AUTOWORKS
The key to your vehicle's performance
We understand it is not just a car – it is an extension of your passion. We know that is important. This is why we offer everything automotive. We offer all your automotive needs and desires.
Replacing your factory ECU with an aftermarket unit like LINK, Haltech, Motec or any other aftermarket ECU opens a world of opportunity for modification. Adding sensors for engine protection or Flex fuel, converting to Sequential fuel injection or Sequential spark. Wasted spark was common in the nineties, many vehicles used it. So, what is it and how does it compare to sequential spark.
Wasted Spark: In a wasted spark system, two cylinders share a single ignition coil and the two spark plugs fire simultaneously. One of these sparks occurs during the compression stroke (useful spark), while the other occurs during the exhaust stroke (wasted spark). The timing is less precise compared to sequential systems.
Sequential Spark: In a sequential spark system each cylinder has its own coil, the ignition is timed precisely to each cylinder’s individual power stroke. This allows for optimal spark timing for each cylinder, leading to better combustion and improved engine efficiency.
But we want more power. To make more power we want a higher compression , more boost and or more RPM. More compression or boost needs a bigger spark. More RPM measn less time for the coil to generate spark. Wasted spark is using the coil twice as often as it fires every cylinder on the power and exhaust stroke. Firing on power and exhaust stroke reduces the available build up time (Dwell time) which reduces the size of the spark that can be produced.
Using a coil on plug or coil near plug sequential spark allows an increased Dwell time resulting on a bigger spark.
Let’s get to the point. There are so many COP kits for sale often making installation almost a plug and plan scenario.
This one kit we came across recently gave the option to use sequential or wasted spark and commented when using wasted spark to upgrade the IGN fuse. This is all wrong. A fuse is in place to protect the wiring in the circuit. Upgrade is not a word anyone should ever use for over rating a fuse for circuit. To much current in the wiring and smoke comes out. Keep in mind this is a car from the nineties and even without considering the age of the wiring over rating a fuse is asking for trouble. The risk is FIRE. The image from their instruction is poor quality but you can read it.
What makes this worst is there is such a simple fix for the wiring. The original wiring can be used to switch a fusible relay. That relay supplies power to the coils using the correct size wiring and fuse. Not Rocket Surgery.
Always ask the question.
AUTOWORKS
We understand it is not just a car – it is an extension of your passion. We know that is important. This is why we offer everything automotive. We offer all your automotive needs and desires.
Mon to Fri: 8am–5pm
Sat/Sun: Closed
171 Evans Rd, Salisbury QLD 4107
Phone: (07) 3123 5373
Email: service@autoworks.com.au