I posted this question in another thread in an attempt to not have to make an entirely new one, but after several bumps and no responses, this is my last resort...

At what level are you supposed to upgrade your ignition (in any way)? After my tune, from looking at other people's setups, I'm *guessing* to make about 325rwhp. I'm still 100% stock as far as ignition goes. Is there a reason for me to invest in something like an HKS Twin Power or an MSD box? If I get a tune without these items, and then add them afterwards, will I need to have another tune?

 

You can do it at anytime but I think it's probably a good idea if you want to make 350rwhp or better.

 

Why? And like I said, if I tuned now, would I have to have another tune after the addition of one of these units?

 

Yes, I believe you would have to retune for it...or at least need to. From rx7.com (Rotary Performance):

"The ignition system is a very critical, and commonly overlooked, link in obtaining maximum power, drivability, and reliability from your car. The major components in the ignition system are the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and the ignitors. As you increase the performance of the car, you will place a larger demand on these components then what they were designed for. We’ve seen significant increases in how well the car performs by simply addressing the car’s ignition requirements."

I think that describes it best. The more power you add the more stock components become stressed out. Plus the faster the spark the more power you add. But you can over do it and have too many volts in an ignition system so I would study it and choose the appropriate system for your setup. The HKS Twin Power seems to be a good ignition system for most FD applications.

 

People have noted positive driveability changes even on stock cars with an ignition amp. When do you need an ignition amp? When you are pushing enough power that you begin to experience ignition breakup.

Having said that, people have done over 400rwhp using the stock ignition system. Does that mean you shouldn't get an ignition amp? Not necessarily. A better burn during the combustion cycle is always a good idea.

Do you need a retune when adding an ignition amp? No.

 

Ok, great to know. Thanks for that info, I was getting pissed off that noone would respond to my thread

Right now, I'm thinking of purchasing the HKS TP, only because there is no splicing(I think). I'd like something that just slaps right in, rather than troubleshooting a ton of wires.

The fact that you highlighted "need", makes me think that it would probably be best to add this unit before the tune...

 

Yup, it plugs right in. Super easy

 

^ with harness

 

One thing to note, Chris Ott over at Rp/rx7.com told me that he put an HKS tp on an oscilloscope and found that it wasn't an amp, it was a double strike system. Doesn't mean the HKS is a bad unit, just interesting.

I have an old-school Jacobs amping my leading coil right now, and am tempted to swtich to the HKS tp just to see what happens. I have a brand new one sitting in a box, as well as the harness, a 3k mile leading coil, and a new stock ignition coil. If I can ever get to the damn dyno with a competent tuner, maybe I'll make before and after dyno runs

 

^I'd be VERY interested to see the results.

From some of the previous threads and posts I've read, however, it doesn't seem much like the ignition actually increases/decreases the hp, just more of something to keep it from breaking up? Maybe I'm just misunderstanding it...

btw, whats up with that tuner that was supposed to be in your area?

 

I'm working on it. I'll PM you when I know more.

 

Any updates for us on this?

I'm also comparing the HKS TP to this unit: http://www.okadaprojects.com/usa/products_booster.htm

And it's half the price...