AEM Engine Position Module - Crank/Cam Trigger Idea

[alxdgr8]

Has anyone used one of these yet? http://www.aemelectronics.com/?q=produc ... module-epm
It's a crank and cam sensor that replaces your distributor/cam sensor to run wasted spark/COP. They have some generic SBC/SBF distributor applications, but they also have a Honda one that looks like it could be much more universal.

AEM's EPM provides precise engine position using dual zero-speed optical sensors, which offers the advantage of immediate signal generation regardless of engine speed. The EPM easily adapts to any positive-drive, half-engine speed device such as a cam or distributor drive, and can be used with any aftermarket engine management system that recognizes the common 24 & 1 pattern for crank and cam signals.

Bolt-on systems available for all distributed Chevy small block and big block engines, Ford 5.0L small blocks with EFI (1986-93), Ford 351 Windsor, 289 and 302 small block engines, and Honda B-, D-, H-, and F-series race engines
Very simple four-wire connection for easy installation (12V, ground, crank signal, and cam signal)
Output signal amplitude and waveform stay constant at all RPM
Shock absorbing elastomer drive system eliminates potential for ignition timing deviation and protects the EPM from vibration
24-tooth crank, 1-tooth cam pattern per engine cycle for accurate timing and easy set up (Pattern available in cam/crank sensor wizard in AEMPro/AEMTuner/InfinityTuner)
EPM manufactured from 6061 T-6 billet aluminum

A fellow 190E guy I know plans on adapting on to the 2.3-16 distributor (along with my help), so I was curious if anyone else had gone this route. This seems like it could be a nice solution to the crank mounted trigger (V8's/I5) for those that don't have a flywheel trigger.

I did find this post, which doesn't have nice thoughts on this kind of setup: http://honda-tech.com/engine-management ... u-2429136/

So, maybe that leads to a slightly different question...would it be safe to run a camshaft driven 'single' trigger on an engine? Is the concern mainly with timing belts, or are timing chains subject to the idea in the thread above?

[alxdgr8]

http://aemelectronics.com/files/instruc ... 20Puck.pdf

[Mcstiff]

Seems like it should be easy enough to adapt to a dizzy core (they have a universal one http://aemelectronics.com/files/instruc ... 20Puck.pdf). I'm not sure how I feel about running both triggers off the cam.

[alxdgr8]

Seems like it should be easy enough to adapt to a dizzy core (they have a universal one http://aemelectronics.com/files/instruc ... 20Puck.pdf). I'm not sure how I feel about running both triggers off the cam.

My 944 Wolf 3D EMS runs a single trigger off the cam wheel. The guy that designed the setup probably has 50+ setups out there on the track/street and they seem to work well. But those are a max of 6500-7k rpm.

Haven't heard of anyone in the VAG world using just a cam trigger though.

[SEStone]

Seems like it should be easy enough to adapt to a dizzy core (they have a universal one http://aemelectronics.com/files/instruc ... 20Puck.pdf). I'm not sure how I feel about running both triggers off the cam.

My 944 Wolf 3D EMS runs a single trigger off the cam wheel. The guy that designed the setup probably has 50+ setups out there on the track/street and they seem to work well. But those are a max of 6500-7k rpm.

Haven't heard of anyone in the VAG world using just a cam trigger though.

I ran my old 80Q 20v on Megasquirt using a 5 window hall sensor in the distributor. There was tons of timing jitter, precision was terrible due to play in the timing belt and distributor gear (of which there was very little). Fine for low power like that but not really for anything else.

Sam

[alxdgr8]

I ran my old 80Q 20v on Megasquirt using a 5 window hall sensor in the distributor. There was tons of timing jitter, precision was terrible due to play in the timing belt and distributor gear (of which there was very little). Fine for low power like that but not really for anything else.

Sam

Good to know. Wonder if a timing chain engine would be more stable.

[vt10vt]

I bet it'd be fine if you could run it off something like the cam gear or the back of a cam more rigidly mounted than a distributor. Nissan optical toothed wheels on the cam gear and they work fine.

[Noisy Cricket]

I ran my old 80Q 20v on Megasquirt using a 5 window hall sensor in the distributor. There was tons of timing jitter, precision was terrible due to play in the timing belt and distributor gear (of which there was very little). Fine for low power like that but not really for anything else.

Sam

Good to know. Wonder if a timing chain engine would be more stable.

It's not uncommon in the pushrod V8 world to go with a 4-pole crank trigger, because the timing jitters too much when you rely in the distributor.

So, no, it wouldn't be.

[bradyzq]

I thought those things, as in most AEM stuff, were effectively 12 tooth crank (24 tooth cam). So, it might be difficult or impossible to get it to run a 5 cylinder.