Ignition PDF Print E-mail
Written by Stuart Brown   
Sunday, 18 November 2007 17:46

Ignition

Most modern vehicles have very good ignition systems, and the 16V is no exception. Here are some recommendations:

  • Use colder plugs. Stock 16V is F6DTC for KR/PL/9A and F5DP0R (platinum) for ABF. For most applications, a Bosch 5 or an NGK 7 are fine, usually gapped to 0.7-0.8mm. For higher boost, it might be safer to go with NGK 8's.
  • Proper gaping of the plugs is necessary if using the stock coil. Depends on plug type (copper/iridium etc) and boost levels. For wasted spark conversions, a gap of 0.8mm can usually be used, otherwise 0.7mm should be fine.
  • Aftermarket ignition leads are usually a good thing as the stock ones normally tend to be old and tired. Magnecor KV85 are fine.

    MSD Coilpacks

    MSD coilpacks reduce variations in burn times giving more power, better throttle response, easier starting and better fuel economy.

    With MSD coilpacks, at low rpm it produces a series of sparks during each firing instead of one like a conventional ignition. At low engine speeds when the air/fuel molecules are not finely atomized, the multiple spark feature still ignites the mixture. The number of sparks produced by the MSD is reduced as engine RPM increases simply because there is less "time" to repeat a spark. However, the spark series always lasts for 20 degrees of crankshaft rotation no matter what the RPM and no matter whether it is a single spark or a series of four or five sparks. This 20 degree duration spark sequence insures that the air/fuel mixture is ignited and completely burned.

    Each spark the MSD produces is of an extremely high current. The current is what actually does the work. Together, the multiple sparks, the high current and the 20 degree duration, produce an ignition that is superior to any other ignition system. More importantly though, the MSD Ignition ignites the fuel mixture in the cylinder instantly and insure complete combustion, no matter what the molecular composition is.

  • Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:21