Slant 6 Megasquirt Ignition (Crank&CAM position sensing)

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J Glenn

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What are people using for crank and cam position sensing with Megasquirt on their /6? I was hoping to avoid a crank-shaft position sensor in favor of adapting a "high resolution" cam shaft position sensor (replacing the distributor, obviously). But, from the documentation, the only option I find for a high-resolution Cam Shaft Position Senor is a Nissan optical sensor that is not supported by MS2 (Microsquirt):-( So I'm curious what other people are using.

BTW, my only concern with the crank-shaft position sensor is that it seems rather exposed! I'd hate to have some road debris or something take-out my trigger wheel.
 
I am running from the VR signal from the distributor for my spark, so I have no first hand experience, but when I was doing MS research I ran across several people using the Jeep 4.0 camshaft position sensor in the distributor hole (granted this was for small block, I just never looked into MS on the slant). A quick google image lookup of the slant distributor, they ends look similar enough to be worth looking into. If you could machine a standoff for the cam sensor, it might be a clean solution.

Not exactly the info you wanted, just thought it might be helpful if you hadn't seen it before.
 
A Jeep cam sensor is not for triggering the spark and it is not "high resolution." Nothing in any distributor hole is particularly "high resolution." So OP are you trying to rig a SPARK trigger into the dist or just a cam sensor? If latter, you still need an ignition trigger somehow in addition. With a slant and the way the bell is built (accessable) I'd think a crank trigger into the bell and triggering off either a modified flywheel/ flex plate. I don't know, maybe you chould adapt a V6 flex plate?
 
J Glenn said:
BTW, my only concern with the crank-shaft position sensor is that it seems rather exposed! I'd hate to have some road debris or something take-out my trigger wheel.
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This might be a bit of an irrational fear in my opinion. If you’ve got road debris big enough to damage a crank sensor coming up there between your radiator and K-frame, then that sensor is probably the least of your problems.

I tuck all of mine behind the crankshaft pulley for aesthetics. Haven’t had a road debris issue yet. [SOLD] - 36-1 Crank Trigger Wheels 318/340/360/383/440
 
wish4hemi said:
This might be a bit of an irrational fear in my opinion. If you’ve got road debris big enough to damage a crank sensor coming up there between your radiator and K-frame, then that sensor is probably the least of your problems.
I tuck all of mine behind the crankshaft pulley for aesthetics. Haven’t had a road debris issue yet. [SOLD] - 36-1 Crank Trigger Wheels 318/340/360/383/440
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I really like that! I didn't realize they are 1/8" thick. I might have to copy your design (by taking an off-the shelf crank-shaft position sensor and modifying it on the lathe). Unless you have those for sale still?
 
I made all of that stuff for the 512 in my Duster. Built my own cam sync as well as a 36-1 trigger wheel.
DSC_3482 (Large).JPG
 
JoesEdge said:
@AndyF Do you make any of those parts for a Small Block?
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Not really. The 36-1 wheel will bolt on to a SB since the bolt pattern is the same but I don't build a SB version of the trigger bracket. The cam sync would fit a SB since the distributor holes are the same size but the shaft is the wrong length. I stopped designing parts for SB engines since they don't sell very well. Same with /6 stuff. I used to make /6 and SB stuff but sales volume was too low to make any money.
 
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Have had my own trigger wheel on there since 2015, no issue at all. The crank sensor is for an 04 Ford Ranger with a 3.0 V6.

If you do the 36-1 wheel on the front and then grind all but one tooth off a regular distributor, you can have sequential fuel and spark. If you use GM LS coils you will have extremely hot spark and not have to worry about a cap and rotor again. My 340 has D585 round coils on it, all are OE GM from the salvage yard. They are very cheap.

Lots of places online that you can buy a trigger wheel from.
 
AndyF said:
Not really. The 36-1 wheel will bolt on to a SB since the bolt pattern is the same but I don't build a SB version of the trigger bracket. The cam sync would fit a SB since the distributor holes are the same size but the shaft is the wrong length. I stopped designing parts for SB engines since they don't sell very well. Same with /6 stuff. I used to make /6 and SB stuff but sales volume was too low to make any money.
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@AndyF That's a bummer! By the way, I do have your Alternator bracket on my small block. Very easy and worth while upgrade! In the garage I have a spare Slant 6 and 5.9 Magnum.
 
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