How To Build High-Performance Ignition Systems. Domestic & Import 4, 6, 8-Cylinder Cars
This is the guide to understanding automotive igntion systems, from points and condensers of yesteryear, to the computer-controlled distributorless systems of today. Stock and aftermarket.
Todd Ryden has worked for MSD Ignitions for over a decade, and he leads you through ignition system components, systems and sub-systems, with clear explanations on how each part works in relation to the next, to achieve the ultimate goal of efficient combustion.
This do-it-yourself book covers:
Coils
Wires
Spark Plugs
Distributors
Magnetos
Inductive Systems
CD Ignitions
Multiple-Spark Systems
Computer Ignitions Controls
Rev Limiters
... and more
How To Build High-Performance Ignition Systems will give you a clear understanding on how to upgrade all types of ignition systems, from points and vacuum advance units to coil-on-plug distributorless systems.
Book Excerpt: How To Build High-Performance Ignition Systems. Domestic and Import 4, 6, 8-Cylinder Cars
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW: A QUICK LOOK AT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM
An automotive ignition system operates by taking a low voltage with high current from the car?s battery and changing it into a higher voltage with the lower current that can jump the spark plug gap and induce combustion in the cylinder.
This process of changing low voltage to high voltage, called induction, takes place in the coil. From there, the distributor must get the spark to the right cylinder at the right moment.
Because electricity is not something we can physically hold, the ignition system has always presented a mystery to performance enthusiasts.
Once you have a little better understanding of how the ignition works and what each component actually does, things will begin to make sense.
There really are no magical or mysterious things happening in the ignition, although sometimes it may feel that way.
Don?t let the variety of CD ignitions, distributors, and coils worry you.
The fact that there are so many components available to improve your ignition's performance is a great thing; it allows you to pick and choose the components that will provide you with the power you need for your car or truck.
Before you can plan an ignition system change for your engine, you need to understand the fundamentals of a system and each of the main components.
An ignition systems needs to:
Produce a high-voltage spark from a low-voltage supply source (the battery);
Distribute this spark to the combustion chamber at the optimal moment in the compression stroke of the piston;
Control and change the moment that this spark occurs in the cylinder to meet different engine demands; and
Be able to reliable accomplish these goals throughout a variety of operating conditions and changing temperatures.
TABLE of CONTENTS:
Preface and Acknowledgments
Intro and Overview: A Quick Look at the Entire System
Breaking the Ignition Down | The Coil | Distributor | Trigger Device | Timing | Spark Plug Wires | Spark Plugs | Ignition Controls | Battery and Charging System | The Sum of the Parts
Ignition Controls: An Intro to Performance Ignitions
Inductive and Capacitive Discharge Ignitions | Capacitive Discharge | Inductive Add-Ons | GM's HEI Distributor | And Now for Something Completely Different | Aftermarket Capacitive Discharge Ignitions
CD Ignition Controls: High-Performance Racing Ignitions
Rev Limiters | Boost Retard | The Next Step?the 7-Series | Over-the-Top Ignition Power
Coils, Wires, and Plugs: Take a Look at the Secondary Side
Coils | What's Available? | Spark Plug Wires | Spark Plugs
Distributor Basics: Triggers, Timing Advance, and Delivery
Distributing | Triggering the Ignition | Electronic Triggers | Magnetic and Hall-Effect Pickups | Mechanical Advance | Vacuum Advance | Caps and Rotors
Distributors and Timing: Dialing in Centrifugal Advance
Centrifugal Advance | Checking the Ignition Timing
Electronic Controls: Advanced Timing and Crank Triggers
Locked-Out | Time for a Crank Trigger? | Crank Trigger Distributors
RPM and Timing Controls
Step Retards | Timing Curve Controls | Individual Cylinder Timing | Using RPM to Your Advantage | Controllers that Do it All
Advanced Programming: Programming Through Your Computer
MSD Digital-7 Programmable | MSD Digital-7 Programmable Plus | Mechanical Programming
Going DIS: Where's the Distributor?
Coil Pack Ignition Upgrades | Programmable DIS Ignition Controls | Electromotive | CPC Ignition System
Charging and Wiring: Batteries, Alternators, and Wiring
Batteries | Charging System | Wiring Tips | Trouble Shooting a CD Ignition Control
Definitions and Diagrams: Useful Info and Wiring Schematics
Appendix ? Source Guide
Subject: How to build high-performance automotive ignition systems. ISBN-10: 1932494715 | ISBN-13: 9781932494716 | CarTech SA79
