Got Spark in Your Turbo?

[60dgrzbelow0]

Sometimes... the answers to mechanical problems are more simple than we think. If your turbocharged or supercharged engine pops and breaks up around three grand or so... this little video might save you some time and money while solving the problem of a seemingly inadequate or malfunctioning high energy ignition system:

http://www.youtube.com/user/SynapseEngineering?v=uVarfeiosQc

[ericjon262]

I would upgrade the ignition still. especially if you're having the kind of hardcore blowout my buddies supercharged mustang was experiencing, because you will make more power with a wider gap.

[timg]

I think upgraded ignitions are great, but the article is spot on. There's no sense spending hundreds of $$ on an ignition system when most modern stock systems are incredibly good. Changing spark plugs to a different heat range (and preferably Iridium as well) is a MUST for any boosted application, but something that often gets overlooked. I bought a SC kit recently for another car and the funny thing was it came with spark plugs (8 of them). Rarely does an aftermarket vendor put that much thought, effort, and expense into their product.

For our cars, I doubt many people will find the limit of the stock ignition and coil packs. I think maintenance of 20 yr old coil packs, wires, and spark plugs is the bigger issue. And with maintenance comes the choice to stay stock, or upgrade.

Tim

[TGP37]

Once I started pushing 8psi the stock plugs started to misfire around 3400 rpm and up.

Went one plug cooler and gaped at 75% (0.045). Runs real smooth all the way up and cost FAR less then an ignition upgrade.

Many people consider our 60v6 ignitions as an upgrade itself. Using 0.045 gap isn't bad at all for a turbo mod on a non-turbo engine. Idles nice.

I tried 0.050 and that was the limit to noticeable misfire. So backing off to 0.045 seemed appropriate.

All on a 96 3100

[pocket-rocket]

Many people consider our 60v6 ignitions as an upgrade itself.

I've seen sparks jump around 2" on our stick ignition systems. I'm not concerned with upgrading it, especially when a tighter gap and different heat range on a plug can fix a misfire.

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[Guest]

I'm running the 660 ignition system on my Nissan L-series engine, with a turbo. SCR is around 9:1, and have no problem with spark up to 6500 RPM and 20 PSIG of boost. I do have an MSD DIS-4 but have not found a reason to install it. *shrug*

Just watched the video...

When did the heat ranges invert?

Last time I checked a 9 heat range was warmer than a 7.

[ericjon262]

I've seen sparks jump around 2" on our stick ignition systems. I'm not concerned with upgrading it, especially when a tighter gap and different heat range on a plug can fix a misfire.

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I've seen stock HEI's do that, jumping atmosperic pressure and 20-30 times it are two totally different things though.

[pocket-rocket]

I've seen stock HEI's do that, jumping atmosperic pressure and 20-30 times it are two totally different things though.

I know this, but even at 2" the spark was really bright and strong.

Besides, look at Ravens Nissan. That's a pretty tall order for a stock system to fill, no problem.

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