I understand it is possible to use an ignition module from a late 80's 1.4 / 1.6 Carb Escort/Orion with a zetec and coil pack, to provide a basic 2 dimensional ignition map.

Does anyone have any experience of this? I have all the edis, mjlj bits but was wondering if the all ford set up would be any easier.....

set it up as per the MJ - just don't wire in the MJ
the EDIS will give you a fixed 10 degree BTDC (its fords limp home mode) - far from perfect but it'll get you running


[edit] I'll shut up now - I forgot about that kind bellow.....


[Edited on 18/6/08 by mcerd1]

Yep this one,

Ive run all sorts of engine on it.

It is a 3d setup but is not adjustable.

Imho its only any good for a basic state of tune.

It has three plugs (coil, Vr, water temp) needs a vacume conection to the manifold and has just one earth wire and one switched, fused live.

If you want any more info or a wiring diagram, give me a shout.

Cheers Wasa, I'm running a 1.8 Blacktop, with 2.0 Blacktop cams, 40mm ZZR1100 carbs - with vac take offs. All in an MGB so not the most capable chassis, but they did cope with 150bhp V8's, I'm reconing on about 140 crank BHP from the zetec, do you think such a ignition set up would do? and save me all the programming of the MJLJ....

[Edited on 18/6/08 by r1_pete]

No that spec I would go Mglj

above is better suited to single carb 8v engine, but I have run zetecs on it for short periods.

Mjlj is not much harder. You should be able to find a map on line.

Cheers, I'll stick with the megajolt then.
Rgds.
Pete.

There is another option, from www.quad4rods.com in the US - he makes an OBD1-type GM module that gives initial 10 advance at idle, increasing throughout the rev range to 28 degrees or so. It's not very expensive, uses off-the-shelf GM ignition parts, and....holds a Bonneville world speed record on a Zetec 2.0, so I guess it works....

But why spend so much time and money building an engine, only to use an ignition system with an unsuitable advance curve?