I've read the that the Duraspark with the TFI is supposedly 50% more powerful than the HEI. How much of this is true? |
My reply to that? So what if it is!! That is POTENTIAL only, you won't use it. If you put a system in there able to crank out 200,000 volts, so what? Your engine will probably only use 25,000 volts - more under heavy load. An ignition system builds voltage or potential until the gap is jumped, then the voltage drops off and the energy is used to keep it moving under much lower voltages. Much lower.
(frankly the 50% is a wild number - that's enough to burn holes where you don't want them, you'd never use that.)
The "my system is more powerful than your system" is mostly hype in ignition once it reaches the point of HEI. Anything more is wasted.
Sorry, doc but that's some BS you've heard about "the HEI coil is weak".
I've worked with HEI for, well, decades, since it came out. In fact, I was working with electronic ignition before most manufacturers moved that direction. IT's only weak in the insulation if you run a huge plug gap or have a bad wire, etc. - then she'll burn holes through the coil insulation, even the cap or rotor. It's hot.
The duraspark tfi system comes with an adjustable vacc advance,and is already curved for your motor. |
It is? How do they know what he's got?
IMO, you need to recurve ANY replacement ignition system for YOUR engine, the size, compression, fuel, gear ratio, needs.
With the tfi cap and coil spark energy is greatly increased |
Nope, the cap has nothing at all to do with it, and the coil is like other high-output coils, even the HEI coil. Greatly increased over what? Stock, yes.
No offense, but that's what I mean by hype and misinformation.
While I will not diss the TFI system, it is very good, the myths about ignition are far more common than fact. (as can be evidenced here)
IMO, it's personal preference after you get the facts - such as Larry stated about parts, simplicity, etc.
I've run HEI and it's far more spark than any little AMC 6 (or big AMC 6) will ever need UNLESS you have an engine that's tired or has physical issues. HEI has the ability to send more spark potential as well as duration than you should need. HEI style systems are running cars down the quarter mile strip under harsh conditions and high speeds.
HEI is the most "simple" way, if you decide all else is equal- it's almost a drop in. You can grab a distributor from an 80s 250, put on an 80's AMC V8 gear, make sure the distributor doesn't bottom in the oil pump, might have to use a grinder and extend the flats up the shaft just a bit, other than that, drop it in, and power it with 12v from the ignition side of things. Don't run it through a resistor, give it a full 12 from the switch. I spent just about an hour putting mine int a couple of years back.
Some have a thing against most anything GM, and prefer the "Ford" style TFI system. They work, what can I say. They are pretty reliable for the most part. IMO, so is HEI.
Does it put out more voltage? Maybe, but again, so what? HEI will burn holes in things - do you need more than that? No.
I guess it boils down to what you believe, and personal preference, and your leanings on brands, etc. Reliability? My HEI was bone stock, decades old, still worked perfectly. I guess that's reliable. The truck I pulled it out of was running on the second hundred thousand. So was the car I put it into. No problems.
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