Fueltech FC ignition?
 

Hello, I'm getting close to purchasing an ECU and I've circled back around to the Fueltech FT550. I had thought I had settled on the Haltech Elite 1500 but the FT550 seems to have more inputs/outputs, more/equal features for about the same money. I'd like trying to get something I won't outgrow. Basically I plan to stay rotary but I'd like to get something that will run an LS just in case rotary parts one day just become too hard to get. I don't think the Elite1500 has the outputs to do it and the 2500 is too much for my budget. Anyway to my questions. On the Fueltech FT550:

1. Will the FC's CAS work for the crank trigger or do I have to switch to something else like a trigger wheel?
2. Can I use stock FC coils initially or do I have to switch to IGN1A coils right now? If I have to use all trailing coils that's ok as I have a second set on hand.

Thanks.

Shortly after I posted this I downloaded the Fueltech Owner's Manual, but didn't have time to look at it. I've since looked at it a little and found a section on the install and wiring of the CAS and wiring the leading and trailing coils so it appears I can use the stock stuff. If anyone here has done it and has any input or advice it's still greatly appreciated. Thanks.

From what fuel tech provides for the FT450, 550 and 600 you can use stock CAS but not the stock coils, older literature states you can use both stock CAS and stock ignition coils but those were for the older systems I believe. Base on my experience the new software doesn't give you an option to choose the type of coils when you pick rotary. I believe you might have to get IGN1A coils. Even Fuel techs wiring diagrams that they provide on their website are using aftermarket coils.

Now that I am actually working on my wire harness, I have discovered this is only half right. So, for the CAS the wiring that is in the manual is for the FT600. I have a FT550 so it is not correct for my ECU because the pinouts are different. Looking at the pin outs and the FT450 2-rotor wiring on their website I think I have figured it out. For the FT550 I think wiring is as follows:

Function-------------------------------------- CAS Wire----------------------------- Fueltech Pin
24 Teeth Signal (Crank Signal)-------------Red---------------------------------------19
24 Teeth Signal Negative--------------------White-------------------------------------18
2 Teeth Signal (Home)-----------------------Green-------------------------------------17
2 Teeth Sensor Negative--------------------White/ Black----------------------------Cable Shield

I have yet to wire this up and start the car so I can't confirm 100% this is correct, but I believe so. If someone else is running one using the CAS maybe, they can chime in.
Also, like mdq-fc3s said I don't think one can use the stock coils as is. I am thinking the Leading won't work at all. I suspect one may be able to use two modified trailing coils similar to how you get them to work with the PowerFC but I haven't gotten to look into it yet. If anyone knows just chime in. Easiest thing appears to just use IGN-1a coils, but I have a spare trailing coil so if I could get them to work it will save me some money in the short term.

So, I looked into the PowerFC and I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong, that mod basically converts the trailing coils to direct fire for use with the PowerFC. So even though I have spare coils I still need two more igniters to make it work. They are around $75 on Ebay. IGN-1A coils are $72 to $80 depending on where you get them so that would buy two of the four, I would need. At this point I think I am just going to use IGN-1A coils. It will cost more but it will just make things simpler.

you should but them direct from the source; Lance Nist at Pantera EFI

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Did you set it up using factory FC CAS? If so what do your ignitions settings look like? Thanks, having trouble with my setup.