Knock boxes...

[snowprophet1]

Besides the Parker knock box, there is an MSD Knock Alert box, that seems to do the same thing, but doesn't trigger a relay for timing retard or any features, just the warning when it detects knock. My question is...if you are running a knock box, have you ever had it come on to warn you when you got cheap gas, or found your max boost w/the octane you are running? Sounds like a good insurance policy if it really detects it in time, but wonder if the MSD will mount anywhere on the Apex or not. All input welcome!! Thanks.

 

[Skydog]

I have one (Parker) it works but need to spend some time setting it up right.
Skydog

 

[zross1]

All knock sensors have their limits. Meaning they can detect noises that are not really knock, in the turbo world this is called phantom knock. From all the different vibrations and noises a engine can produce especially at 10500 rpm the sensor can easily misinterpet those signals as counts of knock. I have the knock box on my sled. I have it set very sensative. You can actually adjust the box to be as sensative or less sensative as you want. The trick is trying to adjust it to where you have the sensor actually measuring knock counts not phantom knock. This is pretty much impossible to acheive fully, but you can come somewhat close.

 

[TWIN TURBO]

I am interested in a knock box but have to admit from the sound of the previous posts doesn't sound like the knock boxes are very good.
Knock sensors are tuned, or should be, to a specific frequency and all engines are not the same. GM has many many different knock sensors. They should not be giving a lot of "phantom" knock if there any good or tuned to the proper frequency.

 

[zross1]

I've seen two 500+ horsepower cars fry pistons even when the knock sensor designed for the specific car didn't measure any detonation. I know that the Mitsubishi Eclipse 1st gen car has a knock sensor that is completly different then the 2nd gen Eclipse that is used on the exact same engine. And the Mitsubishi Evolution has a different knock sensor still on the same engine. They just try to improve them to measure the real thing meaning detonation. Trying to get them to measure knock and only knock when a engine is making so many different noises that resemble what could be knock I'm sure is a chore in it's self.

Again, they are not fail proof, neither is any divice used for tuning, all these thing can come together to help the best they can. With my knock box if I see the lights measure more then 14 counts of knock I'm going to let off regardless if it's phantom knock or actual detonation. The more tuning devices I can use to protect my sled, the better.

 

[summitking]

sled

The synergy timing control box has a output so it would be possible to wire your knock sensor into your timing control box so when it sense the knock it would pull back the timing saving your engine

 

[zross1]

Wish he would get the timing control box done for the rx......

 

[summitking]

timing

Havent talked to him in a couple weeks but i think it is done

 

[wheeline]

How do you tune your parker knock box?

 

[HAMMER]

To me they are like radar detectors....don't speed...you don't need one.

What knock monitors are available?

Knock Link
http://www.link-electro.co.nz/knocklink.html

The Knock Box
http://www.theknockbox.com.au/content/view/5/5/

J&S Knock Safeguard Monitor
http://www.jandssafeguard.com/safeguard.html

Casper Knock Gauge Kit
http://www.casperselectronics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PLST&Store_Code=CEI

MSD Engine Knock Alert (whoa that's ugly)
http://www.msdignition.com/tool_8.htm

 

[snowprophet1]

Thanks for all your input! I think I'll try my luck on one just in case. I hate to clutter up the sled while I'm trying to keep it stealthy, so I might have to get a little creative. Thanks again! Marc.

 

[zross1]

To me they are like radar detectors....don't speed...you don't need one.

What knock monitors are available?

Knock Link
http://www.link-electro.co.nz/knocklink.html

The Knock Box
http://www.theknockbox.com.au/content/view/5/5/

J&S Knock Safeguard Monitor
http://www.jandssafeguard.com/safeguard.html

Casper Knock Gauge Kit
http://www.casperselectronics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PLST&Store_Code=CEI

MSD Engine Knock Alert (whoa that's ugly)
http://www.msdignition.com/tool_8.htm

Only problem is a lot of people on this forum like to speed and need radar detectors I think even if your not a guy who pushes the envelope and mix race with pump it is a good idea to have.

 

[1CrazySledder]

Snowprophet and zross,

Please take a moment to update your profile with your location. This is a site requirement.

Thanks,

-1CS

 

[midwestboat]

How do you tune your parker knock box?

I tune mine by taking off the back cover and there is a sensativity adjustment in there to turn and adjust.

 

[wheeline]

How do you tune your parker knock box?

I tune mine by taking off the back cover and there is a sensativity adjustment in there to turn and adjust.

OK, I see the place to adjust it but do you adjust till the light comes on then turn it back a little?