Megasquirt n Edis Conversion

18/8/06

Well, not being someone to rush into the cutting edge of developments - I thought I would fit an EDIS8 system to my chevy.

The main motivation for this, from my existing Megasqurt controlled HEI setup is:

• Stronger spark offered by the coil packs - can run plug gaps at around 40-60 thou (apparently)
• Very stable and accurate spark
• Neater installation through removal of the big HEI distributor
• Well proven and reliable solution

Trigger wheel installation

Having successfully fitted the Ford pressed steel trigger wheel (pt # 1078767) to a friends Rover V8 by machining the damper down, I thought I would take the same approach on my own damper, with good results:

Update: You can obtain the ford pressed trigger wheel by mail order from Ford Parts UK - they will ship international as well.

Ford Granada Disc Assy C/Shaft And Ign. Timing

Part Number: 1078767

You Pay: £12.80

Coilpacks and Leads

Made up little spacers to mount the coil packs vertically at the front of the engine. I chose this location as its easier to get to when the radiator and bumper are fitted. I'm hoping that the heat being blasted from the radiator doesn't cause a problem with the parts.

I had the coil leads custom made by Performance Leads LTD - the complete set including VAT and carriage cost £50. They say they are super-duper spiral wound performance leads, at the end of the day I just consider them to be good quality ignition leads.

I'm not a big fan of using mega-expensive Magnecor leads on what are essentially is a bog standard ford Escort coil-pack. But if you have money to burn and must have the best of everything, then Magnecor can make up custom sets also and you can get Accel coil packs from Jegs/Summit. (ever noticed how EVERYTHING that's sold in the states claims better gas milage, Lower ET 's !!)

29/8/06 Wiring Loom

If you have the patience and reasonable eyesight, it's possible to take all the connectors apart and make your own custom loom up. I took this approach, It took me a over a day to complete this part of the loom.

One of the great things about the EDIS system, is that it will work without an ECU - so I mounted a spare trigger wheel in the chuck and put the VR sensor in the toolpost, hook up 12v supply and off you go! - just spinning the chuck slowly by hand was sufficient to get the system working.

18/9/06 Installed and running

Wired and installed, you can see the coil packs at the front. Done about 200 miles - no issues.

Fitted the distributor blanking plug that i made from an old HEI distributor. Now a sizeable hole at the back of the engine!