High-Performance Ignition Systems: Design, Build & Install

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.

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

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

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

Source Guide 144
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