Hi i have a C20XE motor from a Cav GSi-which was on a dizzy system. Is it possible to change over to a crank sensor version by adding the crank sensor
in the block-ie is all the relevant stuff inside the engine to run this. Thing is i want to run an ECU for the carbs at present-then possibly move
onto TB's in the future. So i think it would be easier to convert my motor to run a standard crank sensor as the parts are readily available.
Cheers, John.
John,
All xe's use the crank sensor in addition to either the standard dizzy ir the later wasted park coil pack. Sounds like you want an old second
hand mbe ignition only ecu for carbs and then a programable ecu for throttle bodies.
Ned.
Nice one Ned thats exactly what i want to do. I've been looking at some ECU's-Weber Alpha, Emerald etc. 2nd hand, but i know some are based
on dizzy motors, and some on static based ones. I will obviously need a static one as i dont have a dizzy. So can i just refit a new crank sensor to
the block and use this in a new ECU? Are XE's 60-2 on the wheel? I want to be able to generate the sparks on carbs, then update to TB's and
remap to suit, with the addition of fuelling.
What would i need to run this system-is it just the crank trigger lead which should just bolt onto the block? How much are these leads likely to
cost?
Thanks again, John.
I've just been looking at this myself - I'm currently running twin 45's and a dizzy with a single coil pack, works fine but obviously
not the best or tuneable solution.
Have a look at the MegasquirtNSpark setup, aparently you can use the Vauxhalls block mounted crank sensor to directly drive the ecu, replacing the
dizzy with direct fire coil packs - it's also got 12x12 ignition maps and will be able to handle your injection or throttle body requirements
when you decide to upgrade.
Yeah i'm thinking of the MS-i already have the MJ-although not fitted-long way off yet-just liking the idea of a system that looks stock-and
saves me having to fit trigger wheels etc. for the Edis system.
So i'm thinking of selling all my stuff and putting it towards a different ECU that will run a standard XE (60-2???) setup. I can also add a TPS
to the carbs to make 3D, then swap to TB's further on.
I just need to know if i can add the VX crank trigger lead for my VR sensor.
Thanks again, John.
I've seen a race car that was fitted with a simple retarder box as they measured what a 2d mbe ignition-only box actually did and all it did was
step the ignition to retard it at a certain rpm, very very basic. I'm not an electronics guru but they rigged up a simple box/circuit that did
the same function at the fracrtion of the price of an mbe system.
Ned.
As ned said, you've already got crank sensor lead attached to block ( or you should have) you just use that with an aftermarket system.
If you cant find a secondhand system on ebay, tradermags etc.
Save yourself hassle and buy a new MBE system from SBD or Yukspeed for about £400.
Dave
Hmmm interesting idea Ned.
With regards to the VX setup-i guess i'd need the corresponding standard VX coil pack/packs to fire the sparks-any ideas how much one of these
would cost along with VR sensor? Anyone got pics so i can have a looky down scrappy?
Cheers, John.
Try and get an MBE 956 E ecu mate.
They are cheap, I can give you pinouts, wiring loom diagrams etc etc etc, plus mapping software.
They are a full injection management system, but can be run just controlling ign alone. They read the stock crank trigger and a throttle pot, plus
water temp and air temp.
The 956E ecu was only £315 new about 8 years ago so s/h ones are cheap now.
PS of course will run dizzyless (both mine do) just use an internally amped corsa/astra 1400/1600 16v coil pack.
[Edited on 4/4/06 by NS Dev]
Excellent thanks for that mate. Does the XE have the correct outputs for water/air temp sensors also?
water is on the thermostat housing, you'd have to fit the air sensor near the inlet as you won't use the standard inlet manifold..
Ned.
Brilliant-so sell all my MJ & Edis stuff, replace the crank sensor lead and get a VX coilpack and aftermarket ECU which runs the standard VX 60-2
wheel.
Nice one guys.
yep, pretty much - loads of pics in my archive of my ongoing build if you wanna have a look, or just ask any questions on here, a few of us often pop
up to answer them 
The XE dizzy also has a hall affect pick and the no-dizzy system also had this it was a small unit that bolted on the end of the cam shaft seperate from the dizzy pack.
quote:
Originally posted by JJM
Brilliant-so sell all my MJ & Edis stuff, replace the crank sensor lead and get a VX coilpack and aftermarket ECU which runs the standard VX 60-2 wheel.
Nice one guys.
Ok mate-although i'm a long way off needing it all yet mind-thinking of bundling it all together as a package with twin 45 Dellortos, manifold,
Megajolt etc. then Ebaying it all. Have my eye on a Weber Alpha box-cheapish at the mo-with VX maps on it already.
Thanks again.
quote:
Originally posted by JJM
Brilliant-so sell all my MJ & Edis stuff, replace the crank sensor lead and get a VX coilpack and aftermarket ECU which runs the standard VX 60-2 wheel.
Nice one guys.
I was guessing he meant cos it had disintegrated, they usually do on these!!
I assumed i didnt have one already-is this it-below no.1 exhaust?
Rescued attachment DSCF2216.JPG
certainly is and it looks like it hasn't disintegrated either, jobs a goodun! You just need the input from that and a throttle pot plus the water temp sensor and you have all the inputs needed for a system. Air temp is nice to have as well and no big job to sort.
Ok nice one-so wheres the water temp sensor again-in the thermostat housing? Do all XE's have these as standard if so i must have one somewhere.
I had the Megajolt built for a TPS and got one from a Mondeo to put on the 45's-so i could keep this or sell on if i change to TB's which
will have one fitted probably/maybe.
I'm liking this-but obviously i'd need an ECU specifically for the 60-2 setup-if say i got an ECU from a Zetec with a different crank sensor
(36-1) could i wipe the map and download an XE (60-2) onto it-or is that a hardware change?
Sorry for all the questions i'm getting things a little clearer in my numbskull now.
blue plug on the thermostat housing mate, look upwards from the crank sensor and it should smack you in the eye!
yes, you can change the trigger patterns, usually easily, as long as they are regular ones like the two you mention (don't worry about the
complex irregular ones used on some engines)
On the MBE 956 setup you just select on a menu from one trigger wheel of the other.
[Edited on 4/4/06 by NS Dev]
Bingo-sorted then.
Thanks mate looks like my MJ & Edis is goin on Ebay lol.
you can see both sensors in this pic of mine: http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/upload/IMG_1929b.jpg
Beauty motor Ned-nice one.