Hello all,
So I'm busy putting a Zetec E into a Chevette. Original plan is to run the Weber 40's I have, but these will foul the brake servo so I'm gonna try bike carbs, see if they're anymore compact than the Webers.

Problem I'm having is finding info on the tinternet about ignition.
Many people tell me an EDIS4 unit will run the engine without problems,
many others say this is not the case, and it won't advance the spark.

I've a couple of pals who're into banger racing (not my cup of tea) and they're adamant the EDIS4 works well enough for racing with this engine, they use them to race Mondeo's on carbs.

Other's on tinternet advise using the early redtop ESC modules, having a vacuum input to control the spark advance.
I'm fully aware that I need a dedicated controller and that MegaJolt would do the job, but I'm on a mega tight budget with this build, so trying to get by with parts from the scrappers.

Can anyone confirm for sure what might get this engine up and running?

 

EDIS4 will NOT give anything other than a spark, it will not and cannot advance retard the ignition, but it will work, just depends on your definition of work, it will be how can I put this, utterly shit for the road.
Running alone, ie without ecu interaction it will fire every plug at 10 degrees BTDC, in limp mode, it uses the interaction of the PIP and SAW signals from the ecu for the advance retard curve.
It will run the engine, just not very well, the ignition timing is at least as important as the fuelling.
Obviously if you use a module that uses a vac pipe then you will get a curve, most likely nowhere near ideal but slightly better than nothing.
tabetha

 

It does the job perfectly, but as you say yourself, you need to control it with something. Othervise you get a steady 10degrees BTDC advance. Megasquirt or Megajolt would be the simplest and cheapest of choices.

 

Ok gents, cheers. The bike carbs I've got in the garage aren't. They're throttle bodies (off a GSXR 750), so perhaps I'll use these and go for a full ECU such as MegaSquirt.
I was trying not to spend too much on this, but it looks like either way I'll need some form of ECU, so might as well go the whole hog and buy a dedicated ECU.