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Ignition system...what is good?

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HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#957257
It was a very frustrating day at the Supersprints on Saturday, with a serious lack of power in No.8 Beetle.

There were a few suggestions as to what was causing the miss-firing, and I think Rene F. may have nailed it. Rene thought the higher compression of the 'new' 2276 engine may have been too much for the coil [which worked fine on the 'old' engine. He suggested using a Crane HI 6 set-up.

Anyone out there have any ideas on this? Any help welcome.

Cheers, Greg
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

cnfabo Custom Title Time!

1,353 posts · joined Apr 2008 ·

#957263
Rene swears by that crane set up and he should know considering he has done a lot of dyno time with it and other systems...

Fabo

bat69 There is no status

791 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·

#957300
I got a crane HI6 'fireball' system with a whole heap of other perfomance stuff for the race bug but never ended up using the crane as I ended up using a different system with the injection. I know there are a few circuit guys with escorts using this system on their BDA's. That's were mine come from. Its just sitting in the shed if your interested.
White Knuckle Racing Team [/i]
"Drive it like dirt"

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#957303
PM sent, bat.
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

sander288 "Bolt-on Master"

1,404 posts · joined Aug 2008 ·

#957313
twin spark?

But I've spoken to Rene about his setup and he absolutely swears by it; it also is a much easier install
BMW R65 LS
1967 1300 Deluxe
Swing-axles FTW ❗

MickH Hairy Gutted Sloth

3,389 posts · joined Sep 2003 ·

#957350
The Crane systems rock!!!!
tssnq.com.au

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#957354
Start by closing the plug gap a little, say to .018", then you can tell if it is a lack of ignition.

I have run 10:1 and 42psi boost with a stock early WBX ignition and it worked fine with close gaps,
although I will be the first to admit that a better ignition would have made more power.

I would be chasing a 'fault' rather than an upgrade,
since most ignition problems are fuel problems.
westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

colin Fahrvergnugen

984 posts · joined Mar 2007 ·

#957382
dangerous wrote:Start by closing the plug gap a little, say to .018", then you can tell if it is a lack of ignition.

I have run 10:1 and 42psi boost with a stock early WBX ignition and it worked fine with close gaps,
although I will be the first to admit that a better ignition would have made more power.

I would be chasing a 'fault' rather than an upgrade,
since most ignition problems are fuel problems.
Would have to agree with Dave, before you upgrade or change anything I would be looking to find out the fault. Then address the solution with a upgrade or other.
Good luck, fault finding can be frustrating.

Cheers Col

colin Fahrvergnugen

984 posts · joined Mar 2007 ·

#957383
What heat range plug did you use?, higher comp likes a cooler plug.

Cheers Col

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#957390
The plugs were NGK B7ES. Comp. is 11.5 : 1. Fuel - BP 98.

Had some input today from an old friend, who has years of experience with race engines. Alf thinks the problem started when I first started the engine in the morning, when the temp. was about 2 degrees. He believes the plugs 'cold fouled', and did not fire properly after that. Makes sense to me.

Will be doing some looking at the fuel system, float levels, etc, etc. as well.

Dave, I agree about finding the 'fault' first. As this was the first time I have run the 'new' engine, it will be a case of 'sorting it out'.👍

Thanks for the input...it all helps.
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

DubbyDo Officially Full-On Dubber

276 posts · joined Jan 2012 ·

#957398
"I have run 10:1 and 42psi boost with a stock early WBX ignition and it worked fine with close gaps"
You wouldnt even need plugs when it was running on boost would ya😂

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#958830
bat69 wrote:I got a crane HI6 'fireball' system with a whole heap of other perfomance stuff for the race bug but never ended up using the crane as I ended up using a different system with the injection. I know there are a few circuit guys with escorts using this system on their BDA's. That's were mine come from. Its just sitting in the shed if your interested.
HI 6 arrived today - thanks Nathan. If I can figure out the wiring, it will be going again soon......without the bad miss-fire.

Thanks also to Rene for the advice.
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

Grey 57 Old Grey Cruiser

2,937 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#958843
Been running a Crane Hi6 for years on my 2.4ltr Porsche engine in my T34 Ghia. Really happy with it and no troubles at all.

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#958849
Have you rolling roaded the engine to make sure you have correct AFR across the rev range and engine loads?

Got an AFR set up in your exhaust. Great way to self tune the jetting.

I'm assuming the Hi8 is an older version of the current Hi6 CDI multi spark ignition system? So similar to the MSD AL6?

Will certainly make sure that if the spark is being 'blown out' by the compression ratio the CDI should cure that.

Sooty plugs is a very real possibility too.

Still least you have a few avenues to go down to try and eliminate the issue 🙂
madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#958857
now you have a better ignition you can use a colder plug as well!
westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#958867
Dave, hopefully the NGK 7s will be OK. Interestingly Crane recommend .045" gaps, for the HI 6.😵 I'm saying well away from any wires when the engine is running.👍

Psim, the AFR looks good on the dyno sheets that Ben gave me, however I will be re-checking it. I intend to fit smaller venturis, so it will need to be re-done.

Are those AFR gauges any good? It would be handy to have an ACCURATE reading , although it's another bloody gauge to look at.
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#958924
Well they work off the same sensor as an ECU Lambda sensor as far as I'm aware.

As for accuracy the electronics are pretty simple but as always a more expensive brand will likely be more accurate and reliable than a cheaper brand.

Saw loads of the turbo boys in the UK using them to make sure they didn't cook the engine at full boost.
madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍