Reliable way of detecting knock ( detonation )
 

So, I know the stock knock sensor is worthless.. Most sensors that simply listen for knock will probably detect it too late to save you anyway..

However, there are other ways of checking for detonation, right? I have heard of spark plugs made with pressure sensors in the tip so that you can see the abnormal combustion pressures before you get any audible knock or get into the danger zone..

So my question is - has anyone here worked with any such devices? Are any available for the Renesis? Are there any other options besides pressure sensors? How much would such a thing cost?

It seems that since our engines really hate knock, a reliable way to detect it would be a great thing to pursue..

I am also very interested in this.
I'm embarking on some N/A tuning emanage using emanage: as I'm not particularly experienced with this, I'll be progressing very cautiously, but want to be as aware as possible of any knocking.

I'm using canscan, but that just reads from the basic knock sensor, which apparently isn't very sensitive? Any insights?

Been various devices through the years, J&S knock sensor comes to mind, and then KDR had a product a few years back but I don't think it ever caught on with the 7 crowd, not really sure how well it worked.

CAPTAIN OBVIOUS STATEMENT: Nothing is substitute for good quality gas and a conservative tune.

The most reliable way to detect knock that I can think of is to wait for an apex seal to break. Then you'll know! ;)

It's not a question of being conservative or not.. You simply don't know what "conservative" is without brushing the detonation threshold then backing off.. Once you hear knock, though, it's a little too late.. If you're lucky, your engine will still run. Did any long term engine damage occur? Who knows?

Especially for newbie tuners without the experience gained over hundreds of engine calibrations, or for people venturing into unknown territory (nitrous anyone?), a reliable system that is sensitive enough to detect detonation before any serious damage can occur would be a godsend..

Have to agree with ^ Now, I feel like the sentiment out there may just be, "there might be a reliable and sensitive way to do this, but getting close to that point is not worth the risk to your engine." If that's the case, please just say so; I don't know everything by any means about this stuff, so we're just asking.

As I said, I'm being very gradual and careful about this; I feel like such a sensor would be a useful tool in being even more safe and informed about it.

Ok.. This is the stuff I was reading about.. Apparently they are called pressure transducers..

Here is the company that is referenced in the article above. Apparently they will take a plug of your choosing and modify it to include a sensor.

Haven't found any pricing details yet, but should be alot cheaper than a new engine :lol2:

A consideration is having something warn you when it DOES detect knock. I just got this gauge a few days ago and you can set a warning to come on with any of the parameters it measures and 1 of them is knock retard.

I set mine to come on at a knock retard of 4. It could save your engine as it'll warn you so you won't continue to push your engine.

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/Mazdatech.html