Luhbo wrote on 08/16/09 at 17:56:39:

Yes, and the ECU will have to run wasted spark as it has no means to detect phase, unless it calculates it like the OEM.

greenmonster wrote on 08/16/09 at 19:38:48:

I expect that to work but the ECU will still not know the phase. It will know TDC but it wont know if it's compression stroke or exhaust stroke. This is not a configuration issue, we need one more sensor.

What if you put a ring on this 60-2 crank wheel, with 4 small mags below it, sitting under wholes in this ring, and and add a second wheel somewhere on the camshaft/valvetrain according to the picture supplied by John?

I don't know the exact function of the phase sensor. As long as it just helps identifying the spark TDC out of the passing 8 (2x4, crankshaft runs double speed) teeth under sensor 1 (correct TDC if crank tooth AND cam tooth) you could also use a mechanic switch if this was maybe easier to be set up. 

Hubert

So, again, what does an ordinary P8 phase sensor send? Just one pulse, at TDC of cylinder 1, or what? We are stuck until we know what MyP8 expects from it.

The pulse from the cam does not need to be accurate. It just needs to send a pulse before the TDC crank pulse but after the previous.

I think you should work with the orginal sensor and modify the map as suggested by greenmonster

_Cliff_ wrote on 08/17/09 at 09:07:21:

Actually it does need to be the TDC pulse. It can be any pulse.

What Cliff writes looks easy. Stick to the actual sensor (a) and (b) add a second 1-cam sensor somewhere at the camshaft. this second sensor needs not to be in a very accurate position, it's enough if it comes a little before TDC of the main sensor. Its only purpose is to tell the ecu that the next TDC signal is the right one. Or maybe the wrong one. Take the wrong one and start counting up to 50 e.g. and then fire. Something like that.

John posted very detailed pictures. I think it's all in them.

Hubert

I don't know how the new beemers work, but the old ones not really were running wasted spark. It has to do with the 180° configuration. They had 1 contact breaker only, but due to physical effects only 1 spark was generated each time the points opened. The plug under compression usually ignites first, and once the ion channel is established all the energy is unloaded through this tunnel. This explanation comes close at least. This concept will not work for other engines (nevertheless you can see it on some badly done twin plug Guzzis from time to time).

And those old BMWs had carburetors. One problem less.

What's speaking against a P8? I still think this would be the option wich would suit this engine the best way.

Hubert