TheSamba.com :: View topic - best coil on plugs to use with megasquirt

Sun Oct 23, 2016 9:51 am

been looking for the best coil on plugs to use with a megasquirt seen some weapon x coil on plugs to use but wanted to get some feedback on whether these are good or not and if not what are some better alternatives that give off a hot spark like 100 plus MJ megajoules

Sun Oct 23, 2016 10:02 am

What about the GM LS coils, those can be found at any part store. A web search should reveal specs and any complaints out there.

Sun Oct 23, 2016 10:26 am

First thing we need to know is smart coils or dumb coils?

Sun Oct 23, 2016 12:02 pm

ps2375 wrote: What about the GM LS coils, those can be found at any part store. A web search should reveal specs and any complaints out there.

LS coils are not coil on plug but Coil near Plug.

Most coil on plug would be top heavy and there really isn't any easy way to attach a support for them.

I think Mario even abandoned them for CNP installs........Nope I stand corrected.

http://thedubshop.goodsie.com/coil-on-plug-coils

He does sell a set but they are supported by a mounting bracket.

Sun Oct 23, 2016 1:25 pm

smart coils but can also be dumb coils cause thru the megasquirt I will be setting up thru logic 5 volt

Sun Oct 23, 2016 1:33 pm

originally i was going to use 4 IGN-1A coils using the logic spark outputs but then was told to use the resistor method and do a 330 ohm pullupmethod.This stuff is very confusing when everybody says megasquirt is VERY SIMPLE

Sun Oct 23, 2016 1:36 pm

58ragman wrote: originally i was going to use 4 IGN-1A coils using the logic spark outputs but then was told to use the resistor method and do a 330 ohm pullupmethod.This stuff is very confusing when everybody says megasquirt is VERY SIMPLE

some bits are simple, in that you can re tune from your laptop inside your car, other parts like the setup do take time and effort.... and time :lol:

Sun Oct 23, 2016 2:08 pm

58ragman wrote: originally i was going to use 4 IGN-1A coils using the logic spark outputs but then was told to use the resistor method and do a 330 ohm pullupmethod.This stuff is very confusing when everybody says megasquirt is VERY SIMPLE
If you want simple, buy something purpose built, like CBs setup. If you want something cheap, buy Megasquirt 1(Please don't!!) or 2. If you want something budget friendly, tough, and capable buy MS3-Pro.

I have run Accel COPs for Ford Modular engines since 2012. I've not had any problems. They would probably benefit from mounts, but honestly, mine are just sitting in there. Never had an issue, street or strip. They are dumb coils though. I have a seperate ignition module in place to drive them.

Sun Oct 23, 2016 2:59 pm

Chip B. wrote:

I have run Accel COPs for Ford Modular engines since 2012. I've not had any problems. They would probably benefit from mounts, but honestly, mine are just sitting in there. Never had an issue, street or strip. They are dumb coils though. I have a seperate ignition module in place to drive them.

I used the same Ford coils and I also had them just hanging in there. Never a problem!

Sun Oct 23, 2016 3:35 pm

I run the same coils as Chip, I made a super simple mount out of 1/2" wide strap aluminum that mounts to the fan shroud bolt on the side that holds to the cylinder tin. I don't have bodywork on the rear of my car, so the coils have nowhere to "lay down" like chips does.

I run a Ford Escort (1.9 liter, mid 90's?) coil pack (Accel brand) on the dragster, with stock Bosch coil wires on the dragster. it works fine on that. The wire lengths work great on a VW if you mount the coil in the right spot. Super simple and affordable.

Sun Oct 23, 2016 7:01 pm

The one my Scion XB uses might work...

https://www.amazon.com/Brand-Ignition-Pencil-1NZFE-Complete/dp/B00ARJP82E

Casey

Sun Oct 23, 2016 10:00 pm

thanks for all the replies.

this really helps me get a better ideal .

One thing i do know from my research is that you need to know the

PRIMARY RESISTANCE and PRIMARY INDUCTANCE so that the dwell can be set properly when trying to cross over COP from other brands.

I think there is more to it than that but i need to do more research

Mon Oct 24, 2016 12:27 am

Personally id run GM LS coils but that's just me, So many people use them on many different setups just because they are easy to get and easy to use

Mon Oct 24, 2016 2:44 am

58ragman wrote: thanks for all the replies.

this really helps me get a better ideal .

One thing i do know from my research is that you need to know the

PRIMARY RESISTANCE and PRIMARY INDUCTANCE so that the dwell can be set properly when trying to cross over COP from other brands.

I think there is more to it than that but i need to do more research

id just buy a known type of coil that pops up a lot of MS forums ect, and just copy there coil settings ;)

Mon Oct 24, 2016 8:31 am

Get a set of LS2 Truck Coils and a pair of Vanagon plug wires and cut them to length.
That's what I did, and it works great.
I would recommend going to the DubShop website and looking at the coil mounts that Mario sells, and even the coil setup themselves...I made some of my own, but hindsight being 20/20, his are much more clean looking and prolly mount a hell of a lot better than mine.

Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:09 am

I personally don't like the LS2 truck coils since they will pre ignite if you let them dwell to long.

Here is an example. The yellow line represents the trigger form the ECU. The purple is the coil firing. As you can see the coil fires before the coil is triggered. This can be a problem if you don't have good dwell control. If I want the highest output I'll use the IGN-1A coils. They are monsters!

Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:58 am

Mavelotta wrote: I personally don't like the LS2 truck coils since they will pre ignite if you let them dwell to long.

Here is an example. The yellow line represents the trigger form the ECU. The purple is the coil firing. As you can see the coil fires before the coil is triggered. This can be a problem if you don't have good dwell control. If I want the highest output I'll use the IGN-1A coils. They are monsters!

They are firing to protect themselves. The primary current ramp is about to magnetically saturate the core so you have maxed out the energy stored in the magnetic field.

Going further just heats the coil.

Mon Oct 31, 2016 11:49 am

Yes they are protecting themselves. But if your in boost and the coils fire 40° advanced instead of 20° due to this protection, there goes your cylinder and maybe a head. I would rather a $30 coil overheats...

Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:55 pm

thanks for the clear cut info mario

Tue Nov 01, 2016 11:56 am

Yeah, no problem! I hope it helps everyone out.

Here is what the standard LS2 coil looks like when driven into saturation. You can clearly see how the current plateaus (Blue Trace) and this is where the coil would be generating excess heat. Over time this coil coils over heat and fail.