.
i build them with the opto input, the vr will work but the opamp needs something better than the supplied one, unless that part has changed since 2 years ago. look through this thread somewhere on one of the last pages is good infohttp://www.msextra.com/doc/ms2extra/MS2-Extra_LS1.htm

here is a link to the extra manual. http://www.msextra.com/doc/ms2extra/MS2-Extra_LS1.htm

also use the newest code 3.2.4 or the gslender v2.8

 

So I guess I am going to make myself look even dumber here.

Are you saying the coils can be fired from the crank or cam trigger? I have the link you supplied but apparently I don't understand it as I thought it needed both signals to be fed into the MS 2 for it to work. If I understand correctly what you are saying I can use just the crank trigger and be good?

Thanks again for your help and patience with my questions.