034 EFI, controlling ignition with Haltech IG5?

[JShadzi at aol.com]

<< I have heard that Audi ignitions are some of the best, and most OE systems
 can produce enough spark energy for more than double the stock power.>>

Yes, that is true, Techtonics in Oregon build a 600hp watercooled 1.8
dragster using stock Bosch ignition..

<< However, I've heard from listers and others, timing is very critical, and
in
 most cases that go above and beyond mild upgrades, the pre dual-sensor
 sensor systems aren't good enough. What do you say about this argument? Is
 it really dual vs. single, or is it a better system? I have seen most
 systems, even race types [such as Electromotive], use only one sensor. >>

I agree that timing is critical, but not that the dual sensor systems are the
only way to go for high power.  The knock sensor is a saftey device, not a
tuning device, if your timing curve relies on the knock sensor, then you are
seriously deminishing the timing-related performance of your application.
Initial timing setting, and advance control are the key, it has nothing to do
with the knock sensor.  The reason Audi went with dual-sensors is becuase
they increased the compression of the MC-2 by over half a point-dual sensors
were not necessary in the MC1, becuase they were not as detonation prone -its
that simple.

<<Would you recommend switching to an ECU w/o knock sensing at all? What
about on the higher compression engines, like the KH or modified MC?>>

No, the NG/NF systems have very good maps based on engine load, temp, and
fuel octane(the knock sensor is not even the advantage to the systems).  With
034efi, I created an output from the ECU that gives a load signal to the
stock ignition system, retarding timing with increased load, similar to the
MAC systems that retard under boost.  It is a very effective ignition system
that I plan on taking to 400+hp.  The earlier systems don't do this.

<< How much power do you think may be gained by pushing the timing past the
norm for a turbo and letting a knock sensor retard to a safe level? >>

None, like its been said before, once the knock sensor retards timing the fun
is pretty much over.  Its NOT A TUNING DEVICE, but a saftey device.  Max
power will be derived by running timing to the ragged edge of detonation,
then backing off to a safer, but optimum level.

<<What do you think the real purpose of the knock system was designed to be?>>

See Above

<< About ignition only ECU's, the J&S seems to be the most advanced in terms
of
 knock control. It's compat. w/ 5-cylinders and can use various input
 sensors, such as MAP, crank, or dist., etc.Also this brings you to Bosch's
 modern day level w/ individual cylinder knock sensing. Here's the link:
 http://www.safeguard.20m.com/index.html>>

J&S doesn't do anything that the factory systems don't, the stock systems
retard cyl by cyl too.  If you are looking for that extra margin of saftey,
then knock sensors are great, but don't expect them to actually increase
power any, only proper base maps can do that.

Javad