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-   -   HKS Twin Pak Ignition (https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/hks-twin-pak-ignition-261496/)

Frank909 01-16-04 09:08 PM

HKS Twin Pak Ignition
 
HKS twin pak ignition, worth the money? Have high RPM break up. Anyone hear anything bad about HKS twin pak ignition?

-lightly ported engine
-intake
-downpipe
-muffler
-stock cat
-power fc 14psi
-lighter flywheel
-1300cc secondary injectors
-310rwph

Mahjik 01-16-04 09:14 PM

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...s+AND+ignition

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...s+AND+ignition

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...s+AND+ignition

speeddemon7 01-16-04 09:58 PM

hey mahjik,you wouldnt happen to have a link to the dyno sheets with the hks twin power on there now would you? I searched but found nothing.

Mahjik 01-16-04 10:30 PM


Originally posted by speeddemon7
hey mahjik,you wouldnt happen to have a link to the dyno sheets with the hks twin power on there now would you? I searched but found nothing.
If you are looking for a "before and after" set of dyno sheets with/without the HKS Twin Pak, I've never seen anything like that posted. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist though...

Here's a page of FD dynos:
http://www.catenet.net/dyno.php

93BlackFD 01-16-04 10:36 PM

twin power, not twin pak

Broken09 01-16-04 11:39 PM

Also you may want to look at the B&M New Volt basically the same thing but quite a bit cheaper if I remember correctly. I have it on my car and it's very nice.
-Nic

Flyrx7 01-17-04 12:38 AM

While I didn't notice a huge difference, it really made a difference from about 5800 RPM and up. Before, my car would kinda' fall on its face but now it pulls all the way. FYI, I'm running about 14 PSI too. I still consider it worth the money.

Frank

Flyrx7 01-17-04 12:39 AM

Oh yeah, install took all of 5 minutes. That is the fastest any of my mods hooked up.

SleepR1 01-17-04 07:34 AM

Stay tuned. I plan on installing the HKS Twin Power Ignition @ the Rx7 Store. I will have a base dyno pull before, and fine-tuned dyno plot after the HKS Twin Power is installed.

If I forget to post the dyno, someone PM me, and remind me.

jspecracer7 01-17-04 07:45 AM

I've found that with upgraded leading coils and the HKS twinpower, I don't have ignition break up at high rpms anymore.

SleepR1 01-17-04 07:56 AM

Yes, these are the symptoms my car has @14.5 psi. Jason (Rx7 Store) recommended I get a Twin Power. He thinks 10 hp is available with better ignition. We'll see :)

Originally posted by Flyrx7
While I didn't notice a huge difference, it really made a difference from about 5800 RPM and up. Before, my car would kinda' fall on its face but now it pulls all the way. FYI, I'm running about 14 PSI too. I still consider it worth the money.

Frank


evot23 01-17-04 07:56 AM

Post the dyno when you get it...that would be nice to see.

SleepR1 01-17-04 07:58 AM

I've read the stock FD ignition coils are pretty good?

Originally posted by jspecracer7
I've found that with upgraded leading coils and the HKS twinpower, I don't have ignition break up at high rpms anymore.

Flyrx7 01-17-04 09:22 AM


Originally posted by SleepR1
I've read the stock FD ignition coils are pretty good?
True, there should be no need for any other type of coil.
While some may give you a hotter spark they just don't seem to have the longevity of the stockers.

jspecracer7 01-17-04 09:56 AM


Originally posted by Flyrx7
True, there should be no need for any other type of coil.
While some may give you a hotter spark they just don't seem to have the longevity of the stockers.

Strange...I know of a few FD owners who burnt out their stock coils.

Flyrx7 01-17-04 10:00 AM

Probably using the Jacobs Pro Pak or other type ignition amp that are known to fry coils. Do you know what type amps they were using?

spoolin93r1 01-17-04 05:52 PM

i just installed my twin power last weekend it made a huge difference in the way my car feels. probably didn't add much power, but it is smoother and comes in a lot quicker. midrange is definately where you feel it, and it seems like it just keeps pulling harder up top

jspecracer7 01-17-04 06:01 PM


Originally posted by Flyrx7
Probably using the Jacobs Pro Pak or other type ignition amp that are known to fry coils. Do you know what type amps they were using?
Come to think of it, they were using the Jacobs unit. The jacobs unit with aftermarket coils works even better than the twinpower/coils setup I'm using. I know of a good friend of mine who was tuned(not intentionally) low 10's and into the 9's a/f and he had no ignition break up...it sparked that good.

fdeeznutz 01-17-04 06:47 PM

I installed my friends for the trip to seven stock last year. I didn't really notice a difference in anything. I don't have ign. break up symptoms like most of you guys though. Not worth the $$$$ in my opinion.

jspecracer7 01-17-04 08:28 PM


Originally posted by fdeeznutz
I installed my friends for the trip to seven stock last year. I didn't really notice a difference in anything. I don't have ign. break up symptoms like most of you guys though. Not worth the $$$$ in my opinion.
I didn't notice it when I was running 10 psi, but when I went higher(19 psi~) it was an obvious difference in performance.

SleepR1 01-17-04 08:44 PM

It's a problem @ high boost levels with rich AFRs...If you're running stock boost with few mods, then an ignition amp isn't needed...

Originally posted by fdeeznutz
I installed my friends for the trip to seven stock last year. I didn't really notice a difference in anything. I don't have ign. break up symptoms like most of you guys though. Not worth the $$$$ in my opinion.

Don-94BB R2(NJ) 01-17-04 09:14 PM

It was worth it for me. As soona as I switched from my main cat to hi-flow cat I was noticing misfire sometimes as low as 11psi if it was really cold out. I ran 15psi with the stock cat with no problems. The HKS unit cured my misses.

SleepR1 has a good point with the high boost and high AFR as I have a Pettit Unlimited chip and it dumps everything out at top end.

I was scheduled to re-dyno this past friday at KDR to see if there was a hp increase but the weather forbid it. As soon as the roads clear, I'll be going back and then I will post my numbers.

Tim Benton 01-17-04 11:09 PM

I have before and after, with the only change being the HKS ignition added. If I could get David (glassman) to host it again, I'll scan it in and e-mail it to him.

Tim

fastcarfreak 01-17-04 11:13 PM

my car made 15 more rwhp at 16 psi and same tuning after we through the hks twin power in. Im very happy with the results, and it allowed me to go up to a higher boost.

CCarlisi 01-17-04 11:24 PM


Originally posted by Tim Benton
I have before and after, with the only change being the HKS ignition added. If I could get David (glassman) to host it again, I'll scan it in and e-mail it to him.

Tim

Very impressive. Same dyno same day?

fastcarfreak 01-18-04 12:01 AM

if you meant to quote me instead of Tim Benton then same dyno 1 day apart, same time of day, and same intake temps (withing 5 degrees).

fdeeznutz 01-18-04 01:39 AM


Originally posted by SleepR1
It's a problem @ high boost levels with rich AFRs...If you're running stock boost with few mods, then an ignition amp isn't needed...
I run more than 10 psi normally. When my car was tunned my boost controller was acting up. When I race it I normally have the boost between 14-16 psi. Please don't judge my statement off of the dyno results in my sig. My poor turbos wish they only had to run 10 psi. I still think it is a waste of money with the mods he has. Just my .02

Flyrx7 01-18-04 02:16 AM

Really, I think the point here is that if your are running stock boost then the ignition amp isn't going to do you much good except for maybe a little smoother response, but if you are running anything over stock boost, like 14 and up, the HKS will help in the upper mid to high range.

Frank

SleepR1 01-19-04 08:27 AM


Originally posted by Flyrx7
Really, I think the point here is that if your are running stock boost then the ignition amp isn't going to do you much good except for maybe a little smoother response, but if you are running anything over stock boost, like 14 and up, the HKS will help in the upper mid to high range.

Frank

:werd:

$150FC 01-21-04 09:48 AM

i can host the dyno charts. email them to transcr.03@ipacc.com.

Has anybody installed a Twin Power on an FC?

Yellow R1 01-21-04 03:23 PM

I have an HKS but took it off after I had a serious grounding wire install. That ignition has too much a$$ when combined with a serious ground kit. That HKS was sooo strong it fried by Iridium plugs & destroyed the MSD ignition wires I had (Geezus its strong!). I had 5k miles on my plugs so when that HKS got hooked up, it fried the plugs & wires (it amplifies ANY weakness in the electrical system & smokes it dead).

I'd recommend getting one or the other (Ignition amp or the Ground Kit, but not both :)

If anyone wants mine, its brand new, 22 miles on it. I bought it for $465 & am selling for $350. It was just an overkill in my case.

PS - I've get every bolt on for my CYM & am running 15# of boost (about 380 RWHP).

See ya,
-Matt
'88 Turbo II
'93 CYM

SPOautos 01-21-04 03:41 PM

I dont see why everyone wants a HKS twin power. Is it just cause its HKS? I run a MSD ignition amp on my leading and it works awsome. As a matter of fact when I very first went to tune my car I had a/f ratio's down into the 8's with no breakup. Steve Kan has made upward of 600rwhp with a single MSD amp on the leading coils (he was running T2 leading coils) and thats it. You can buy a MSD for $120 brand new.

The only think about the HKS is a amps the trailing, however thats a waist unless your running TONS of boost......As in way over 20psi.

I'd buy a MSD 6a for the leading and use the other $350 for something else like a bad ass fuel pump or something like that.

STEPHEN

cavellm 01-21-04 04:24 PM

Where can you get the MSD? I checked on Gotham and rx7store's web sites, but neither list any MSD stuff.

Flyrx7 01-21-04 04:26 PM

How difficult is it to install the MSD? I know that with the optional harness for the HKS it installs in about 2 minutes.

Frank

AgentSpeed 01-21-04 04:37 PM

Does anyone have a pic of where they mounted the HKS?

Flyrx7 01-21-04 04:51 PM


Originally posted by AgentSpeed
Does anyone have a pic of where they mounted the HKS?
I'll try to post one later. I used an aluminum spacer, about 1/2" long, 1/2" diameter, and a 10mm bolt and mounted in a bolt hole at the stock igniter. Seems to me I removed a shorter bolt and replaced it with the longer one.

Frank

POM HB 01-21-04 06:21 PM

More MSD info needed here!

POM HB

TireSmokin7 01-21-04 07:25 PM

If anyone is interested in a cheaper prewired ignition amp I am selling one at:

https://www.rx7club.com//showthread....hreadid=262396

Thanks, sorry to interrupt :D

SPOautos 01-21-04 07:44 PM

Both the HKS and MSD connect into the harness right before the coils. The differnce is the HKS has a connector that just snaps in and makes the install take about 5 minutes. The MSD doesnt have the connector so you have to splice it in.....or actually krip on some connectors to the factory harness and the MSD harness then connect them together. It took me about 30 or so minutes to install the MSD. I'd gladly put up with a 30 minute install to save $350.

You can buy a MSD 6a from just about anywhere. JEGS, Summit, ebay, ect ect ect

STEPHEN

Just Bring It 01-21-04 07:57 PM

do you maybe have instructions on how to install MSD igntion? I'm looking to get one soon :)

Detbyron 01-22-04 12:42 PM


Originally posted by Yellow R1
I have an HKS but took it off after I had a serious grounding wire install. That ignition has too much a$$ when combined with a serious ground kit. That HKS was sooo strong it fried by Iridium plugs & destroyed the MSD ignition wires I had (Geezus its strong!). I had 5k miles on my plugs so when that HKS got hooked up, it fried the plugs & wires (it amplifies ANY weakness in the electrical system & smokes it dead).

I'd recommend getting one or the other (Ignition amp or the Ground Kit, but not both :)

If anyone wants mine, its brand new, 22 miles on it. I bought it for $465 & am selling for $350. It was just an overkill in my case.

PS - I've get every bolt on for my CYM & am running 15# of boost (about 380 RWHP).

See ya,
-Matt
'88 Turbo II
'93 CYM

I'm still a newb, but I've never heard of any ignition amp being too strong. Has there been any other experience like this?

P.S. where are the location pic's on your cars for the HKS and MSD's?
Let's go, let's go let's go!!!

Flyrx7 01-28-04 10:53 PM


Originally posted by AgentSpeed
Does anyone have a pic of where they mounted the HKS?
Let's see how many time this crashes before I can actually upload the pic.....

Flyrx7 01-28-04 10:58 PM

once so far...

https://www.rx7club.com/attachment.p...postid=2601253

Frank

CCarlisi 01-28-04 11:14 PM


Originally posted by Yellow R1
I have an HKS but took it off after I had a serious grounding wire install. That ignition has too much a$$ when combined with a serious ground kit. That HKS was sooo strong it fried by Iridium plugs & destroyed the MSD ignition wires I had (Geezus its strong!). I had 5k miles on my plugs so when that HKS got hooked up, it fried the plugs & wires (it amplifies ANY weakness in the electrical system & smokes it dead).

I'd recommend getting one or the other (Ignition amp or the Ground Kit, but not both :)

If anyone wants mine, its brand new, 22 miles on it. I bought it for $465 & am selling for $350. It was just an overkill in my case.

PS - I've get every bolt on for my CYM & am running 15# of boost (about 380 RWHP).

See ya,
-Matt
'88 Turbo II
'93 CYM

Frankly this sounds like wild speculation. What is the basis for your conclusions other than the fact that you had the amp and a ground strap on your car when the problem occured?

Tim Benton 01-29-04 09:50 AM

first I've heard of that type thing happening with hks unit. I have heard plenty of people with MSD and crane frying their coils in the past. Way past, like 5 years ago, not sure if they still do it though.

Tim

SPOautos 01-29-04 09:56 AM


Originally posted by Tim Benton
first I've heard of that type thing happening with hks unit. I have heard plenty of people with MSD and crane frying their coils in the past. Way past, like 5 years ago, not sure if they still do it though.

Tim


I've heard of Jacobs and Crane frying coils....but I've never hear of the MSD frying a coil. Not saying its not possible though, especially if they had a weak coil but I'd imagine if that were the case any ignition would have fried it.

I've been running my MSD 6a for a year and prob put about 10K miles on it and havent had a prob yet.

Maybe they used a different MSD besides the 6a, MSD definatly makes some much more powerful models that I'm sure would fry a coil. That might be what happened.

STEPHEN

CCarlisi 01-29-04 11:10 AM

I don't doubt that adding an ignition amp places more stress on the coils. However, Matt seems to be saying that the combination of the HKS system AND an upgraded ground system is the cause of his coil failure. I suspect that his coils would have failed regardless of whether he had a ground strap system or not. Or, at the very least, weak coils will fail if used with an ignition amp and ground strap system.

A couple people seem to be saying that the HKS and MSD systems perform the same function. I was under the impression that the HKS system increases the duration of the spark discharge as well as the intensity/amplitude, whereas the MSD amplifiers only does the later. Yes, no, maybe?

This is off the HKS site:
"The Twin Power ignition amplifier incorporates both the CDI and transistor method ignition to provide optimum spark duration and maximum voltage output, resulting in crisper throttle response and a smoother engine power band. The CDI method, capacity discharge ignition, provides maximum voltage by transferring all stored energy in the capacitor to the ignition coil so that the ignition current can buildup quickly, thus making the Twin Power very effective in the higher revs where a normal spark would tend to diminish. This strong rapid spark prevents the high rpm ignition miss that reduces peak power. The transistorized method generates high voltage by using transistors to cut off current to the coil, thus allowing for a long energy discharge. This longer spark duration allows the Twin Power to improve lower RPM throttle response and torque. The combination of the CDI and the transistor method incorporates two distinct systems into one high performance unit, hence the designation of Twin Power. The Twin Power produces a spark output that is typically 1.5-2.5 stronger than of the stock ignition system and consumes about 35% less power input than other ignition amplifiers. Each compact and attractive Twin power unit is constructed of durable anodized aluminum and sealed to prevent corrosion from moisture. General wiring harnesses are included in each unit to aid in installation and mounting. Vehicle Specific wiring harnesses are also available for certain models to further aid in installations that require intricate integration.(CARB E.O. # D-186-22)"

Detbyron 01-29-04 11:35 AM


Originally posted by CCarlisi
I don't doubt that adding an ignition amp places more stress on the coils. However, Matt seems to be saying that the combination of the HKS system AND an upgraded ground system is the cause of his coil failure. I suspect that his coils would have failed regardless of whether he had a ground strap system or not. Or, at the very least, weak coils will fail if used with an ignition amp and ground strap system.

A couple people seem to be saying that the HKS and MSD systems perform the same function. I was under the impression that the HKS system increases the duration of the spark discharge as well as the intensity/amplitude, whereas the MSD amplifiers only does the later. Yes, no, maybe?

This is off the HKS site:
"The Twin Power ignition amplifier incorporates both the CDI and transistor method ignition to provide optimum spark duration and maximum voltage output, resulting in crisper throttle response and a smoother engine power band. The CDI method, capacity discharge ignition, provides maximum voltage by transferring all stored energy in the capacitor to the ignition coil so that the ignition current can buildup quickly, thus making the Twin Power very effective in the higher revs where a normal spark would tend to diminish. This strong rapid spark prevents the high rpm ignition miss that reduces peak power. The transistorized method generates high voltage by using transistors to cut off current to the coil, thus allowing for a long energy discharge. This longer spark duration allows the Twin Power to improve lower RPM throttle response and torque. The combination of the CDI and the transistor method incorporates two distinct systems into one high performance unit, hence the designation of Twin Power. The Twin Power produces a spark output that is typically 1.5-2.5 stronger than of the stock ignition system and consumes about 35% less power input than other ignition amplifiers. Each compact and attractive Twin power unit is constructed of durable anodized aluminum and sealed to prevent corrosion from moisture. General wiring harnesses are included in each unit to aid in installation and mounting. Vehicle Specific wiring harnesses are also available for certain models to further aid in installations that require intricate integration.(CARB E.O. # D-186-22)"

As far as I'm aware...
The main reason FD owners are using ignition amplifiers is to fix the high-rev "break-up". For this the HKS and the MSD6a have both been proven to work well.
Secondary reasons would be to get slightly more power by creating a more effictive combustion. This might be achieved by a stronger spark and/or a longer spark. So in this regard the HKS and the MSD work differently, but has anyone decided that one works better than the other by trying them both? I.E. is the longer spark needed to get the optimal power? And can an aftermarket ECU be used to change the spark duration? (I think most people getting an ignition amplifier probably already have an upgraded ECU)

Tim Benton 01-29-04 01:51 PM

Stephen,

Your right, its the crane and Jacobs, with Jacob's being the main one frying coil, not the MSD 6a.

Tim

widebody2 01-29-04 06:42 PM

I just picked up the crane yesterday before I saw this thread...you guys have me worrying now. Is it worth it or should I dump the thing?


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