This is been a long time in the making, but things are getting done! The most complicated part of this conversion is getting the GM130 alternator to work properly. The charge light on the dash would flash on and off at varying rates and rpms and was driving me crazy. I was convinced it wasn't the alternator itself, but after doing troubleshooting step imaginable I decided to give the alternator a pull and replace it with another one I had laying around. Turns out the bad one passed 4 out of 5 tests at the auto parts store. I replaced it with a CS120 out of a Pontiac and wholla!!! no more flashing charging light!



With this done it was on to the Megasquirt. First and foremost I needed a place to mount it. Under the glove box wasnt really an option since there isn't much room. So I decided under the seat was good option. There was only one problem with that... where to put the relay board?! I didn't want to drill a hole in the firewall at this point so to simplify things I mounted it next to the Megasquirt. To pass the sensor leads into the cab I'll be using existing drain plugs and a grommet that passes some wiring from the cab to the rear of the truck.




So as of now I have the MAP sensor hooked up... an Innovate LC-1 WBO2 sensor and controller, IAT sensor, and tach signal from my MSD 6A box which is under the driver's seat. Everything looks great so far. I've data logged some and at least to me everything looks up to far.







Now the hard part begins.. the fuel system and the TBI adapter. I haven't figured out these 2 yet, but I'm sure I will at one point soon. I'll probably be back on here in the near future for alll kinds of questions!

 

I have made some progress since my last post. I decided to go as far as I could while still carbed. I am using a GM 8 pin ignition module, GM coil, and 22RE dizzy. Here are a few pics of it

GM coil mounted where the old voltage regulator used to be


GM 8 pin ignition module

 

Good effort, but your wires need to seriously cleaned up. Please before you catch fire, properly route and protect the wires.

Can you feel a difference with the megasquirt?

 

If you notice the pics are pre wired pics. I was mocking things up to see how long I needed to make the harness. Everything is soldered, heat shrink tubed and wire loomed. I guess I should post the after pictures.

Right now the truck is ignition only. I've gone as far as I can go with it still being carbed. I have the IAT, CLT, WBO2, GM 8 pin IG module, GM coil, and GM ESC module with knock sensor in system right now. It runs great. I just have to tune the ignition since it's a Chev 350 map tuned down 10%.

 

I'm not sure how much more "megasquirt" talk I can handle.

Fink

 

I'm guessing "megasquirt" is a popular topic on this site. What can I say? It's a big learning experience and it's rewarding when things go as planned. You should try it out sometime

 

Oh, trust me, I ain't no newbie.

Fink

 

Is this really worth doing though? I am not so sure I like the added electronics to a carb'ds vehicle. I know the GM ign module can have it's advantages but...... Having experience with the PITA F*rd feedback style carb's....... And Yes I know I am running a crane fireball system on mine to power the ign. but.......

BTW, I really wish downey was still around and/or someone else picked up that nice little dizzy re-curve kit and sold it, I'd like to try it.