Product Image
    Product Details
  • 80 Pages
  • 98 Photos & Illustrations
  • Paperback
  • Colour
  • Part of the SpeedPro Series
How to Build & Power Tune Distributor-type Ignition Systems
By Des Hammill

New 3rd Edition! Expert tricks and techniques on building, modifying and setting-up ignition systems for high performance engines. Applies to all 4-stroke engines using a distributor type ignition.

    Features:
  • New, updated and revised third edition
  • Applies to all four-stroke gasoline/petrol engines with distributor-type ignition systems
  • Learn the secrets of the experts!
  • Unlock more performance and reliability

Expert practical advice from an experienced race engine builder on how to build an ignition system that delivers maximum power reliably. A lot is talked about ignition systems, and there is a bewildering choice of expensive aftermarket parts, which all claim to deliver more power. Des Hammill cuts through the myth and hyperbole and tells readers what really works, so that they can build an excellent system without wasting money on parts and systems that simply don't deliver.

Ignition timing and advance curves for modified engines is another minefield for the inexperienced, but Des uses his expert knowledge to tell readers how to optimise the ignition timing of any high-performance engine.The book applies to all four-stroke gasoline/petrol engines with distributor-type ignition systems, including those using electronic ignition modules: it does not cover engines controlled by ECUs (electronic control units).

Table of Contents
  • Modified engines need more static/Idle speed advance
  • Establishing static/idle speed advance setting
    Optimum idle advance | Static adavance | Idle advance
  • Estimating total advance settings
    Combustion chamber shapes
  • Vacuum advance
    Vacuum advance take-off point location
  • Ignition timing marks
    Checking TDC markings | Marking the crankshaft damper/pulley | Permanent advance degree marking
  • Distributor basics
    Distributor spindle | Drive gear | Endfloat/endplay | Contact breaker points | Condenser | Electronic module | Distributor cap | Rotor arm | Coils | Low voltage conventional (standard) coil | Uprated low voltage conventional coil | Ballast besistor coils | Electronic coils | Coil performance comparisons | Standard coil | Sports coil | Ballast resistor coils | Electronic coils | High tension coil & sparkplug wires | Checking HT wires | Sparkplugs | Dual point distributors | Aftermarket electronic distributors
  • Altering the rate of mechanical advance (Part 1)
  • Altering advance mechanism to set total advance
    Reducing total mechanical advance | How much to limit advance | What happens if the distributor is not modified
  • Altering the rate of mechanical advance (Part 2)
    Establishing rate of advance | Altering rate of advance
  • Checking the quality of the spark
    Wiring & connections | Alternator | Ignition switch | High tension current (points-type distributor) | High tension current (electronic-type distributor)
  • Establishing the correct amount of idle advance
  • Establishing the correct amount of full advance