Knock Sensor disabling by ECU programming

[Captainblastem]

Hello,
Have any of you ever used TwEECer or Moates Quarterhorse (or any ECU programming device) to reprogram the ECU in a way that may result in rendering the knock sensor obsolete, by setting a more static spark advance(doesn't advance past a certain safe zone)? I know this may limit the the octane level you can use in the car, but if you are tuning for performance, I figure this would end up happening anyway. I have a 1994 mustang GT with a base timing of 14 BTDC. This engine does not have a knock sensor, and It seems to never advance the timing 10 or so degrees past the base timing. With this setting, I can really only run 90+ octane. Have any of you done anything similar electronically with the SHO's ECU?

I ask because knock sensors for the first gen SHO are becoming rare and expensive. I know it uses piezo technology, and it's possible to repair them. But if you only run 90+ octane, and you are aware of the best timing levels, why not just program it a bit like the SN95 Mustang and prevent it from advancing the timing past a certain amount?
Thoughts?
Rob

 

[shomethe$$$]

Seems kind of risky to try to bypass it or disable it, we used to do that on Infiniti/Nissan (specifically the Q series) because you have to take the engine out to change the knock sensor, make up a 560k resistor and ECU doesn't know the difference. But it was just to turn the light off, relocation worked better.

As for the SHO, you shouldn't have to disable with the tuner, don't know about Quarterhorse but in Caledit the function to set it on Open Loop is "WOT Spark Advance vs RPM" and also look at the Sealevel and Altitude Spark Table, these may help for closed loop.

Quarterhouse probably has more functions like spark advance tip in etc...I say get on eectuning and see what you can find and report back. Someone else with Quarterhorse experience maybe able to add to this.

I think SHOsource or RCM keeps a stock of these obsolete parts, I wouldn't try to disable it, try them.

 

[Captainblastem]

Thanks for the info! I have a whole list of stuff i'm getting from SHOsource, It just seemed a little disconcerting when they specified "a very limited quantity remaining" on the knock sensor section of the site. I just went to EECtuning....I should have checked that place out a long time ago lol
Cheers,
Rob