Can these be made to work with MegaSquirt? There were a ton of them at the Junkyard when I was in CA. Seems the cash for clunkers was hard on Northstar engines :-\ I think cost to replace the module would keep me from actually installing one, but I am curious from looking at so many of them.
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NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
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Re: NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
I'm sure it could be wired to work.
The Nstar module is fed a 24x ref, and uses 2 crank sensors and a cam sensor signal to verify #1 for sequential and fast start.
It would probably be a "clean" way to signal a ms system.
The module, I guess?, could send the "cleaned" ignition signal to the Ms, and the output/timing control circuit in the module would then receive a modified signal from the ms for fire control. I've never looked at the output to the pcm from the module (with a scope), just voltmeter in min/max, so I don't know if it toggles sine wave or square wave...hmmm.....
I'm sure 'Geek or Matt has used one before.
The modules are VERY reliable, as I've only replaced 2-3 since its debut in '93. A lot of coils though.
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Re: NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
For triggering I'm thinking more along the lines of the MS getting crank signal reference then sending a timing signal to the module. I would think it's similar to the 3.8L six cylinder module/coil packs, only it has one more coil pack.
Good to know about the modules though, those coil packs are common at least. Thanks!Escaped on a technicality.
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Re: NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
From the MS perspective, these modules work just like a 7-pin HEI. They're weird, and not that hot. You'd have to feed them the 24x input, as Caddyman suggests, then they in turn feed a square wave 4x signal to the Megasquirt (like your HEI) - then the megasquirt feeds them back the appropriate timing... Kinda like an EDIS setup. The downer is having to run the 24x trigger wheel for them...
My preferred crank triggered ignition is the 36-1 Ford wheel on a balancer/pulley (like Rusty). Then an appropriate Hall sensor, fed into the MS. Then use 4 spark outputs out of the MS to trigger power transistors and run the wasted spark coils of your choosing. Mitsubishi (also found on Hyundai) are the hottest, and most appropriate for wasted spark. LS1 packs are the next hottest, but not very good for wasted spark: Ford EDIS coils are the next best choice.
For simplicity, you COULD run a complete Ford EDIS ignition - just need the coils, and the module, and the 36-1 wheel with the ford VR sensor. This is super simple to setup and run...
but if you want a nice 2-step and spark cut rev limiter, ditch the EDIS module and coils, and go with the "Rusty" version. Lately, we've had some issues with LS1 CKP sensors (I'm beginning to suspect the quality of the non-OEM replacement parts)... we've been switching to Hamlin sensors, which cannot be found in parts stores but seem to be less sensitive to noise/interference...
CDMBill, JeffMcKC, Chad (Rusty), and the Hubers all run the 36-1 setup.
-Scott
www.realtuners.com - catch the RealTuners Radio Podcast on Youtube, Facebook, iTunes, and anywhere else podcasts are distributed!
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Re: NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
Originally posted by TheSilverBuickThanks Scott. Yeah sounds like I'd have to grab a 24x wheel if I were to go that route. I'm still good with the distributor in the front, but the 36-1 wheel for triggering is still tempting.......www.realtuners.com - catch the RealTuners Radio Podcast on Youtube, Facebook, iTunes, and anywhere else podcasts are distributed!
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Re: NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
Originally posted by dieselgeekOriginally posted by TheSilverBuickThanks Scott. Yeah sounds like I'd have to grab a 24x wheel if I were to go that route. I'm still good with the distributor in the front, but the 36-1 wheel for triggering is still tempting.......Escaped on a technicality.
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Re: NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
Originally posted by TheSilverBuickThe crank trigger though would be nice to do away with timing chain and distributor slop in the timing. Isn't that how the Studebaker is done?www.realtuners.com - catch the RealTuners Radio Podcast on Youtube, Facebook, iTunes, and anywhere else podcasts are distributed!
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Re: NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
Originally posted by TheSilverBuickHmm, I thought there was a crank trigger, but you'd know for sure. Are they using the internal IGTB circuit for the module/dwell control?
edit: when you use an MSD's points input, you don't have to control dwell either. Just set up your megasquirt for 50% duty cycle and the MSD will happily trigger off the FIDLE, or IGN circuit, without an ignition transistor.www.realtuners.com - catch the RealTuners Radio Podcast on Youtube, Facebook, iTunes, and anywhere else podcasts are distributed!
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Re: NorthStar V8 Coil Pack Ignition and Module.
Originally posted by TheSilverBuickDuh! Of course the MSD box! Speaking of which after I get my distributor/timing issues completely resolved and stable I need to get my MSD hooked up.www.realtuners.com - catch the RealTuners Radio Podcast on Youtube, Facebook, iTunes, and anywhere else podcasts are distributed!
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