New ms user

[mymomswagon]

Can ms1 control ignition? I haven't purchased it yet. I'm trying to decide between ms1 and ms2. I'm putting a 90' b230ft in a 80'242gt. should just use the fuel pumps out of the 90'? We're keeping the motor stock except for the cam and computer.
joshA

[MrBill]

I think it depends on what board you use, but YES.

Most guys here use some bosch part number as an ignition controler, more will chime in.
The 3.0 version of the MS board can control ignition directly, it fires the coil.

[qwkswede]

Yeah, ignition on MSI is no problem. To run ignition, you just need to run the megasquirt n spark - extra firmware on the controller. Then you have to wire an output to the coil. If its a later model car, you can just use the fidle output, or one of the LED outputs to plug into the existing bosch ignition module on the fender. Aternatively you can run a coil directly, you need to modify one circuit with a heavier duty transistor that can handle the current draw of a coil. Its very well proven, and lots of people have done different ignition control variations. Good luck with it.

[mymomswagon]

What parts would i need to keep out of the 1990 donor car if i were to use the bosch ignition? The 90' has a crank sensor, is that part of the ignition system? I don't think my 87' 740 has a crank sensor? What triggers the ignition in my 87? And one more question... is it possible to run the distributor that goes in the block (like the 1980 242 has) on the 1990 motor? because then couldn't you use a msd box with the little hall distributors?
thanks for all the info I'm old school so all this EFI stuff is a little over my head but i'm having fun learning about my longtime, reliable, hand-me down, family relic, volvo for life.
joshA
By the way nice wagon! very sharp i'm a sucker for red

[permieshane]

What parts would i need to keep out of the 1990 donor car if i were to use the bosch ignition? The 90' has a crank sensor, is that part of the ignition system? I don't think my 87' 740 has a crank sensor? What triggers the ignition in my 87?
Yes crank sensor is part of the ignition & would be nice to use, however if you don't have one on the '87 you will probably have a sensor on the cam (in the distributor). You can check if you have a sensor in the dizzy if there are wires apart from ignition leads coming out of the dizzy.
The sensor in the dizzy will be fine for using the MS for spark.

And one more question... is it possible to run the distributor that goes in the block (like the 1980 242 has) on the 1990 motor? because then couldn't you use a msd box with the little hall distributors?
If you are going to the trouble to use MS you may as well use it for the spark as well. You can use the signal from either the cam or crank as mentioned above to feed the MS, then use the MS to drive a coil direct, you could even use wasted spark if you didn't want to use the dizzy to distribute spark.

Now you have full control over the ignition advance curve.

thanks for all the info I'm old school so all this EFI stuff is a little over my head but i'm having fun learning about my longtime, reliable, hand-me down, family relic, volvo for life.
joshA
Looks like you are going to have some fun.

[mymomswagon]

Awsome, thanks for the info!