Simple Digital Systems EM4 install in my SVO

[SchoolBoy]

Ok guys this is my thread on how to install and use the plug in SDS EM4 system for an SVO sold by WesternMotorsports of Canada.

Be forewarned, This will be my first time installing this unit let alone any stand alone system so it will be a steep learning curve for me. I have chosen the SDS system because of it simple approach, most of your big names from back in the day used this with great results, and it has proven itself over the course of time. Those not familar with my SVO its an early 85 with a fresh rebuilt motor, an 86 spec cam, PE computer, brown top injectors, 3" down pipe plus exhaust, and Forced4 cold air intake with bypass running 13-14psi of boost. In this trim she made 205rwhp and 266 ft lbs of torque, Not bad eh?

Now the SDS unit I have was bought used from a very good friend so some of the work has been done, but some minor parts are missing. Also because this unti is at least 2 years old at the time of this I missed out on some good system updates on the newer EM4 box's. The first is it does not support a wideband, and it will not work the MSD A6 digital box.

So as of right now I have bought the following parts to make this work:
- MSD ignition box #6200 A6 (NON DIGITAL)
- MSD Tachometer adapter #MSD8920
- Motocraft Air charge temperature sensor #dy674
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Now to help tune this system I am 90% sure I will running an Innovate Wideband A/F gauge and dataloging box to log; AFR, RPM, MAP, TPS, and Injector duty cycle via real time on my laptop.
- Innovate LC2 Wideband O2 & DB 52mm Kit (RED Gauge) Display LC-2 Tuner Combo #3796
- Innovate Motorsports Aux Box LMA-3 Datalog WBO2 LMA3 #3742







I will add to this post as the thread progress's so people dont need to reall the pages for one part number.

May the Boost be with you!....

[bleavitt23]

I'll be following your progress as this is not a system I am familiar with. I'm in the process of installing an MS2x w/COP on my TC. This is a first for me as well. Good luck!

[SchoolBoy]

Good luck to you as well! Food for thought it might be worth the effort to data long a few times on your stock computer so you have a reference point of A/F ratio and all that good stuff so that when the MS2 goes in you know what a safe range is.

[83-88T-Bird Guy]

Have you made any progress on your SDS system ?

[SchoolBoy]

No I had to back burner it due to a complete rebuild of the svo front suspension. Shocks were gone, a-arms needed built, and I found the drivers side rotor was cracked.

I still need to get the wideband, and data box installed so I can log the stock afr to have a baseline. Thats why I am also trying to make my own dash pad guage pod. Running out of room. Lol

[83-88T-Bird Guy]

No I had to back burner it due to a complete rebuild of the svo front suspension. Shocks were gone, a-arms needed built, and I found the drivers side rotor was cracked.

I still need to get the wideband, and data box installed so I can log the stock afr to have a baseline. Thats why I am also trying to make my own dash pad guage pod. Running out of room. Lol

I see.
I have the SDS on my '86 TC and love it's simplicity. Mine is a universal setup that came with the T-Bird. ( not a plug-n-play)
This is how I have mine setup in the TC:
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...pscc0a809d.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...psa91a5d59.jpg


I also use a AEM Failsafe wideband.
One of the best tools I ever bought. Plus I can transfer it from car to car.
I record every pass I make with the car down the track now.

[SchoolBoy]

Interesting, what are all the switch's for?
And where did you mount the MSD box?

[83-88T-Bird Guy]

Interesting, what are all the switch's for?
And where did you mount the MSD box?

NHRA requires our cars to have a "traceable" ignition system so I rewired the entire dash area.

The switches control :
the 2 step ( on or off)
Alternator on/off
Ignition retard
Fuel pump relay kill
Some switches are vacant for future use.

The MSD box is under the hood by the left strut tower.

I can take the dash assembly out of the car without disconnecting the wiring harness.

Last weekend I tuned another 2.3T with a SDS system. ( a 2.3T in '85 Mustang GT 5 spd. )
It was running pig rich everywhere so I brought all the fuel numbers down a little at a time and watched the AFR gauge.
Took a few tries but got the car to drive normal and run in the 11.0hs on the AFR gauge under full throttle.

I was afraid I would have to contact Western Motorsports and request a start up tune for that Mustang's combo, but slowly I got it to run better.

[Daggysvo]

You can always get the chip upgrade from WMS to allow data logging of afr. Think its like 120-150 dollars.

[PaceFever79]

I have an SDS setup for my project SVO (it's plug and play for 84 SVO harness) but I'm a long way from that phase. A friend turned me onto them, he has one in his turbo 5.0

[SchoolBoy]

83-88T-Bird Guy, and Daggysvo, do either of you have pictures of how and where you mounted the msd box?

PaceFever79, when did you pick up a svo, and what emf designation is your set up?

[83-88T-Bird Guy]

Sorry for the late response.
My MSD box is mounted on the driver's side strut tower.
My SDS does not control the ignition, unlike a plug-n-play setup.
I run a fixed timing for all rpm. I just have a tach signal wire from the msd going to the sds to tell it when to fire the injectors.

[Daggysvo]

I mounted the MSD box inside the drivers fender well. Worked perfectly as once it was installed I never really needed to mess with it.

Make sure you cut the wire to make it read for a 4 cylinder.

[SchoolBoy]

I like the idea of hiding it inside the fender.

Cut what wire on the msd box or the sds system to make it read for a 4 cylinder?