How do you tune an ECU without knock control

[Hugh Keir]

A series of articles by Autospeed  http://www.autospeed.com/ based on Tim
White's Bachelor of Engineering thesis entitled 'The Effect of Spark-Knock
on the Performance of a Modern Spark-Ignition Engine' suggested to me that
maximum power is achieved around the onset of spark-knock.

I have also read other articles that suggest power is still increasing at
the onset of spark knock, never mind that your engine may be detonating
through carbon buildup / other overheating malodies.

Motec and Autronic are generaly classed as highly competent systems by most
commentators, yet they have no integrated means of displaying / reading
knock.

This begs the question for a DIY-er with no access to an engine dyno, how do
you tune the ignition advance without risking blowing up your engine.


----- Original Message -----
From: "James Ballenger" <vtjballeng at yifan.net>
To: <diy_efi at diy-efi.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2001 6:59 PM
Subject: RE: AUTRONIC SM2 ECU.


> I have been looking into their unit recently and it is truly a kick ass
> piece.  I currently have a Haltech E6S-8 and am running into output
channel
> problems, I only have 5 and want 10 or so.  I have been talking to Ray
Hall
> and the unit is a friggin Motec that costs less than my Haltech.  I
strongly
> suspect we will be running the SMC next year and I am looking into them
for
> some friends projects as well.
>
> If there is a system to judge it by, I started to do the same, it only
> stands next to the Motec M48 except at a significant discount.  I tried to
> compare it to some units like my Haltech or SDS which are both in the same
> price range and it blows them out of the water.
>
> Sorry to rave about this one, but I am pumped up to get one next year for
> our team.  At which point I should be able to provide much more tuning
> information and specifics.  I have gotten a lot of details about the
system
> from Ray, so you may be able to direct some questions at me now if you
want
> to.
>
> James Ballenger
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: owner-diy_efi at diy-efi.org [mailto:owner-diy_efi at diy-efi.org]On
> >Behalf Of clayb
> >Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2001 10:55 AM
> >To: diy_efi at diy-efi.org
> >Subject: Re:AUTRONIC SM2 ECU.
> >
> >
> >> It seems to be very comprehensive in it's capabilities and
> >similar to =
> >> Motec, but are there any technical things like accuracy of spark =
> >> delivery, fuel delivery, anything else? that can be used to
> >judge this =
> >> system against others.
> >
> >I don't know the exact pulse width resolution, but I'm sure
> >Ray Hall can
> >give you the specs. I use the SMC, similar to the SM2, but missing a
> >couple inputs and outputs for traction control, idle air, and
> >some other
> >niceties.
> >
> >It has no problem controlling large injectors (96 lb/hr) at idle. I'm
> >able to make small corrections in fuel delivery. Ignition is similarly
> >accurate. I understand they're also coming out with a knock
> >sensing unit
> >that will interface with their ECU, and do the usual individual spark
> >and fuel adjustment. I believe it will also reduce the turbo boost, if
> >necessary.
> >
> >- Clay
> >---------------------------------------------------------------
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> >
> >
>
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