Ever wonder what the proper dwell time for an ignition coil is?

[13B-RX3]

Wonder no more. Just measure it.

 

[LC4CARL]

I think I still have my dad's Sears dwell meter in the garage. Thought I was so cool adjusting the points on my Chevelle in HS...

 

[13B-RX3]

I never fully understood how dwell time effected spark output until recently. It's definitely one of those cases where more isn't better, and there is a correct number. I tried to find the proper dwell time for the stock coils but couldn't find a definitive number, so I went this route.

 

[13B-RX3]

u gonna put some good coils in? might be a LITTLE HP to be had if you did.

Maybe eventually, when it's really need "turbo". The cost per gain is a little high at the moment.

 

[13B-RX3]

I'm still trying to talk myself out of going turbo, but it's a losing battle. I'll fight the urge as long as I can. I have other weapons I can take out if I want to scare the hell out of myself.

 

[13B-RX3]

Oh no, once I'm committed to something I go all in. I think at that point it wouldn't be as enjoyable to ride. Fast, definitely, but not enjoyable. I may start looking for another one to go crazy on. I plan riding my current bike back and forth to work, weather permitting. It needs to be reliable.

 

[13B-RX3]

Broke out the power supply today and set the dwell times at different voltages. In my unprofessional opinion, this is the safe limit, without shortening the life expectancy of the coils.

 

[13B-RX3]

This is the only information I've been able to find, but it doesn't say at what voltage. The factory ecm will have a voltage compensation, but I have never been able to find that info.

 

[TonyM995]

Shane Tecklenburg’s name is at the bottom of your second screenshot. He’s my favorite tuner and I love listening to him talk about stuff he works on.

I checked my service manual and they don’t specify a dwell time.

Shane T said he ramps it up until the curve flattens out so it seems like you did it perfectly. Also he talks about why we don’t buy motorcycle parts on Amazon.

Nice work man! You’re doing good work.

 

[13B-RX3]

Thanks!

That's exactly where I got the idea from. Watched that video many times

 

[202mphbusa]

Would all standalones using OEM coils use the same data?

 

[13B-RX3]

Should. It's just charge time at different voltages. Some may display in ms/voltage, Maxx does percent. It's basically 2ms at 14V, less at higher voltage, more at lower voltage.

 

[13B-RX3]

If the ecm doesn't have a compensation table (most do) you just set the dwell for the highest voltage expected. Anything lower than that voltage and you will lose a little spark output. There are also manifold pressure based compensation tables where you can overdrive the coils under boost, since you're usually only under boost for short periods of time.