EFI University

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

i am preparing to install a redline weber injection system on a VW engine. we have a complete system with ECU, wiring, TB's. the thing is that this system was bought by my customer, second hand, and i cannot verify for sure what we have. the user documentation available on the redline website is not very helpful. the package came with printed manuals for both the ECU-882 and the ECU-32.

can someone identify this ECU? TIA.

scott lyons

RootesRacer · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 461 Location: Arvada, Colorado

This is an ECU-422, but you need to read off the info scribed into the connector to determine if its a A, B or C model as each have different firmware and capabilities.

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

thanks!

there are some characters hand-engraved:

1158 1

L4(?) B UR

i'll post a photo later today.

what is the difference between the 442 and 882 ECU?

scott lyons

RootesRacer · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 461 Location: Arvada, Colorado

Pantera EFI · Joined: 12 Feb 2005 Posts: 1268 Location: So. California

The Redline Engine Management ECU-422B-1 is what you have shown.
The "4" is to state four injector drivers.
The "2" is to state two coil drivers.
The "2" is to state two GPO's.

The "B" is to state that THE UNIT IS DISTRIBUTOR TRIGGERED.

The "1" is to state a ONE BAR MAP sensor, along with the BARO sensor inside the box.

The "VR" is to state compatability to the Variable Reluctance sensor inside a common distributor.
(this can be changed to Hall by internal jumpers).

The '422', '882, 'IGN8 all use the same processor, the software is different between "Crankfire" OR "distriButored" triggered.

The "8" is to state eight ignition channels.
The "8" is to state eight injector channels.
The "2" is the state two "hign current" GPO's (two low current GPO's are also present)

I suggest you call Eric at Redline EFI, to upgrade to the newer software/firmware.
Your box may also be upgraded to a "C" crankfire.

Lance

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

thanks for the detailed replies, gentlemen. things are getting clearer. i will contact eric next week. meanwhile i am doing whatever i can over the weekend to get ready.

at the moment my head is swimming somewhat with questions, but i will try to keep them simple and direct as i get more acquainted with what i am dealing with. i am used to out of the box or OE solutions, so something with so many variables is a bit daunting, to say nothing of the nomenclature that comes with the territory. learning curve? yes.

if this system is to be installed on an engine with MSD distributor and MSD digital6 controller, will we need a tach adapter?

scott lyons

Pantera EFI · Joined: 12 Feb 2005 Posts: 1268 Location: So. California

The VW MSD distributor will trigger your '422 (event based).

If you have one on hand it will work.
If you have to buy one, look to "crankfire".

The cost of the crank pulley (60-2), bracket, and sensor could be less than the cost of the MSD.

The coil needed would be the IGN-4, a DIS four post, twin channel coil.

You would then have your EDIS system, a common "high class" igntion system for VW.

Lance

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

lance,

thanks for your input.

we have both the MSD distributor and the digital6 box currently installed in the car (which was running on carbs up to now).

i don't think i want to install crank fire at this point, i would rather get the car running on the EFI with conventional ignition and then perhaps introduce the crankfire at a later stage. this EFI install is already taxing enough on my little brain without adding another completely foreign concept such as crankfire ignition. yes, if i really look at it, if we have the ability to make the engine run on crankfire easily, why not do it? we will, i just think now is not the time.

the other complicating factor is that the engine this stuff is going on has yet to be started for the first time, so we have a bit of ground to cover and about 2 weeks to get there. simpler is better for me at this stage of the game.

so my question regarding the MSD ignition box is will the tach output of the MSD be suitable to trigger the 422? i seem to recall reading about people having difficulty making the 422 system work with an MSD ignition box.

Pantera EFI · Joined: 12 Feb 2005 Posts: 1268 Location: So. California

There are two methods.

The one that I would favor is to connect the MSD distributor to the VR input of the '422.

Then connect the Lt. Green/yellow (coil chanel 1) to the "points" input of the 6-AL.

This will allow the 422 to retard the ignition timing, ONLY if required.

Ground the 6-AL box cover to the case of the '422, this will help keep the noise out.

Lance

Marty · Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 37

Here is the VW I am finishing up now.

[IMG]http://m-specmotorsports.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1558&g2_serialNumber=2[/IMG]

[img]http://m-specmotorsports.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1563&g2_serialNumber=2[/img]

[img]http://m-specmotorsports.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1658&g2_serialNumber=2[/img]

[img]http://m-specmotorsports.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1156&g2_serialNumber=2[/img]
_________________
www.staggsracing.com

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

shite, marty, that's an awesome looking installation.

you are operating at a level that is so far above anything we'll ever be doing here, but that's OK, it's inspiring.

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

RootesRacer · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 461 Location: Arvada, Colorado

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

RootesRacer · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 461 Location: Arvada, Colorado

Pantera EFI · Joined: 12 Feb 2005 Posts: 1268 Location: So. California

Another method used by many as their OEM choice, Dynatek Racing, is to replace the IGBT's with a shunt.

The "left" pad under the large IGBT pad could have a wire (0 OHM RESISTOR) soldered between the two of those pads.

This creates the model 422 "TTL".

The coil would need to have a "built-in-driver", the Ignitior.

The IGN-1A item from Redlineweber would be a perfect choice for a new coil.

There are other methods, we could send you new IGBT's in the mail (free), the box, with cover removed,
could be returned and reworked.

The worst case is a new board, though the cost is low ($300.00), the unit would be completly new.
Your original SN# is reinstalled and with this method you would NOT pay for the "firmware" twice.

Lance

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

Pantera EFI · Joined: 12 Feb 2005 Posts: 1268 Location: So. California

YES, you are correct, as you can see the IGBT is rated@46 AMPS.
Get the "data sheet", more information will be found.
My favorite is the 500 mj clamp !

My method to R&R the IGBT is to first "CUT" the legs, the two leeds on the bottom.

Then "float" the part off by using the solder iron placed on the opposite side, the silver steel base.
NOT THE PLASTIC

Then rework the pads, place (melt) fresh solder onto the three positions.

Apply the new IGBT on the top of the pad, hold the plastic with tweezers,
touch the solder iron to the steel as was done in the removal process.

A third "hand" is now helpfull, a quick "touch" of solder to the point of contact will speed the heat transfer.

The part will then sink onto the pad, PUSH DOWN on the plastic you will find that it will sink.

The same method is used for the two leeds.

I would get the extra IGBT from DK.

"Go for it" you will find this an easy rework.

Lance

germansupplyscott · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

thanks, lance. the parts should be here tomorrow. i think i can do it.

when putting the IGBT back on, do you heat the pad from behind also to get the top part flowed in?