holley sniper/ distributor question

[michael everson]

I have a car that I am converting to sniper. It has a Mallory Comp SS distributor in it. Only two wires coming out. Orange and purple. Is this distributor even compatible with the sniper? I assume it needs to be a All in one? If this is compatible, how does it get wired?
Thanks Mike

[wallace18]

Mike as long as the distributer is not connected to the Sniper you should be OK. In my experience the orange is + coil. The purple to - coil.

[michael everson]

Thanks I will try that
Mike

[FFinisher]

Mike as long as the distributer is not connected to the Sniper you should be OK. In my experience the orange is + coil. The purple to - coil.

Correct just connect the yellow wire to the coil. The sniper won’t control the timing. But the ones from blue print don’t either.

[Norm B]

Mike, I looked up that distributor before posting because my Sniper manual has diagrams for multiple types of ignition setups. Mallory instructions for that distributor state it must be run with an ignition box not wired directly to the coil. Attached are two diagrams from my manual. The one for ignition box wiring says to not hook the any wires from the EFI directly to the coil if using an ignition box. The ECU will be permanently damaged.

HTH
Norm

[michael everson]

Thanks Norm. look like a new distributor or an ignition box.
Mike

[weendoggy]

Thanks Norm. look like a new distributor or an ignition box.
Mike

I'm a big fan of the Holley Dual Sync distributor setup with either the Sniper or HP systems. I know you can use the Hyper Spark but the DS has a cam and crank sensor so if you decide to change to COP, CNP or MPFI, you won't buy another sensor or distributor. my2c

[Norm B]

I have the Hyperspark but, haven’t had it long enough to make a recommendation either way. If you go this route be aware that it comes with a gear for a flat tappet cam. Also the Sniper timing and fuel control portions of the ECU don’t communicate well initially. Holley recommends running a different distributor and letting the Sniper figure out the fuel stuff first then installing the Hyperspark. You can bypass this by setting a fixed timing value in the tune tab on the handheld, letting the engine warm up to operating temp and then adjusting the idle screw to get the idle speed you programmed initially with the IAC reading between 5&10% and then cancelling the fixed timing. A small adjustment of the idle screw may be required again after the Sniper has learned for awhile. The timing control program in the Sniper seems pretty basic. Initially more like three straight lines than a curve. As the system learns it has been pulling way more advance at idle and in cruise. I initially setup base at 12, idle at 27, wot at 32 and cruise at 37 degrees btdc. It is now pulling 44 at idle and 40 to 44 in cruise. No pinging and gas mileage is great. Will data log at next opportunity and see what’s going on.

On the Sniper forums guys are doing a copy and paste of the Terminator timing curve into the Sniper. Will try that if necessary. The Sniper and I are still learning! It is less work than changing carb jets but still has its what the (insert bad word here) moments.

Sorry for the long winded reply. Hopefully it helps you and /or your customer make a decision.

Norm