Ignition upgrade.....

takza · Post by **takza** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 1:46 pm

Wondering what the best steps are to improve the 3AC's ignition?

I'm using Bosch single plat plugs and some good 8mm wires now.

Cap was replaced recently.

How about an MSD or Jacobs ignition?

What about the capacitor type wires or add-ons for the plugs?

Does anyone use an upgraded ignition with the other Toyota engines?

Should be reasonably cost effective and realistic..........

* Did a search and this is about all I found:

<a href='http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... PID=952457' target='_blank'>http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... =952457</a>

<a href='http://www.eautoworks.com/html/ORD-Auto ... -15525.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.eautoworks.com/html/ORD-Auto ... 525.htm</a>

tercel4wdrules · Post by **tercel4wdrules** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:43 pm

Hey, did you buy a set of those spark plugs? I wonder if they really are that good?

GTSSportCoupe · Post by **GTSSportCoupe** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 9:35 pm

I've tried a few things in an effort to improve ignition systems in the past (upgraded coils, igniters, etc.), but the single thing I've found to make the biggest difference is NGK Iridium spark plugs. They are unreal. They made a massive difference to the performance of my 3AC. The old plugs were decent condition NGK coppers.

20vtercel · Post by **20vtercel** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 10:07 pm

I had (and still have) NGK 7.9mm wire set for the 3A! I have the coil too but i think it is old. I believe the coil is common toyota part so any one that has it under the cap "should" fit!!

hornett22 · Post by **hornett22** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 12:19 am

i hate Bosch plugs.i have taken them out of numerous cars when i worked at the dealer.amazing how many times i heard"i just tuned up my car and now it runs like shit!" use ngk and be done with it.the new mercury outboards won't even start on another brand of plug.i put a MSD blaster2 coil in my 88 4runner and i noticed a difference.as for jacobs,i haven't met anyone who thought it was worth the money or could tell a difference. and please stop letting counter people at the parts stores tell you how to work on your car,what is wrong with it,and what parts to buy!

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 11:58 pm

I like the stock set-up...cap and wires. They are still working great after 328,000 miles. It starts up faster than most other cars that I've driven and that's at temps in 0 F range. The Bosch Platinum plugs also work fine for me in both my Tercels and in the Corolla. I get 60,000 + miles with them. I see no need to change.

GTS..what type of improvements did you see with the NGK Iridiums....power, starting, mpg? How long do they last? Did you change heat range?

Adelard of Bath · Post by **Adelard of Bath** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 12:47 am

I knew a guy with an 81 Celica with the 22r and he replaced his coil with that huge yellow Accel Supercoil and he swore it made a difference...I had my doubts but the factory coil COULD have gone bad I suppose, it was 20 years old.
I still run my stock volvo one, its 26 years old, I'd like to replace it though, probably with MSD blaster 2 or something.

20vtercel · Post by **20vtercel** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 12:57 pm

Adelard of Bath wrote: I knew a guy with an 81 Celica with the 22r and he replaced his coil with that huge yellow Accel Supercoil and he swore it made a difference...I had my doubts but the factory coil COULD have gone bad I suppose, it was 20 years old.
I still run my stock volvo one, its 26 years old, I'd like to replace it though, probably with MSD blaster 2 or something.

Coils have a life of about 5 years.

They begin to deteriorate the minute they are used. They are a consumable item. (but not in the common sence)

They are out in the weather, hot and cold hot and cold hot and cold. The coating on the magnet wire (silver or copper wire in a coil) begins to break down and arc. Dust gets inside and eats away at the glazing of the panels of the coil.

It's not something most people think about when keeping their car "up to snuff"
Changing it is a regular thing. Iregardless of if it still works are not.

A coil that is in good condition from the factory spits out about 25kv. In 5 years, you have about 19-20kv just by wear and tear.

You usually need 15kv just to get a spark plug to fire. 19kv is wearing a little thin!! Misfires are usually caused by a weak or corroded coil. If the contacts are rusted...so is the wire inside!!!

A high performance coil usually puts out between 50-75kv and is guaranteed for a set amount of time. And YES!! they do make the difference in starting and response! But, you have to have the plugs to go with it to really make it sing!

just my $0.02

Lateer · Post by **Lateer** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 5:00 pm

Is it worthwhile getting an electronic ignition setup for the Tercel?
Anyone ever heard of anything like this?