Distributor VS Wasted Spark VS Coil on Plug VS MONSTER Coil near Plug

Summary

This video compares four ignition systems: the distributor-based, wasted spark, coil-on-plug (COP), and monster coil-on-plug systems. It explores their evolution from the mechanical and outdated distributor system to the more compact, reliable wasted spark system, which improves performance at higher RPMs. The COP system offers even greater benefits, including precise ignition control and better efficiency. Finally, the monster coil-on-plug system is designed for high-performance engines, handling extreme demands like forced induction and high RPMs. The video provides a clear, informative breakdown of each system, helping viewers understand their advantages and applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Distributor-based ignition systems are mechanical and connected to engine internals, often driven by the camshaft.
• 😀 The distributor system relies on an ignition coil to step up voltage from 12V to 20,000V to create a spark at the spark plug.
• 😀 At high RPM, the distributor system is prone to misfires due to limited time for the ignition coil to generate sufficient voltage.
• 😀 Distributor-based systems have multiple drawbacks, including added friction, oil leaks, and wear on service items like spark plug wires and the distributor cap.
• 😀 The Wasted Spark system is more efficient than the distributor system, using a coil pack and ECU to manage spark timing based on the crankshaft position sensor.
• 😀 In a Wasted Spark system, each ignition coil fires two cylinders at once, but one spark is 'wasted' as it occurs during the exhaust stroke of one cylinder.
• 😀 The Wasted Spark system allows for better performance at higher RPMs, as each ignition coil has more time to recharge between firings.
• 😀 The Coil-on-Plug (COP) system provides the most precise control over ignition timing, with each cylinder having its own ignition coil.
• 😀 The COP system eliminates spark plug wires, reducing voltage drop and maintaining consistent spark performance across all cylinders.
• 😀 The AEM Smart Coil is designed for heavily modified engines, capable of producing 40,000 volts for reliable spark under high boost or high RPM conditions.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the ignition coil in a distributor-based system?

The ignition coil in a distributor-based system is responsible for increasing the voltage from the car battery (typically 12 volts) to around 20,000 volts, which is required to create a spark at the spark plug and ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine.

How does a distributor-based ignition system work?

A distributor-based ignition system works by using a mechanical distributor connected to the engine internals. The distributor is driven by the camshaft, and as it rotates, it sends current from the rotor to the spark plug wires, which then deliver the current to the spark plugs to ignite the engine.

Why is a distributor-based ignition system considered outdated?

A distributor-based ignition system is considered outdated because it has numerous disadvantages, including added friction, bulky components, the potential for oil leaks, and a reliance on spark plug wires, which degrade over time and can cause misfires.

What is the key advantage of a wasted spark system over a distributor-based system?

The key advantage of a wasted spark system is that it eliminates the mechanical parts of a distributor, reducing friction and the need for oil seals. Additionally, it offers more reliable spark delivery at higher RPMs, as the ignition coils have more time to recharge between firings.

How does a crankshaft position sensor contribute to the operation of the wasted spark system?

The crankshaft position sensor detects the position of the crankshaft using a trigger wheel with missing teeth. This information is sent to the ECU, which then tells the coil pack when to fire the spark plugs, ensuring proper ignition timing.

How does the coil pack in a wasted spark system work?

In a wasted spark system, the coil pack contains two ignition coils, each firing two cylinders at the same time. However, one of the cylinders is in the exhaust stroke, so the spark is 'wasted.' This allows for more efficient operation, as the coils only need to fire once per revolution of the crankshaft.

What are the benefits of a coil-on-plug (COP) system compared to a wasted spark system?

The COP system offers better control over ignition timing for each cylinder, as each cylinder has its own ignition coil. This leads to more accurate ignition, improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and better performance at high RPMs, with no need for spark plug wires.

Why is the COP system more efficient at high RPMs compared to previous systems?

The COP system is more efficient at high RPMs because each ignition coil fires once every other revolution of the crankshaft, providing more time for the coils to recharge and produce higher voltage, leading to a stronger and more reliable spark at high engine speeds.

What is the main advantage of a monster coil over a standard COP system?

The monster coil offers a significant voltage increase, up to 40,000 volts, making it ideal for modified engines that require more power, such as those with forced induction or higher RPM limits. It also provides more amperage and spark duration, ensuring a stronger and more consistent spark under high-performance conditions.

How does the use of IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) improve the performance of a monster coil?

IGBTs in the monster coil allow for higher efficiency and faster switching, enabling the coil to handle very high RPMs (such as 10,000 RPM) without failure. This ensures consistent spark delivery even at extreme engine speeds, which is critical for modified engines demanding more performance.