Coil ignition engine

[not the blue lampshade]

So the engine I put in my 626 last fall is pretty much on it's way out the door (blown rings, rear main leaking, blah blah blah). It is a distributor ignition setup.

Now, I'm looking at a JDM engine with like <~50k on it, which is tits, and it's a coil ignition setup.

Question is, do I need the ECU for a coil ignition system, or is it still fed by a crankshaft sensor? Is there something in the ECU of the coil engine vs. the dist. engine?

Anyone have any answers while I use internets to figure this out?
Thanks,
Tom

 

[dmention7]

I am almost certain you will need the ECU, since the ignition is all electronic and can be advanced or retarded by the computer. There would be at minimum a sensor on the crank, probably one on the cam as well. But the system wouldn't be "fed" by these sensors, they would just be inputs to the computer, which would then reference a whole host of other inputs to map ignition timing.

 

[not the blue lampshade]

so would I need the JDM ECU or a 98+ EVU with coil, or the uber unicorn 97 ECU w/ coil ign?

 

[mndsm]

You might try check DSM boards too. I don't remember exactly what the set was, but a lot of guys were using MSD boxes with COP applications.

 

[dmention7]

so would I need the JDM ECU or a 98+ EVU with coil, or the uber unicorn 97 ECU w/ coil ign?

I am not at all familiar with the motor, so I'd have no idea about compatibility. Though, the JDM ECU would probably be the safest bet for a plug-n-play setup.


A standalone ignition system might be something to look at too. Though, making that play nice with the ECU from the distributor'd motor could be a challenge in and of itself.

 

[not the blue lampshade]

Alright, so I'm not going the coil route since I'd have to make a 98+ ECU work for a 97 car, or go standalone ignition, which is too much for me.

So now, I'm trying to figure out if I need the ECU for a JDM engine w/dist or if mine will work just fine.

Lemme know if you know!
Thanks

ON TO ENGINE #2 FUCK YEA!!!