Wasted Spark COP Configuration Question

[gm2]

Hi all, I'm working to get a 3.0l v6 Ford Duratec engine running on a MS1 (3.0 Board).

The engine has been running on a Ford ECU. The default configuration for ignition is a 3-bank coil pack, directly driven by the ECU. No EDIS or ignition module. It's a common modification to convert these engines to use COP ignition coils by running 2 COP's in series and no modification to the ECU (see attached image). This engine has been running fine this way and is long since converted.

I'm trying to mimic the Ford configuration with 3 outputs to drive 6 COP coils so... I've got 3 Bosch BIP373's wired up to drive 3 outputs wired per this section of the manual:
http://www.msextra.com/doc/ms1extra/MS_ ... #mulitcoil

The problem I'm experiencing is that the BIP373's and the coils are both getting really hot during cranking (no running condition yet). I've turned the dwell down even below 1 and this is still the case. Is there something I should be doing differently that would make this work? Is there something I'm not accounting for that would make this configuration impossible? Is it possible I have a configuration error causing this? Thanks for your help!

[Matt Cramer]

I would recommend instead adding three more BIP373s.

[gm2]

I'm not opposed to doing that, but if possible I'd like to understand why it works for the ford ecu and not for the megasquirt.

[jsmcortina]

I'm not opposed to doing that, but if possible I'd like to understand why it works for the ford ecu and not for the megasquirt.

One would assume that the Ford ECU is designed to drive those coils.

The BIP373 used in the Megasquirt is great for single coils, but not intended to control multiple coils in parallel.

James

[Matt Cramer]

I'm not opposed to doing that, but if possible I'd like to understand why it works for the ford ecu and not for the megasquirt.

Ford probably didn't put any current limiting on their spark output transistors.

[gm2]

Thanks for the input guys, I've got 3 more BIP's on the way. I'm dreading re-wiring everything but it sounds like that is the better option.