1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1st gen ignition setups

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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 01:08 AM
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gonzz's Avatar
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1st gen ignition setups

What are you guys running for a better ignition? I know direct fire is alway being talked about but which one? 3 coils versus 2nd gen coil? Also when using a MSD is that worth it? I want to upgrade to the best ignition setup i can use.. Just need some recomendations..
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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 01:25 AM
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I did the 2nd gen conversion. It took about 20 minutes and worked great. I highly recommend it. Cost me about $20 in junkyard parts.
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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 03:34 AM
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I did that setup already but was wondering if the 3 coil setup is the way to go?
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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 04:44 AM
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You already know my opinion gonzz, but I'll go ahead and type up a post for my fellow rotary owners.

In a three coil setup, each leading coil gets its own ignitor. In a 2nd gen coil setup, the primary winding is shared. The MSD's price tag does not reflect the amount of performance/engine power you'll receive as a result of using it compared to the other two options.

If you have an extra coil and ignitor (or two GM HEI ignitors), or can get these items easily/cheaply, go with DLIDFIS. If you have only one ignitor and can easily get a 2nd gen coil, go with 2GCDFIS. If you have money, get an MSD box and a dual output (DIS) coil specifically made with CDI in mind. Don't hook an MSD to two seperate coils unless you like chopping your available amps in half.

FYI: converting 12V to 400V+, as the MSD does, reduces amperage. Hooking the MSD to two coils in parallel will further reduce the amperage which results in a weaker spark to both plugs. I suggest using a dual output coil that was designed for a CD ignition box because, for one thing, it was designed for it, and OEMs have been using the kettering version on direct fire boingers for years, as well as Mazda on the FC and FD. The good thing about a rotary is that it actually can add the second spark per cycle before the exhaust port even opens, thanks to the rotary's longer duration burn time (270° compared to the boinger's measly 180°).

I have an old MSD collecting dust since I installed DLIDFIS and an FC leading coil kicking around. I thought I'd just kill too rotors with one nut dropped down the carb and just use them together. It's not as good a solution as a true CDI DIS coil, but it's cheaper for me and should work well enough.

Here is a good example of a kettering/CDI-compatible DIS coil that would be a good choice if you must purchase an MSD or already have one. http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...89&prmenbr=361

Last edited by Jeff20B; Oct 11, 2004 at 05:03 AM.
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