ECU/spark advance/MEP

[Walter Sherwin]

Can you tell us more about the little "gizmo"?  Are they still available?
Who made it?  Are the two needles  "mechanically" pressure sensitive via
some isolated passageway, or are  the needles somehow "electrically"
referenced to the secondary firing voltages that are influenced by variable
cylinder pressures?

Have been eyeing the Kistler spark plugs (set of 8) for some time, figuring
that they could be used together with high speed DAQ to create analytical
dyno PV data for most any IC engine.  Every time I look at the $$$$ though,
I almost go into shock.

A cheaper/simpler alternative would be nice....

Walt.




> Yep  I got a little gizmo that is basically a pressure sensitive
>spark plug screw it in, put plug wire on end.  Has a gauge  with 2 needles
1
>reads highest reached, other is actual.. is about 20 years old, works  but
>not the safest thing in the world. Tried to reset the needle once or twice
>with engine running..... ouch.  Good for getting a bang on adv curve if you
>know how to work cyl presure vs timing of ignition.