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I am in the middle of a big build, I had a 383 LT1 built with all forged internals with 9.5:1 CR, custom ground turbo cam, and AFR 210 heads. I am using a TorqHead kit to be the standalone ECU but for some reason it is cranking but not fully firing up. I haven't had a chance to diagnose the no fire situation so I am asking what steps should I take to diagnose this.
I am in the middle of a big build, I had a 383 LT1 built with all forged internals with 9.5:1 CR, custom ground turbo cam, and AFR 210 heads. I am using a TorqHead kit to be the standalone ECU but for some reason it is cranking but not fully firing up. I haven't had a chance to diagnose the no fire situation so I am asking what steps should I take to diagnose this.
Congrats. Paul. Did a great job designing and documenting this system. With incredible CS relations.
sorry to start out with basics. But.
I'm sure you followed and set-up the CamPS.
with the provided air gap shims to locate the precise height. Correct.
Yes I installed the Optispark replacement assembly as per the instructions and I did use and follow the instructions using gap strips when setting the Crank position sensor.
This will be a interesting and fun breakdown.
You have fuel and spark correct.
what do you mean... the coils are hooked up correctly, i can smell gas after cranking it but nothing as far as fuel and spark tables have been altered as i have not had this engine fired up since its been in the car
I meant this will be a fun disection.
Very sorry, you know the details in your project.
especially an advanced member.
We need to catch up to your current status.
So. I had to ask if you have fuel/ spark.
You smell fuel. This is established.
Your coils are connected properly.
It would appear no spark.
I use a adjustable digital timing light to validate my coil packs.
I have not verified spark yet.... I just tried starting last night and this is my first build... so my diagnostic proceedures aren't quite up to snuff... do I just pull each wire and ground out the plugs on the block and look for spark? And say the crank position sensor is faulty would it not spark at all?
Do you have a timing light. Just place the PU. Coil on your wires. You should see spark from the flashing strobe light. Alot easier and safe.
This system should still fire without the crank sensor.
The cam sensor is critical.
If this is the first startup of your 383, I would pull the fuel pump fuse so you won’t have raw gas being injected into the cylinders while you diagnose your spark problem. Fuel wash down on a new motor is not good. Might want to pull the plugs and squirt some oil in the cylinders while you crank and diagnose.
I do have a timing light so all I need to do is clip around the plug wires? Pardon my ignorance as I have never used a timing light in my life... the only reason I have one is my dad gave it to me when he was cleaning out his garage. I should have the fuel pump power disconnected whilst doing this
Yes simply connect to a few plug wires.
Props to> 383vett gave you sound advise. pulling the FP fuse for spark testing. Protecting your new Cly walls pre break- in.
I had 4 standard coil packs fail. PO installed..
within weeks. I searched. The style had a known fail rate.
The digital RPM on my TL is invaluable. The coils actually worked.. but. the coils RPM was way to low. Creating misfires. Upper RPM was very weak.
I upgraded to a different style. No more problem.
Future the best voltage coil i believe C6 Z06 coil. Different plug connector. plug & play Adpaters are out there.
I currently have BWD pn: E226 i do not have the OE design PN: multi LS series coils are made.
You will see the design difference.
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Sep 27, 2022 at 03:03 PM.
Anticipation!
Did you get spark.
Is the build purrring?
I havent had a chance to play with it, this weekend I am going to tear into it with my buddy... thanks for checking in... just wondering do all the LS coil packs use the same main connector? Because if I don't see spark from my coils I can borrow a set from my buddies LS3 grand sport if it still use those to diagnose coil issues
the LS coil packs are different via form & bolt pattern factor. I honestly due not know when the connectors change. most are the same.
No reason why your coils won't fire.
Yes the LS3 would be a great back- up tester.
Sounds very healthy! Looks great. Thanks for sharing.!
The curve looks great. What was the end results. Mid/ high 400hp?
Looks like. you used the LT distributor/ wires on the dyno? Correct. Stand alone tune is tweaked.
How much boost.
Would be very interesting to see results comparing the TH/ coil packs kit.
58mm TB. Correct.
Hopefully the TH system starts up smoothly!
Keep up the great work.!
the LS coil packs are different via form & bolt pattern factor. I honestly due not know when the connectors change. most are the same.
No reason why your coils won't fire.
Yes the LS3 would be a great back- up tester.
Sounds very healthy! Looks great. Thanks for sharing.!
The curve looks great. What was the end results. Mid/ high 400hp?
Looks like. you used the LT distributor/ wires on the dyno? Correct. Stand alone tune is tweaked.
How much boost.
Would be very interesting to see results comparing the TH/ coil packs kit.
58mm TB. Correct.
Hopefully the TH system starts up smoothly!
Keep up the great work.!
I believe he was using a holley efi with coil per cylinders... he wasnt tuning for max power just to get it running safe for break-in and some quick power pulls... but it made around 438 hp 425 ftlbs n/a with only 9.5:1 CR so when I shove around 15lbs of boost down its throat it should make some good numbers.
Everything is connected correctly as per instructions, I am getting 43 lbs of fuel pressure at the fuel rail with the key on. I checked the 1,3,5,7 and 2,4,6,8 black and pink connectors and neither of them are getting power. What could be wrong if the coils aren't getting power?
Torqhead install not starting
