Performance modification on enthusiast cars and trucks entails the modification of many systems in concert with each other. Induction systems, exhaust, rotating assemblies, cylinder head modification, all areas where modifications yield exciting and measurable results. While decidedly not as sexy to most, ignition systems are just as important as all of the other systems, and modifying your ignition system is vital in extracting all the performance possible out of your engine build. What good is air flow if your ignition system can't light the fire?
High-Performance Ignition Systems is a completely updated guide to understanding automotive ignition systems, from old-school points and condensers to modern computer-controlled distributorless systems, and from bone-stock systems to highly modified. Author Todd Ryden leads you through the various components in this update, explaining the theory behind the operation and how the parts work with each other to achieve the ultimate goal of efficient combustion. The inside scoop on all the new 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, update you on all the latest components, including distributorless and coil per cylinder systems and it will help you choose the right components for your car's performance needs.
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9781613250808
Publisher: CarTech
Publication Date: 01-20-2014
Pages: 144
Product Dimensions: 8.30(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Series: SA Design
About the Author
Todd Ryden was born in Pontiac, Michigan and brought up in Goodrich. He was always around automotive industry muscle cars and some drag racing thanks to his dad and uncles. His first trip down the drag racing strip was at age 14 in his dad's '70 SS Chevelle. Todd received an associate degree in automotive mechanics and a bachelor's degree in general studies. He has worked as a Chevrolet dealership technician, service manual tech writer, and automotive freelance writer.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface 4 Acknowledgments 5 Introduction 6 Chapter 1: Electrical System Overview: Introduction to Automotive Ignition Operation 7 System Sides 8 The Coil 8 Distributor 9 Trigger Device 9 Timing 12 Spark Plug Wires 13 Spark Plugs 14 Ignition Controls 14 Battery and Charging System 14 The Sum of the Parts 15 Chapter 2: Distributor Basics: Triggers, Timing Advance and Delivery 16 Distributing the Spark 17 Triggering the Ignition 17 Mechanical Advance 26 Vacuum Advance 28 Caps and Rotors 28 Chapter 3: Distributors and Timing: Dialing in Centrifugal Advance 29 Choosing a Distributor 29 Timing Changes 32 Centrifugal Advance 34 Removal and Installation 35 Adjusting Ignition Timing 36 Proper Gears and Mesh 40 Chapter 4: Performance Ignition Controls: Choosing an Ignition for Your Engine 42 Inductive System 43 Capacitive Discharge System 44 RPM Limiters 47 Boost Retard 50 Magnetos 51 Programming Performance 54 Chapter 5: Coils, Wires and Plugs: Take a Look at the Secondary Side 57 Coils 58 Spark Plug Wires 64 Spark Plugs 70 Chapter 6: Electronic Accessories: RPM and Timing Controls 74 RPM Limiters 74 RPM Switches 76 Shift Lights 77 Timing Control 77 Boost Retard 78 Locked-Out Timing 80 Step Retard 82 Crank Trigger 84 Rotor Phasing 88 Chapter 7: Advanced Ignition Tuning: Performance from a PC 91 Mechanical Cylinder Timing 91 Electronic Cylinder Timing 93 Programmable Ignitions 95 Timing Retards 98 Gear Curves 101 Gear Maps 102 Boost Timing Map 102 Step Retard 102 RPM Function 103 Slew Limit 103 Chapter 8: Going DIS: Where’s the Distributor? 106 Technological Advances 107 Coil Pack Ignition Upgrades 109 Late-Model Muscle 110 Retrofit Ignitions 116 Chapter 9: Batteries, Charging and Wiring: Fuel for the Fire 119 Battery 119 Charger 122 Charging System 122 Pulleys 125 Wiring 127 Relays 130 Chapter 10: Definitions and Diagrams: Useful Info and Wiring Schematics 134 Troubleshooting Your CD Ignition 135 Wiring an Ignition Control to an HEI 141