<VV> ignition-vs-ignition

[JVHRoberts@aol.com]

Bob, in all fairness, the stock system is pretty marginal, at least compared 
to what today's engines come with. And more spark energy will improve ignition 
performance, and help start even the most recalcitrant engines. And for 
turbos, they REALLY want to have a lot of energy...

That being said, you are right in that past a certain spark energy there 
isn't much to be gained. But that point is past what comes stock.

My preference is the GM HEI setup, if you're trying to use an otherwise stock 
distributor. LOTS of spark energy, readily available parts, and those parts 
were produced by the MILLIONS, and all the design, reliability, and testing 
comes with it, something you're not likely to get from the aftermarket guys. 

I've done HEI conversions on Corvairs, Mazda rotaries, Subarus, Fiats, 
Datsuns, Farmalls, International and John Deere tractors, and others I can't even 
remember! All of them worked well beyond expectations. And for the one I did for 
other people, they can go to the local parts store and get replacement 
pieces, should that eventuality ever arise. 

OK, off of soapbox..


In a message dated 12/4/2004 1:03:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
BobHelt@aol.com writes:
What is your application? Street? Racing? What? And what are you trying to 
accomplish? You are comparing apples and oranges in some respects.

more spark...higher output. Are mostly marketing hype. The STOCK system 
worked great during the production days. So eliminating the points cures most 
of 
the problems of the stock system. Higher voltages sound great. If 40 KV is 
better, then 60KV must be better yet? NOT!  But the fact is that the plug 
will fire 
at about 20KV or less (usually a lot less!)  and once the plug fires, higher 
voltages are meaningless. Now the MSD might have some other advantages, like 
a 
rev limiter, that might fit your needs better. That would be the oranges 
part.

Regards,
Bob Helt