Going for a re-tune.... (Round #2) Updated 10/28/13

AFAccord · May 31, 2012

Re: Going for a re-tune.... (updated 5/16/12)

Great info in post #315 Devin! Bookmarking those diagrams for later. I'd say that since you've established the threshold for your setup, there's no reason not to run your MSD equipment now. I'd go with option 2 and rewire everything by the book. Your tuner should have some helpful input if this setup doesn't hold up for some reason or another.

hahaha38 said:
The stock honda coil setup is good for 500+hp. Don't see how that could be causing issues. What are you gapping your spark plugs at?

Russianred said:
^ True this, I have heard it as well though have never experienced it myself. I'd just try to run it with stock ignition Devin, why was it giving you issues earlier? Maybe the issue is in spark plug gap and ignition timing?

I asked my tuner what ignition setup he prefered to tune on my Accord.

Me: "What ignition setup do you prefer to tune the accord with? Some F23 guys have had issues blowing out spark on stock ignition."

Him: "I've done 554whp stock ignition. I don't really trust others input if they can't define all of the operational parameters. Worst case you buy a Blaster 2 or Blaster SS coil for $50. *shrug*"

Practically the same response. I think I might go ahead and get my hands on an external coil just to have one ready if the OE systems doesn't work out. Until then, I'll probably invest in new dizzy components like you did, just to avoid any unknown variables with my old parts. Our setups aren't exactly the same, so it might be difficult to compare apples to oranges. What won't work for you might work for me, or visa versa.

hotaccord243 · May 31, 2012

Re: Going for a re-tune.... (updated 5/16/12)

Thanks AFAccord! I was hoping for feedback, but more so for others to use for future referencte.....

That's kind of what i'm thinking, is it just seems to be blowing out the spark no matter what I do. Logic says I need more spark, I should re-wire it per specs, and I should be golden (theoretically). When I get a moment i'll try re-wiring everything per the specs by both MSD and OEM and see what happens to it. Probably do it this weekend sometime....

I am still awaiting the parts to come in. It's only been a week, but even still, I contacted them this morning for an update, so we'll see where i'm at over the next few days.

hotaccord243 · Jun 3, 2012

Re: Going for a re-tune.... (updated 5/16/12)

So,

Today, I re-wired the MSD ignition back into the distributor. Started it right up and had a questionable warm up period.... THe idle was extremely shaky.... After the warm up period and coolant was up to a completed warm up level, the car idled perfectly. I made sure that I didn't hook up the magnetic pickup to the AEM as it was previously because I see no need for that at all, the AEM should be controlling the idle via the Harness to the distributor/igniter and there shouldn't be a need to connect it twice.

I ran around a little testing the boost levels, (keeping in mind that the fuel isn't up to par for higher boost and pressure drops) I was able to hit above 12psi no problem. Solved one problem hands down.

A few issues I will have to mess with:
- The idle during warm up is shaky.
- After warm up, the idle sits perfect, however, it does sputter at random periods and the idle does shake a few 100rpms during it.

Another issue that i'm having that I want to look into as well is the starter issue that is back. When I go to start it sometimes it'll just spin and you'll hear a whine or metal on metal sound (sorta). The trick I have to do to start it is rock it back and forth while in gear to get it to catch.

To me it sounds like the flywheel is missing some teeth or something similar to that, so i'll have to remove the starter, spin the flywheel to check it out and see if that is the problem as it quite the nuisance.....

AFAccord · Jun 3, 2012

Re: Going for a re-tune.... (updated 5/16/12)

Sounds as if the starter solenoid isn't extending the drive gear properly/consistently, but hadn't you already replaced the whole starter once before?

hotaccord243 · Jun 3, 2012

Re: Going for a re-tune.... (updated 5/16/12)

See thats what I'm thinking, I don't see a reason why there's teeth missing from the flywheel, theres no reason for that to happen..... The thing is I just replaced the starter with a new one and checked it before install. I could tell the original wasnt working and the new one did, and thats what has me baffled......

*EDIT - This morning went to start it, and during warm up idle was basically purring, and there was no sputtering after warm up. This actually makes sense since the AEM will learn the idle over time. After warm up on the way to work hit about 14psi. So i'm back, and ready for more boost as soon as the new fuel pump is installed!

hotaccord243 · Jun 12, 2012

Re: Going for a re-tune.... (updated 5/16/12)

So a few updates as I am still awaiting parts for the fuel system (which I think their just slacking), and it's a good thing they didn't come in either.

So this weekend I replaced the clutch master cylinder, replaced the starter with a reman and that fixed the starter issue, fixed a big 'ol dent just past my downpipe, I fixed a rattle at low RPM's (turned out to be a few loose motor mounts and brackets), and a handful of other small details that have bugging me for a while. It now starts, shifts, and is a solid car again. It's a relief.

Now to follow up on the parts status....