Timing DSMlink vs cam gears

[McD AWD TSI]

OK, I've played around with DSMlink a bit, and see you can adjust timing on DSMlink. Why is there even a market for adjustable cams gears if it can be handled from the software? I don't understand how you can adjust these values without making mechanicanal changes to the engine (i.e. camgears).

Thanks in advance for your patience.

 

[Gamble97]

By adjusting timing in dsmlink your adjusting ignition timing, by adjusting the cam gears your adjusting cam timing.

 

[Calan]

By adjusting timing in dsmlink your adjusting ignition timing, by adjusting the cam gears your adjusting cam timing.

To expand on that a bit...

Adjustable cam gears let you precisely adjust when the valves open and close by mechanically changing when the lobes on the cams actuate the rockers/valves. They are usually used to get more precision with various cam combinations, but slight adjustments can also improve power or fuel economy.

When you change ignition timing, you are altering when the ECU fires the spark plugs. The adjustments in DSM link are used to alter the ignition timing at various RPMs, since your motor needs more or less timing advance under different operating conditions.

Two different aspects of getting everything synced up

 

[JusMX141]

I don't understand how you can adjust these values without making mechanicanal changes to the engine (i.e. camgears).

Basically any techincal data about your car's operating and diagnostic functions is processed by the ECU. With DSMLink, you are able to override the ECU to make certain adjustments to the fuel system and / or ignition system without messing with the ECU's normal operation. This is why DSMLink isn't really considered a Standalone system....the stock ECU is still in place, and it's still functioning at 100%.

Depending on your year of DSM, your base timing is either adjustable or it's not. Once you verify correct base timing, the ECU will adjust the operating ignition timing while the engine is running at different engine load and rpm variables....much like the older cars did using a vacuum or mechanical advance system. Bear in mind that the factory fuel and timing maps are VERY conservative in order to protect the engine.

With DSMLink you are able to adjust timing to put more power to the ground, but by doing so you're also putting your engine at a greater risk. More aggressive timing will push your car closer to the threshold of detonation, which will lead to catastrophic engine damage quickly. Too much timing will melt pistons, blow head gaskets out between cylinders, and much more.

Adjustable cam gears control when the valves open and close, which gets air into and out of the engine quicker and can promote more effective combustion, but they don't really have anything to do with ignition timing. I guess it's arguable that cam gears would effect the ignition timing on a 1G where the cam sensor reads from the intake cam....if you move the cam 2* advanced, you're also advancing your timing 2*.

 

[Calan]

I guess it's arguable that cam gears would effect the ignition timing on a 1G where the cam sensor reads from the intake cam....if you move the cam 2* advanced, you're also advancing your timing 2*.

Hmmm... Never thought about that, but it does bring up an interesting point. The ECU relates ignition timing to TDC, and by changing the intake cam's timing (and therefore the CAS) you are basically lying to the ECU about where TDC now is.

So if the cams are degreed, I guess base timing needs to be adjusted to account for intake cam offset huh?