m20 coil packs whats involved.

[chrisbmwe30]

Just wondering what is involved and required to get individual coil packs or a coil pack conversion on an e30. And if anyone knows where to fund the info.

[jlevie]

Why would you want to do this? I don't see an advantage.

[Jaxx_]

Why would you want to do this? I don't see an advantage.

someone who knows what's involved would understand -- this guy doesn't. I don't really see the point either unless you have a specific reason.

coil packs would usually translate to longer dwell time at higher RPMs to be able to handle spark at 9000+RPM. Besides that if you're having serious spark issues with a turbo setup or something similar.

so... what are you doing with the car that requires a different spark setup? Why not go with something like MSD box instead?

[F34R]

someone who knows what's involved would understand -- this guy doesn't. I don't really see the point either unless you have a specific reason.

coil packs would usually translate to longer dwell time at higher RPMs to be able to handle spark at 9000+RPM. Besides that if you're having serious spark issues with a turbo setup or something similar.

so... what are you doing with the car that requires a different spark setup? Why not go with something like MSD box instead?

1+

@OP, you have to build the head to handle NEEDING to rev that high.

[jlevie]

someone who knows what's involved would understand -- this guy doesn't. I don't really see the point either unless you have a specific reason.

coil packs would usually translate to longer dwell time at higher RPMs to be able to handle spark at 9000+RPM. Besides that if you're having serious spark issues with a turbo setup or something similar.

Yeah, but that would mean a standalone engine management system, like an MS where you have control over spark.

[Jaxx_]

Yeah, but that would mean a standalone engine management system, like an MS where you have control over spark.

maybe not... I mean, how high can motronic handle rpms?

[jlevie]

The engine and valve train is good for maybe 7500rpm. After that harmonics in the crank can lead to total destruction of the engine. If you aren't using forced induction, the head & intake will be limiting factor well before that and even with FI I sort doubt there is any benefit to going above 7k.

For a COP system you need to have an engine management system that has six coil outputs. The stock DME only has one coil ouput.

[chrisbmwe30]

Ok so no to coil packs what is the msd box went on their website but unclear on what it replaces or does is it just an aftermarket replacement for the coil?

[jlevie]

If in good condition, the ignition system on an M20 is more than adequate. What problem are you trying to solve with COP or MSD?

[Jaxx_]

Ok so no to coil packs what is the msd box went on their website but unclear on what it replaces or does is it just an aftermarket replacement for the coil?

something like the 6a box will supplement the factory coil and give you a stronger spark. I think they also have functions to program launch control/2-step. Not 100% sure though, haven't looked into it.


jlevie is right, you'd need megajolt/megasquirt or similar to control COP or coilpacks.

[chrisbmwe30]

I'm not having any problems.
I'm doing a stoker build using my 320 head and will be making every part I can new. And over here in Australia aftermarket is either cheaper or worth a few dollars extra. I love my e30 and want the best of everything I can get while keeping an eye on the $. I have chosen war chip due to it being more simple than mega squirt. And the in depth tuning of megasquirt may be out if my league.

[chrisbmwe30]

I i investigate megasquirt further? How does it compare for cost and ability to switch between tunes? Can I leave my laptop running in my glovebox to switch tunes on the go?

[jlevie]

While the ability to have a "power" tune and a "street" tune and flip between them sounds good, most folks aren't going to be willing to spend the time and money on a dyno that it takes to get one solid tune, let alone two. If you want to max out the potential of the engine and are willing to spend the coin in dyno sessions an MS is the way to go.

[wakdog]

If you are wanting proper power then a megasquirt is decent in terms of being able to push some extra power out through dyno tuning. I know of 2 guys with MS2 on M20 strokers (2.7 and 2.8 ) and they are making decent power (180whp and 201whp respectively).

These are only quick tunes, im sure that with more dyno time they could be making more.

My 10.2:1 compression 2.7 is built and awaiting wiring and tune with MS2 so will be interesting to see how it goes... (im in AUS and i paid about $450 landed for assembled MS2 and wiring harness and have been quoted $600 for wiring and base tune turn key, dyno time on top of that)

[Jaxx_]

I i investigate megasquirt further? How does it compare for cost and ability to switch between tunes? Can I leave my laptop running in my glovebox to switch tunes on the go?

ms2 does have switchable maps... and you can do it on the fly with a switch if you wanted.