High-Performance Ignition Systems: Design, Build & Install

The photos in this edition are black and white.

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.

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1:

Electrical System Overview: Introduction to Automotive Ignition Operation 
System Sides 
The Coil 
Distributor 
Trigger Device 
Timing 
Spark Plug Wires 
Spark Plugs 
Ignition Controls 
Battery and Charging System 
The Sum of the Parts 

Chapter 2:

Distributor Basics: Triggers, Timing Advance and Delivery 
Distributing the Spark 
Triggering the Ignition 
Mechanical Advance 
Vacuum Advance 
Caps and Rotors 

Chapter 3:

Distributors and Timing: Dialing in Centrifugal Advance 

Choosing a Distributor 
Timing Changes 
Centrifugal Advance 
Removal and Installation 
Adjusting Ignition Timing 
Proper Gears and Mesh 

Chapter 4:

Performance Ignition Controls: Choosing an Ignition for Your Engine 
Inductive System 
Capacitive Discharge System 
RPM Limiters 
Boost Retard 
Magnetos 
Programming Performance 

Chapter 5:

Coils, Wires and Plugs: Take a Look at the Secondary Side 
Coils 
Spark Plug Wires 
Spark Plugs 

Chapter 6:

Electronic Accessories: RPM and Timing Controls 
RPM Limiters
RPM Switches 
Shift Lights 
Timing Control 
Boost Retard 
Locked-Out Timing 
Step Retard
Crank Trigger 
Rotor Phasing 

Chapter 7:

Advanced Ignition Tuning: Performance from a PC 
Mechanical Cylinder Timing 
Electronic Cylinder Timing 
Programmable Ignitions 
Timing Retards 
Gear Curves 
Gear Maps 
Boost Timing Map 
Step Retard 
RPM Function 
Slew Limit 

Chapter 8:

Going DIS: Where’s the Distributor?

Technological Advances 
Coil Pack Ignition Upgrades 
Late-Model Muscle 
Retrofit Ignitions 

Chapter 9:

Batteries, Charging and Wiring: Fuel for the Fire 
Battery
Charger
Charging System
Pulleys
Wiring 
Relays 

Chapter 10:

Definitions and Diagrams: Useful Info and Wiring Schematics
Troubleshooting Your CD Ignition 
Wiring an Ignition Control to an HEI 

Source Guide