Modifying Distributor for Higher Res Crank Reference
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 484
Likes: 109
From: Fairfax, Virginia
Modifying Distributor for Higher Res Crank Reference
Hi all,
I've been finalizing the last couple things before I pull the trigger and swap in a standalone ECM, but my biggest bottleneck so far has been figuring out a good way of running the ignition, I've been looking at modifying an older vacuum advance distributor by removing its reluctor and creating a 36-2 reluctor to go in its place, effectively getting me an 18-1 crank wheel, older style because at least on my distributor the reluctor is pressed on vs the older ones having 2 bolts. My plan is to use a hall effect sensor wired into the cars existing harness and then use one of the remaining wires to go to the ICMs pickup coil input, allowing the ECM to fully control timing while still using a distributor. From my experiments I know the ICM triggers going from high to low, which the ECM is of course capable of doing so.
My questions are has anyone tried anything similiar, disconnecting the EST bypass, and using the pickup coils input on the ICM as an ECM controlled ignition driver? Any thoughts on a 4 pin vs 7/8 pin ICMs being better or worse?
I've been finalizing the last couple things before I pull the trigger and swap in a standalone ECM, but my biggest bottleneck so far has been figuring out a good way of running the ignition, I've been looking at modifying an older vacuum advance distributor by removing its reluctor and creating a 36-2 reluctor to go in its place, effectively getting me an 18-1 crank wheel, older style because at least on my distributor the reluctor is pressed on vs the older ones having 2 bolts. My plan is to use a hall effect sensor wired into the cars existing harness and then use one of the remaining wires to go to the ICMs pickup coil input, allowing the ECM to fully control timing while still using a distributor. From my experiments I know the ICM triggers going from high to low, which the ECM is of course capable of doing so.
My questions are has anyone tried anything similiar, disconnecting the EST bypass, and using the pickup coils input on the ICM as an ECM controlled ignition driver? Any thoughts on a 4 pin vs 7/8 pin ICMs being better or worse?
