More ignition questions.

[Edster]

It seems it is hard to find solid core plug wires and non-resistor plugs. I know that years ago that was the way to go. But w/ todays technology would those make that much difference. I understand that the EMI/EMF given off by the plugs and wires would not play nicely with electronic components in todays vehicles. Would that also affect my IgnitorII ignition module or an older (80s) MSD box? Also aren't spiral core wires solid just with the metal wrapped in a spral so the EMF/EMI cancels itself out? I know the performace wires on my Sportster are of an aramid type core. I think it is to keep the EMF/EMI from interfering w/ the electronic ignition as I have 4 plugs.

 

[TOM B]

THERE is no need for solid core wires today, there at there best. Ignitor ignitions have many problems and I personaly would not buy one, read the past posting on them and you will find out. MSD and other igition products shield themselfs from EMI. Low grade pertronix ignition are about the worst. MSD is top of the line right now and even have low budget billit distributors that work great.
You will waist alot of money and time trying to block EMI from plugs to solid wires when all you need is a good distributor.

 

[Arron Johnson]

Coil output (spark) is dependent on the dwell time of the pick-up assembly (points, magnetic pick-up & module) in the distributor, and load through the plugs and wires. Using resistor wires and plugs helps put a load on the coil and will help cause it to put out more current.

This is where people get into trouble buying 60,000 Volt coils and then wondering why when it is put on a scope, they only have 15k-20k Volts. A coild can only put out its full potential if it is "saturated" enough to MAKE it put out its Voltage. If there is not enough saturation time or if there is no resistance in the system, you'll have a weaker spark. No one uses solid core wires or non resistor plugs anymore.

Also, remember.. a smaller, more intense spark is better than a big, weak spark, so don't open your plug gaps too much. Most guys thing that because they havea big ignition system they can run bigger gaps and the truth of the matter is, the more power an engine makes, the SMALLER the plug gaps become, sometimes down to .018" of gap.

Top fueler's have 44 AMP electronic magnetos. That's more power than your house uses at one time and enough huice to light your fire into the next world, yet the gaps are about .020" or so. It's because of the wet mixture going back to that smaller, more intense spark being better than a weak, wet, yellow spark.

 

[Edster]

Thanks for the info, I didn't know that about the gap, I thought the only reason for a smaller gap was that higher compression had a greater chance to "blow" out the spark. It makes more sense now.