I know that folks have used the Ford stuff to create a COP motor, but is there any reason that factory COP components can't be used? Later model Honda D-Series engines used COP. As the distributor is one of the few failure modes of the D-Series engine, eliminating it would be cool.
I have a BMW S52 running wasted spark COP with factory coils, triggers and sensors. It was pretty easy except for my tune is still way off (my issue - not MS). I had to treat it like a 3cylinder... but with a 4 cyl motor I don't think there is an issue with MS-II and COP in sequential or wasted spark although WS seems much simpler and I couldn't find any downside.
grimmelshanks wrote:
whats COP?
Something people shout just before they scatter.
What are the advantages of doing such modification for performance?
triumph5 wrote:
What are the advantages of doing such modification for performance?
Since they don't fire as often, they get more time to charge. This means you can get a better spark at high RPM. Also, distributors can be a source of some timing inaccuracy. If your trigger is mounted directly to the crank and fires the coils directly, that's essentially eliminated.
There may be other advantages, but I don't know what they might be.
BTW, MS3 and the add-on card will do something like 8 coils (as well as sequential injection.) I think that's the only way to do non-wasted spark COP with Megasquirt. MS3 is expensive, and the add on card will be too.
I once set up a Microsquirt module to decode the 24 tooth and 1 tooth wheels in the distributor on the D16 powered Civic I used to have, using MS2/Extra code. Hardest part was getting the triggering edges correct. I didn't try using it for coil on plug but once you have the wheel decoded correctly, you can just turn it to coil on plug mode in the software and wire up the extra coils.
While this was a plug and play, 100% factory sensors setup, you could also use a crank trigger, or an AEM EPM, if you wanted to. Then it's just matter of deciding what coils to use.
MadScientistMatt wrote:
I once set up a Microsquirt module to decode the 24 tooth and 1 tooth wheels in the distributor on the D16 powered Civic I used to have, using MS2/Extra code. Hardest part was getting the triggering edges correct. I didn't try using it for coil on plug but once you have the wheel decoded correctly, you can just turn it to coil on plug mode in the software and wire up the extra coils.
While this was a plug and play, 100% factory sensors setup, you could also use a crank trigger, or an AEM EPM, if you wanted to. Then it's just matter of deciding what coils to use.
Good to know. Since there is a factory COP version of my motor, that's tempting. The crank trigger is easy for me.
angusmf wrote:
triumph5 wrote:
What are the advantages of doing such modification for performance?
Since they don't fire as often, they get more time to charge. This means you can get a better spark at high RPM. Also, distributors can be a source of some timing inaccuracy. If your trigger is mounted directly to the crank and fires the coils directly, that's essentially eliminated.
There may be other advantages, but I don't know what they might be.
BTW, MS3 and the add-on card will do something like 8 coils (as well as sequential injection.) I think that's the only way to do non-wasted spark COP with Megasquirt. MS3 is expensive, and the add on card will be too.
Actually, the #1 reason to go COP is the removal of the spark plug wires. They are the least durable thing in the ignition system, once migrated to distributorless ignition.
worst to best:
points (condenser)
rotor
cap
wires
plugs
coils.
(although, certain companies can make some of the lower ones move up... say, Mazda and their coils)
Miata guys have been putting Toyota COPs on their cars for a few years now. Work well.
alfadriver wrote:
Actually, the #1 reason to go COP is the removal of the spark plug wires. They are the least durable thing in the ignition system, once migrated to distributorless ignition.
Only if they're not VW COP's then they're the least reliable part. I'd take plug wires, a distributor and points over those some days.
I know of a kit to convert the BMW m42 and m44 4 cylinder engines to COP. those engines already have a distributer less system, but the coils are off of the engine, so it uses 3 foot long plug wires to get the spark from the coils to the plugs
In reply to mad_machine:
Verrrrrry interesting. Where does this kit come from? On edit: Never mind, a company called HQ Autosports makes one. Google is my friend.