Does the primary ignition wire (from coil to center of cap) need to be short? I'm considering a Jacobs unit, which has the coil built into the computer box, and I'd want to mount the whole thing out of site, but that would mean a longer primary wire. Will that mess things up by slowing down of weakening the initial spark?

-Reno

(dual posted in electronics and general engine)

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89 Formula 350
"This is how you remind me of what I really am..." - Nickelback

 

That's not the "primary" wire. The term "primary" with regard to the ignition is the 12V supply, which goes to the primary winding of the coil (which is a transformer). The "secondary" wiring is all the high-voltage stuff, since it's hooked up to the secondary winding of the coil.

But anyway, the coil wire should be as short as possible, because that way, as little energy is lost in it as possible; and there is less opportunity for it to rub up against something and get chafed. It especially doesn't need to go through a hole in a piece of metal, like what you'd have to do if you mounted the coil inside the car.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

[This message has been edited by RB83L69 (edited October 16, 2001).]

 

You could make it longer if you have to. My reasoning: MSD super conductor wire is only 50 ohms/foot, so using quality wire, theoretically, you could put the coil in the trunk and still outperform 'basic' suppression cores with 5,000 or better ohms/foot.

 

Thanks for the input. I just found out the cost of the Jacobs systems though, and I think I"m going MSD. Thanks anyway.

-Reno