ok i know theres been a ton of threads on this and i have searched, i just want an updated response on the topic. im interested in adding an hks twin power ignition amp on my fd before i get a tune in a month. im running stock turbos and ports w/ pretty much every bolt on, planning on tuning @ 12 lbs. ive read good gains with a similar set up to mine, just curious on the failure rate on these things. my mechanic advised against it, but havent gotten his full opinion yet (will next time i see him). what are the downside to these units? do they fry plugs fast? that doesnt worry me too much, i plan to change annually anyways. ive read they fail due to engine bay heat and moisture, but i plan to relocate in the cabin. just want to know if its worth it and not going to cause catastrophic failure. any input is greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

basically has anyone had any experience or heard where these have caused a fire or engine failure or anything along those lines where the extra 10 hp wouldnt be worth the risk

 

I run a twin power. I personally have not had issues with it. However, there are stories of them failing. They aren't as much as a power additive as insurance against ignition break-up for higher HP applications. Some have reported smoother idle and free reving with them. I have no comparison. I went single and did it all at once. Other then the power of my single, I noticed no magical smoothness.

A fire, doubtful. But we all carry fire extinguishers for that anyway RIGHT?!? Failing.... well, any part can fail. HKS is quality. If it does, then you can simply unplug it and plug in your coil normally. It would take 5 seconds. This is of course if you are using the harness.

I would also recommend a new leading coil. At your power level, you can try the fresh coil first. If your tuner has issues, then purchase a twin power. If you want to save yourself the possible trip back, just pick up the Twin Power. Our coils see lots of abuse in their OEM mounting position. Heat is brutal on electronics. I relocated mine to the frame rail.

Any ignition amp will run through plugs a tad faster. But owning an FD, you should be use to frequent maintenance regardless.

 

cool, thanks for your insight, im on the fence and leaning towards picking on up. and i picked up a kidde "auto" fire extinguisher today at advance auto parts, just before i get the plates on for the season. after my last car catching fire and burning to the ground, im not making that mistake again.

 

I would get one, just to be sure. It will be there as you upgrade.

And VERY sorry to hear about the fire. It's a scary thing man. I had a very minor fire in my garage while deflooding a few months ago. Carelessness on my part almost led to the burning of my baby, and likely my house. Fire extinguisher saved it ALL. I was lucky.

 

I prefer the K.I.S.S. method so imo a twin power for a stock twin fd at only 12 psi is an over kill. Now that doesn't mean you wont benefit from it (easier idle) but like I said the simpler the setup the better.

 

Change it annually? These things generally last forever lol. Some people have fried them but its electronics, **** happens. Don't be on the fence, just get it if your thinking about it. It's good to have.

thewird

 

Alot of people are using the twin power without any problems, including me. I'd say it's a fairly safe mod.

 

Been using one since 2003 and about 45,000-miles with no problems. Smoother start and idling, no break up on top end.

Jack

 

Pretty sure he meant changing the plugs annually and not the Twin Power.

 

Here's s a good thread about how sensitive the Twin Power is
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/hks-twin-power-yes-can-take-beating-keep-ticking-856929/

 

I'll chime in here as well...I'm over 500RWHP, and have been running a TP for years. FWIW, I gained 10RWHP on a dynojet dyno @ KDR right after installing mine. I've also had to replace my leading coil once since installing the HKS TP, but it's highly possible that it was just on its way out...For your application, it may be overkill. Would it hurt? Absolutely not. I've had zero problems with mine, minus needing to replace my ignition harness and leading coil (more than likely unrelated to the TP).

 

+1 for the twin power. My car ran fine with bolt ons and stock turbos running 12psi. Went single and tried to do it w/o the twin power and had lots of breakup in high rpm range. I installed it, had the car retuned and everything was much smoother along with a small power gain (I am sure that was due to breakup elimination). If you plan on continuing to upgrade the car you will eventually need one anyways so why not go ahead and install it before this upcoming tune?

I have never had issues with mine (going on 3 years now) and really have not heard of very many on here. There are LOTS of ppl on here with them and I would assume if they were failing at any sort of significant rate we would hear about it.

 

I have sold hundreds of them over the years and maybe 1-2 have ever failed. Its rare.

 

Awesome, thanks for all the positive feedback guys I appreciate it. With my experience on other forums I thought for sure id get flamed by at least someone (esp being a newb). I feel right at home here. Looks like ill be going for the hks tp thought, like a few said I do plan on upgrading in the future so it can't hurt.

 

Welcome to the forum bro. Typically people only get flamed when:

1. They don't research their own problem. You did your research by the first sentence in your first post.
2. Being rude and/or lazy.
3. When they ask a question about something they don't know, and then ignore/refute the advice given. Obviously if they knew the answer to the question better than the people here they wouldn't be asking in the first place.

 

We run the twin power on just about every FC and FD and they do a great job. The only failures I have seen have been due to other issues with the ignition system/coil wiring that backfeed through the TP cooking it internally. I t would be nice if it were fused to prevent this, but it is not the fault of the TP that there is something else wrong with the individuals car.

 

I got mine from Jason @ RX7 STORE years ago and have had zero problems, had the harness w/it too which was killer. Jason had it in stock and the price was right. Not to mention BANZAI uses them, that should confirm they are a quality pc.

 

^i wish my engine bay was that clean^

 

My Twinpower failed in less than 10k miles. I mounted in the same location like KD-93R1. I am suspecting it was damaged by the heat from the engine or could be damaged by the PFC? Suggest mounting it away from heat as far as possible.

BC

 

I'd guess it was probably vibration and not heat. There really isn't much heat on that side of the engine.

thewird

 

^^Very true. That is a very common mounting area for the TP.. I mounted mine up by where the factory cruise location. When you mount it try using some rubber washers and a good bracket to help with vibrations as well. Doing so is just good practice on mounting any new electronics in the engine bay.

 

I always come up w/some kinda rubber/plastic/etc..... way of mounting such items.
Cant be a bad idea especially w/a stiff ridin car. I'd recommend keepin it dry too, naturally.

On another note, TP should be mounted on driverside in the inner fender area no matter what because you dont want to lengthen these wires unless absolutely necessary. Just my opinion....

 

If the TP failed either under vibration or heat under 10k miles, to me it is not build to top quality.

BC

 

Ouch on the install though... I would not recommend placing it directly UNDER the brake fluid resevoir. Think about it