Piledriver wrote:As I said, you only need to make the end cover if you have an early mainboard.
(MS3 is "not supported" except on a V3 mainboard. In reality it doesn't care, just needs a cross-case holddown instead of bolting to the mainboard)
The main purpose of having external coil drivers (or "smart" coils) is to keep the powerful electrical noise the ignition creates out of/away from the ECU as much as possible.
MS3 has no internal ignition coil drivers by design, buffered logic outs only.
A MS1 CPU saves you ~90+ bucks, and is quite capable with the MS1-extra hires code.
It will do what you think you need adequately, and is well tested. It is a bit harder to set up than MS2, but not much.
A MS2 is +~$100 or so these days, and a MS3 is $200, +$80 if you want the MS3X + another ~80 for the second external harness.. It adds up, but it sounds like you are still saving up.
I'm NOT telling you not to go MS2--- I have 2 of them. (sneaking up on an MS3 CPU to go sequential+staged, I have everything else)
Just providing some advice so in 6 months you aren't selling the MS2 cheap to go Ms3.
The extra fancy features generally do not kick your ass, they were added as folks dicovered they were useful, even required for some apps, and allow it to idle/run/drive like a real car.
Much like TV, you do not have to turn them on.
I do suggest at least running semi-sequentil ---still technically batch, but same timing on all cylinders, something untimed does NOT guarantee--- No mods, just turn it on and play with the timing once the VE table is dialed in. It should probably be on by default.
Ignition and alternator noise/wiring/poor wiring/grounding practices and VR sensors/wiring is what usually causes folks headaches.
Good luck with whatever you decide, just trying to provide some insight.
Your insight is always appreciated Pile!!!!!
Thanks for explaining some of this stuff........