Precision Turbo and Engine BigStuff3 GEN3 Powertrain Controller Ignition Setup Tutorial User Manual
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The installation and set-up of the following ignition configurations will be explained in this tutorial.
For additional information on ignition systems, not listed below, refer to the GEN3 Pro SEFI System
User’s Manual.
Ignition Types Covered in This Tutorial
1.
**
Stand-alone IPU Distributor Only (Go to
2.
**
Modified IPU Distributor (serving as the cam sync) with a Crank Trigger Setup (Go to
)
3.
**
MSD Distributor Used to Only Distribute Spark from an MSD 6A/7A/8A,… box, with a
4.
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MSD 2340 Cam Sync Distributor with a Crank Trigger Setup (Go to
5.
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MSD All-in-One, Crank and Cam Sync Distributor (Go to
6. GM’s CAM Sync Drive with BigStuff3’s 24 Tooth Crank Wheel. (Go to
)
)
8. GM LS1/2/7 COP System (Go to
9. Ford Mod Motor COP System (Go to
**
If using a MSD8 CD ignition box, a pullup resistor needs to be installed between the ignition
(+12V) post and Mag + post on the side of the MSD8 ignition box! A minimum of a 900 Ohm
min (to 1K max), .125 Watt min (to 2 Watt max) resistor is needed. See
A “Quick Setup Guide” is provided for each ignition system outlined in this tutorial. The “Quick
Setup Guides” briefly describe steps required for each ignition system setup. Detailed explanations of
some of the steps, outlined in the “Quick Setup Guide”, are provided at the end of this tutorial in a
section titled “Specific Details” and in other locations throughout this tutorial. Hyperlinks and page
numbers are provided in the “Quick Setup Guide” sections to assist in quickly locating the detailed
information.
BigStuff3’s GEN3 ECU uses a “Delay-back” Ignition Control Strategy.
Many competitive systems use a “feed-forward” ignition strategy, where the ECU has to forecast, or
predict, the next timing event, 90
o
before it will occur. The ECU predicts the next timing event based
on a constant engine speed assumption. If there is a transient event, and the engine accelerates or
decelerates the ECU’s timing forecast or prediction becomes inaccurate, resulting in retarded or
advanced timing.
BigStuff3 employs a “delay-back” strategy, where the ignition timing forecast or prediction occurs
within several degrees of the actual “Crank Reference” signal, thus significantly reducing timing
fluctuations during transient events. The difference may not seem significant, but it can result in
timing inaccuracies during conditions when accurate timing is critical!