Ignition module worth the upgrade??
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,137
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (jjmac_dragracing)
I dont think theyre a worthwhile modification on a stock motor, no. I would save money for a true mod, after youre capable of spinning more rpm, then upgrade the ignition.
just my opinion though
just my opinion though
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (jjmac_dragracing)
The ignition module (inside the distributor) is merely a transistor switch that pulses the primary of the spark coil from data from the pickup coil and the ECM. The ECM provides spark advance timing and limp home info for some types of failures. I cannot see how any performance benefits could be built into this module. You should question aftermarket components and intimated or claimed performance enhancements. Also, use your common sense.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Maryville Tn
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '23
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Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (jjmac_dragracing)
I replaced my ignition module for $19 in my '85 and the car runs fine. No need to waste $60 unless you plan on doing some serious mods.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (jjmac_dragracing)
You will get the most benefit from an ignition upgrade on a motor modified to rev higher since out stock units tend to drop off below 5,000rpm.
Meanwhile if you install a high out put coil (cap & rotor), hi-performance wires and cut back plugs gapped to .045" you just might have a 10hp gain along with a slight increase in gas mileage and lower emissions due to a more complete charge burn.
Check out my site for a setup that works well for me and costs under $150.
But, as with exhaust mods for example, do a complete ignition system upgrade for maximum benefits.
Meanwhile if you install a high out put coil (cap & rotor), hi-performance wires and cut back plugs gapped to .045" you just might have a 10hp gain along with a slight increase in gas mileage and lower emissions due to a more complete charge burn.
Check out my site for a setup that works well for me and costs under $150.
But, as with exhaust mods for example, do a complete ignition system upgrade for maximum benefits.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (jjmac_dragracing)
hmmm......here's my observation:
i ran a stock module forever with no ign probs.
I then tried the dynamod brand one. It claims to lengthen the dwell to saturate the coil more. My pick up coil went bad after approx 2 years.
I hadn't heard of a pu coil going bad before that.
I switched back to a stock one.
i ran a stock module forever with no ign probs.
I then tried the dynamod brand one. It claims to lengthen the dwell to saturate the coil more. My pick up coil went bad after approx 2 years.
I hadn't heard of a pu coil going bad before that.
I switched back to a stock one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (89 Paul in Cal)
Try to find some dyno results, stock motor or close, and compare results after mod installed.
Doubt you'll find any significant gains.
If you do not have the service manual, buy one. If you have some money left over, buy a really good multimeter. Now you are truly ready for C4 ownership. Darn cars.
90 Coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Doubt you'll find any significant gains.
If you do not have the service manual, buy one. If you have some money left over, buy a really good multimeter. Now you are truly ready for C4 ownership. Darn cars.
90 Coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (DOCTOR J)
I've not run any tests but have read that our stock HEI systems drop off in voltage in the high 4k RPM range. I haven't seen any curves or hard data on this though.
My HyperTech setup puts out 53kV which is much higher than the stock 38kV unit and it continues to higher RPM. You may be able to find some hard data on this at the HyperTech site.
Also, I run lower resistance (TPIS) wires to allow more current to reach the plugs; it also provides for a quicker rise time on the voltage to the plugs.
The higher voltage allows me to run wider plug gap which exposes more of the mixuture to the spark, the slightly higher current puts more energy into the ignition phase and the cut-back (AC Delco) plugs expose more of the mixture to the flame front for a cleaner burn.
I have not changed the ignition module since the HyperTech coil unit should be designed for compatabilitywith our stock module.
My ignition mods were done early on so I have no comparison data with the stock setup, except for the cut-back electrodes (worth a solid 1mph gain in trap speed).
My HyperTech setup puts out 53kV which is much higher than the stock 38kV unit and it continues to higher RPM. You may be able to find some hard data on this at the HyperTech site.
Also, I run lower resistance (TPIS) wires to allow more current to reach the plugs; it also provides for a quicker rise time on the voltage to the plugs.
The higher voltage allows me to run wider plug gap which exposes more of the mixuture to the spark, the slightly higher current puts more energy into the ignition phase and the cut-back (AC Delco) plugs expose more of the mixture to the flame front for a cleaner burn.
I have not changed the ignition module since the HyperTech coil unit should be designed for compatabilitywith our stock module.
My ignition mods were done early on so I have no comparison data with the stock setup, except for the cut-back electrodes (worth a solid 1mph gain in trap speed).
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Here is my ignition system.
Stock Distributor
Stock Pickup Coil
MSD 8.5mm Superconductor Wires
Accel Super Coil
CHEAPY $15 Cap & Rotor from Autozone I got in a pinch
CHEAPY $10 Ignition Module from Autozone I got in a pinch
So far so good. :)
Stock Distributor
Stock Pickup Coil
MSD 8.5mm Superconductor Wires
Accel Super Coil
CHEAPY $15 Cap & Rotor from Autozone I got in a pinch
CHEAPY $10 Ignition Module from Autozone I got in a pinch
So far so good. :)
Drifting
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 1
From: Garden Grove CA
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (jjmac_dragracing)
The legend of the high performance ignition module just will not die!
It is true that EARLY HEI modules were performance limiting - in that age of emissions engineering the factory was not so concerned with high rpms as they were with emissions compliance (remember that the HEI came out in the mid '70's). However not only have all the aftermarket designs corrected this, but even the factory replacement parts were changed. As good as the factory engineers are even they recognized the better design that was born out of the aftermarket, and with no cost penalty they upgraded the factory piece.
The only way you will notice any performance boost from a high performance module upgrade is if your current module is weak - in which case ANY replacement part, even the Chinese made one, will boost performance.
Thomas
It is true that EARLY HEI modules were performance limiting - in that age of emissions engineering the factory was not so concerned with high rpms as they were with emissions compliance (remember that the HEI came out in the mid '70's). However not only have all the aftermarket designs corrected this, but even the factory replacement parts were changed. As good as the factory engineers are even they recognized the better design that was born out of the aftermarket, and with no cost penalty they upgraded the factory piece.
The only way you will notice any performance boost from a high performance module upgrade is if your current module is weak - in which case ANY replacement part, even the Chinese made one, will boost performance.
Thomas
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: SoCal CA
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (jjmac_dragracing)
Yeah i fell for that one too. $40 later i had a hard start problem. That accel ignition module definately ranks up there with the more disappointing wastes of money......... :mad :bs
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: cedar springs mi
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (65Z01)
thanks guys i'll save my money :yesnod: I do have a hypertech cap ang coil and chip and alot of other mods but again thanks for you help :seeya
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: BowlingGreen KY
Re: Ignition module worth the upgrade?? (jjmac_dragracing)
I did the Accel super coil, accel 8.8 mm wires and new cut back plugs, all at one time and can tell you it improved my idle smoothness and throttle response very noticeably. It probably didn't add much horsepower, maybe 1 or 2.
