I have been getting into building the megasquirt for my bronco (will be edis) and just got a megajolt jr for my capri (until I get done with the bronco, then it will get its own megasquirt and the megajolt will be moved elsewhere).

as far as generating a base curve and messing with initial timing and the "mechanical (rpm based)" timing goes, I have no problem. but how woud I go about factoring in for "vacuum (load based)" timing and adjusting it to being optimum without using a dyno?

the fuel injection is easier with wide band O2 sensors and all. but the best that I can figure for the ignition is to use a knock sensor and advance it plot by plot untill detonation, and backing it off a little bit. but the problem with that is that knock sensors generally are not very generic and are designed to specific engines.

any suggestions/ hints/ tips?

 

I normally use a datalogger, that shows timing advance, calculated engine load and RPM. What I basically do is start out with a "safe" table and add a couple of degrees at a time. Engine load should follow as you increase the timing. When the increases in engine load are minimal, then I stop there and move on to a different RPM/Load range. Before tuning the spark table, I always dial in the A/F ratios so it's not running too rich or too lean.