Does the Ionfire Ignition system from Blue Phoenix replace MSD ignition or existing CDI systems that is already installed?
In short the resounding answer is no. The Ionfire Plasma spark amplifier supplements MSD, Crane or AEM ignition systems. They are not meant to replace MSD or any CDI module.
One of the most frequent reactions I get when I introduce the Ionfire plasma ignition module from Blue Phoenix Ignition to racers and engine builders is confusion with regards to the MSD system or equivalent CDI system from AEM to Crane that they have already installed. Racers and engine builders often misunderstand that the Blue Phoenix Ionfire Ignition amplificaition system somehow is meant to replace MSD and nothing works better than MSD so there is no point spending money on untested technology.
Lets get to the basics. An ignition system can be divided into two sections: the primary side and the secondary side. Virtually all ignition systems from MSD to Crane focus exclusively on the primary side of an ignition.
The primary side refers to the primary windings of the ignition coil. When current flows through the primary windings of an ignition coil it creates a magnetic field which collapses once the current is switched off creating a high voltage output on the secondary side of the ignition coil.
The primary side current of the ignition coil is switched on and off using a transistor or capacitor discharge system. The primary side current can be rapidly pulsed to create multiple high voltage sparks on the secondary side, and the timing of the current signal can be advanced or delayed. Virtually all major OEM's and ignition electronics manufacturers have products that exclusively hook up to primary side of the ignition system.
Ionfire modules do not fire the primary side so there is absolutely no need to replace your existing ignition electronics.
It constantly amazes me how the importance of electrical energy and a strong spark doesn't seem to be appreciated racers and engine builders. From an electronic standpoint, a conventional racing ignition is an inefficient device. Further, the spark itself is small and often poorly delivered, producing small flame kernels and a delayed start in combustion. This produces large variations in combustion from one cycle to the next.
So racers and engine builders do not worry, the blue phoenix ignition plasma modules are not meant to replace your precious MSD systems but dramatically improve its efficiency and energy output.
Labels: blue phoenix ignition, motorsports, MSD, NASCAR, plasma ignition, plasma spark, racing