High Power Ignitors / Cdi - Benefits

[Sinista32]

Hi all,

Looking to get an understanding of High Power Ignitors and CDI Setups.

Recently had another R32 GTR Ignitor fail and luckily had a 2nd hand spare I'd collected over time.

So I checked with Nissan, RHD and Kudos re prices. They range from the cheapest for OEM $550 upto around $800+.

I was made aware that Haltech make a High Power Ignitor to replace Tranistor ignitors and/or for performance vehicles (HP6 - $450 plus the cost of initial wiring in).

Also stumbled across some chatter on here about people using CDI systems (LS1). Whilst trying to find answers using search.

So really just trying to get some further info from those who know as info is scarce

I run a Haltech Platinum Sports 2000 so a HP6 looks attractive cost wise and compatibility with my ECU.

Unfortunately the Haltech site info doesn't explain http://store.haltech.com/default/ignition-modules-coils/hpi6-high-power-ignitor-6-channel-inc-plugs-and-pins.html

Is it plain and simple ? Ie. Greater and better timed spark (Amplified spark), cheaper cost ? or is the other tangible benefits ?

Is CDI the same or better than the HPI ?

Cheers

Richard

Edited January 6, 2014 by Sinista32

[Dale FZ1]

The ignitor is only a switching device that allows the individual coils to fire. Later model stuff has the ignitor manufactured integral with the individual coils.

Ignitor failure can be caused by overheating - there is a reason they are mounted to that steel plate from the factory. Old trick to ensure good heat transfer is to have a really thin sliver of wheel bearing grease between the ignitor and the mount. Just enough to bridge the gap, and that type of grease won't melt and go everywhere.

The LS coil packs are bigger than OEM and can accumulate/discharge a bigger spark than OEM in the same time. Arguably not as tidy looking as OEM when installed, which may make a difference for those looking for stock looks. Somewhere in the mix here I think the HKS spark amplifier kits might be an alternative. The Haltech gear sounds similar to the HKS stuff.

CDI is about the biggest/baddest setup available, barring a magneto as per old school V8s. Uses a separate control box, and generally needs the main loom shielded from the radio interference generated. It's priced accordingly and is not widely used but it is the best if you are chasing big reliable hp and need a walloping spark. Substandard results can happen if setup/installed by someone not fully conversant with what is required.

The info is out there about CDI, just surf a bit longer and read wider til you get the level of understanding needed.

[Sinista32]

Thank you. Appreciated.

In my case (application) CDI appears to be overkill. Will likely go the Haltech HP6 spark amplifier for improvement, cost and the all important asthetics.

It appears a smallish unit that can be mounted either where the old ignitor is or under dash (hidden). 15amp.

With my old 32GTS-t I had external bosch coils installed and although neat still stuck out like dogs balls along the back firewall.

Cheers.

[Scooby]

Richard

You could try a 300ZX igniter. Ran one on mine for a while but you need to find someone who knows how to switch the loom wires to accommodate the ZX unit, it's a small change and I'm pretty sure Glen knows how to do it. Fraction of the cost of the OEM GTR unit. That said, it doesn't seem to be very popular and I've only seen one other car - local heavily modified R33 GTR - that runs it so maybe there are issues I didn't experience.

Cheers

[Sinista32]

Thanks Scoobs - think I'm using one I got from you after I returned your new one

It's running perfect but it may only be a matter of time.

At one stage between rebuilds I'm sure Ed put the ZX unit on my GTR and stripped the wires to put on the right pins.

With the 2nd rebuild I put a new harness in and went back to the OEM ignitor.

[Piggaz]

There is a aftermarket ignitor which fixed my ignition issues and also Joeys.

http://www.moristech.com.au/Moristech%20Price%20List%201st%20August%202010.pdf

6 channel, replaces the standard one. Mine lives tucked up in the footwell.

[Sinista32]

Thanks Paul, must be good if it's in your beast and working fine

[Pezhead]

I have a 500R CDI in my car. It's taken me ages to figure out how to get the most out if it.

The spark is much hotter (more volts) but shorter. Multi-spark only occurs at low rpm.

Because if the hotter spark, it eats regular old copper plugs so you must go iridium or platinum.

Also, my unit can only do wasted spark. On those systems stay away from dual coils. Tried two sets in mine with same spark breakdown issue on high boost when hot (eg trackdays).

Went single GM HEI coils with CDI and spark issues sorted.

[Shoota_77]

Coil over plugs Eric or individual coil packs running plug leads?

[Pezhead]

Coil packs with 11mm leads. If you run leads get good insulators to prevent inductance leakage and shorting through then insulator.

[Shoota_77]

I'm tempted to use non ignitor coil overs but I'm sceptical as to whether they can produce enough spark under high comp/boost. The advantage is they're obviously a lot neater if you can get them under the standard cover.

[Piggaz]

^^

How much power are you after?

[GTR_JOEY]

There is a aftermarket ignitor which fixed my ignition issues and also Joeys.

http://www.moristech.com.au/Moristech%20Price%20List%201st%20August%202010.pdf

6 channel, replaces the standard one. Mine lives tucked up in the footwell.

Yep, the moristec is an awesome bit of kit

[infamous_t]

Thanks Scoobs - think I'm using one I got from you after I returned your new one

It's running perfect but it may only be a matter of time.

At one stage between rebuilds I'm sure Ed put the ZX unit on my GTR and stripped the wires to put on the right pins.

With the 2nd rebuild I put a new harness in and went back to the OEM ignitor.

I've had a s2 Z32 ignitor on my 32R for 2.5 years with zero issues, can be had new very cheap.

You don't actually need to strip the wires, you can just unpin the plugs and redo to suit the new ignitor... so no worries about introducing problems with new joins etc.

I've just re-done this recently to suit one of the beefed up Do-Luck ignition harnesses

[Shoota_77]

^^

How much power are you after?

450 plus AWKW hopefully....

[kudos.motorsports]

If you are interested in upgrading to the S2 Z32 set-up drop me a line, I can help with the main components needed.

[Sinista32]

Thanks Andrew/Ian.

Do you have a crossover connector ? May be in contact ...

Free plug: your new OEM R32 Ignitors are the best priced anywhere

[Piggaz]

450 plus AWKW hopefully....

I really don't think you need to reinvent the wheel for that grunt. Many people have done it on very basic setups. CDI's and stuff really ain't needed.

[Shoota_77]

I had spark issues on my last tune at only 325kws (pre RB30/26) but it was possibly due to an undiagnosed issue somewhere else....

Are you just running standard kit Paul?

[Piggaz]

I had spark issues on my last tune at only 325kws but it was possibly due to an undiagnosed issue somewhere else....

Are you just running standard kit Paul?

New coil harness, splitfires and a Morris tech ignitor box. Plug gap is 0.8 mm.

I had a pretty HKS hold box but ended up turfing that and went down my current route.