I have installed an AEM 30-1012 ECU. The car starts and runs, but I need to verify the ignition timing. I have been unable to find a timing light that will work with the coil on plug ignition system. Is there a way to use a conventional(inductive) timing light? I'm trying to find some way to check without having to spend the $300 on the special light that plugs directly into the coil pack wiring harness. Thanks!

Tim

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=121057

Found it

Tim

 

Tim: just being nosey. why do you think you need to check your timing? It is set by the ECM, and nothing other than a flash memory re-map will change that.

It used to be in the good ol' days you could adjust the distributor springs and weights to have a bit more timing earlier in the RPM range. But it produces more torque than HP, so it is not a benefit for top speed, just quicker in the lower ranges.

 

Mechanical advance was the shit.



When it actually worked.

 

You can put a standard lead between coil 1 and the sparklug and get your signal off this lead. This is how I did it, I take no responsibility for blame if anything happen

-get hold of a standard ignition lead with a spark plug connector end
-remove the insulator rubber at the other end to expose a bit of carbon fiber lead
-remove coil no. 1
-plug the lead with the exposed carbon fiber lead into coil 1 and use electrical tape to cover this WELL.
-plug the other end of the ignition lead into the spark plug 1
-use the normal timing light over this extension
-adjust the timing light in the ems until you get TDC alignment

Let me know how you go.
Could you also let me know what is the value you get when they sync? It's not important what this value is but I am just curious as mine read 17.45.

 

^ that's what I've done with coil on plug cars in the past (like my M3)

it's pretty easy, you just connect a standard spark plug wire between the coil and the spark plug.

 

It is the Honda certified procedure.

 

Or you can clip the inductance lead around all 3 wires in the loom going to the #1 coil pack. My timing light and the RPM pickup on a dynojet have both used this method without a problem.