How to Build High-Performance Ignition Systems

by Ryden, Todd

• ISBN13: 9781884089725
• ISBN10: 1884089720
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-04-01
• Publisher: Cartech Inc

Summary

How to Build High-Performance Ignition Systems is the complete guide to understanding automotive ignition systems, from old-school points and condensers to modern computer-controlled distributorless systems, from bone-stock to totally aftermarket. Author Todd Ryden leads you through the various components, systems, and subsystems, explaining the theory behind the operation and how the parts work with each other to achieve the ultimate goal of efficient combustion. Coils, wires, spark plugs, distributors, magnetos, inductive systems, CD ignitions, multiple-spark systems, computer ignition controls, rev limiters - all are covered for both street and race applications.This book will help you understand how your car's ignition works, and it will help you choose the right components for your car's performance needs, whether it's a '55 Chevy with a 265 small-block or a 2003 Cobra with a 4.6-liter modular motor.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	5	(2)
Intro And Overview: A Quick Look at the Entire System	7	(8)
Breaking the Ignition Down	8	(1)
The Coil	8	(1)
Distributor	9	(1)
Trigger Device	9	(2)
Timing	11	(1)
Spark Plug Wires	11	(1)
Spark Plugs	12	(1)
Ignition Controls	13	(1)
Battery and Charging System	13	(1)
The Sum of the Parts	14	(1)
Ignition Controls: An Intro to Performance Ignitions	15	(11)
Inductive and Capacitive Discharge Ignitions	15	(2)
Capacitive Discharge	17	(1)
Inductive Add-Ons	18	(1)
GM's HEI Distributor	19	(1)
And Now for Something Completely Different	20	(1)
Aftermarket Capacitive Discharge Ignitions	21	(5)
CD Ignition Controls: High-Performance Racing Ignitions	26	(9)
Rev Limiters	26	(3)
Boost Retard	29	(1)
The Next Step --- The 7-Series	30	(3)
Over-the-Top Ignition Power	33	(2)
Coils, Wires, and Plugs: Take a Look at the Secondary Side	35	(12)
Coils	35	(2)
What's Available?	37	(2)
Spark Plug Wires	39	(5)
Spark Plugs	44	(3)
Distributor Basics: Triggers, Timing Advance, and Delivery	47	(11)
Distributing	47	(1)
Triggering the Ignition	48	(2)
Electronic Triggers	50	(1)
Magnetic and Hall-Effect Pickups	51	(3)
Mechanical Advance	54	(1)
Vacuum Advance	55	(1)
Caps and Rotors	56	(2)
Distributors and Timing: Dialing in Centrifugal Advance	58	(10)
Centrifugal Advance	61	(3)
Checking the Ignition Timing	64	(4)
Electronic Controls: Advanced Timing and Crank Triggers	68	(9)
Locked-Out	69	(2)
Time for a Crank Trigger?	71	(2)
Crank Trigger Distributors	73	(1)
Rotor Phasing	74	(3)
RPM and Timing Controls	77	(10)
Step Retards	78	(2)
Timing Curve Controls	80	(1)
Individual Cylinder Timing	81	(2)
Using RPM to Your Advantage	83	(2)
Controllers That Do It All	85	(2)
Advanced Programming: Programming Through Your Computer	87	(9)
MSD Digital-7 Programmable	87	(4)
MSD Digital-7 Programmable Plus	91	(3)
Mechanical Programming	94	(2)
Going DIS: Where's the Distributor?	96	(7)
Coil Pack Ignition Upgrades	98	(2)
Programmable DIS Ignition Controls	100	(1)
Electromotive	100	(1)
CPC Ignition System	101	(2)
Charging and Wiring: Batteries, Alternators, and Wiring	103	(12)
Batteries	103	(2)
Charging System	105	(2)
Wiring Tips	107	(6)
Trouble Shooting a CD Ignition Control	113	(2)
Definitions and Diagrams: Useful Info and Wiring Schematics	115	(12)
Appendix: Source Guide	127