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RE: [6pack] MSD CDI ignition box

To: <samuelsma@aol.com>, <6pack@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: [6pack] MSD CDI ignition box
From: "Navarrette, Vance" <vance.navarrette@intel.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:16:30 -0700
        Michael:

        Do this modification because you want to race, your engine is
heavily modified such that the stock ignition system is misbehaving, or
because you want a dead reliable ignition system and/or a rev limiter.
        IMHO, do NOT do this because you want to eliminate plug fouling
or you are looking for more power.
        If your plugs are fouling, there is something wrong with your
fueling, and that needs to be corrected. Not only will power and mileage
go up, but your emissions will go down as well. In short, the right
thing to do is correct the root problem, not hide the symptom (fouled
plugs) with a band aid.
        As far as more power goes, there are lots of places to spend you
money that will get you power - but with very few exceptions ignition is
not one of them. Despite what the manufacturer says, a hotter spark does
not mean measurably better combustion and therefore more power.
        Modern autos use killer spark systems because they must certify
emissions for 50,000 miles. The OEMs want the plug to fire no matter
what goes wrong, and they want to ignite ultra lean mixtures which are
hard to touch off. Neither of these apply to our cars.
        BTW a modern ignition system will extend the life of your plugs
as they use lots of voltage but not much current. When you combine this
with unleaded gas and a platinum plug, you can get 100,000 miles out of
a set of plugs. Our cars (OK, my car at least) will probably spit out a
connecting rod long before then, so what's the use? Might as well stick
with the squirrel powered Van DeGraff generator that Lucas originally
installed on the car, as the other stuff will break long before the
squirrel drops dead. Which reminds me, Rocky (my squirrel) is due for a
feeding....

        Vance


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