Electronic ignition. What say you?

[Tripacer76D]

I've noticed that electronic ignition is now available that would replace one magneto. Does anyone have any thoughts on these gizmos? Better yet, has anyone actually installed one? Just curious to see if it would be cost-effective.

[Zac Weidner]

Zach Grant, who is a very active member of the Comanche Flyer group, installed the ElectroAir ignition on his 180 Comanche (Lycoming O-360). I know he has a significant amount of other speed mods, but he said he gets 154 knots TAS at 9,000 ft at 65% power on 8.8 gph. That's impressive considering that our Twin Comanche only cruises about 160 knots and burns 15.5 gph in those same conditions. I believe the 180 is normally close to 130 knots in cruise at 65%.

I'm not sure it would be "cost-effective", but I would consider it if you are needing to replace the right mag anyway.

[Stephen]

I installed Electroair ignition several years ago on my Pacer. I noticed a smoother running engine and my static rpm jumped about 50 rpm. Fuel consumption was maybe slightly better. Mag drop is 40 to 50 running on mechanical mag and 20 to 30 running on electronic mag. I need to try the mag drop in the air but, clearly the electronic mag does most of the work. My engine is 8.5 to 1 compression, Port and polished and I have Sutton exhaust. The electronic egnition was a lot of money for some noticeable improvement. It would not be first on my list of things to do but, I am glad I have it. I mostly like the smother running engine.

[CamTom12]

I've heard reports that some people were able to lean a carb'd motor to LOP with an EI. Does that match your experience, Stephen?

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[Tripacer76D]

Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for. Stephen, what would you do before the electronic ignition? Not that I just have a ton of money burning a hole in my pocket, but I am laying out some long-term plans.

[JPerkins]

I'm holding out for these guys, emagair.com. They have one setup that has an internal generator so once your running its no longer on bus power but on its own. That way you can run both ignitions as electronic and get away from the weak spark fixed timing magneto of the 1920's. I emailed them yesterday to ask how certification was coming and they replied back within the hour (tells me they've got great customer service) saying that they plan on submitting my paperwork at the turn of the year. They want the product just right when they do because its hard to change something once it's certified.

[andya]

I set up a pair of E-mag's on an RV-7 and was quite impressed with the product and the operation and result.
Called customer support to answer a couple questions and got a knowledgeable tech without waiting or having
to call back. To simplify the timing and design it actually send spark to opposing cylinders simultaneously, kind of a
wasted spark but after studying it, it really simplfies the system.

Has two options for setting up the vacuum (manifold pressure). The advanced option my use RPM along with Manifold pressure.''

[Tripacer76D]

Cool. Good customer service is a rare thing these days. Thanks!

[Stephen]

Yes, I agree with good customer support. Without EGT, I lean with my tach. I don't recall a change in leaning experience with my EI. As far as engine related issues, I would cut weight first. Light weight starter, alternator and battery. Then install Sutton exhaust.

Would dual EI be twice as expensive? Wow. I am not sure you will get twice the improvement with two EI's.

[JPerkins]

Would dual EI be twice as expensive? Wow. I am not sure you will get twice the improvement with two EI's.

True but what is the point of dual ignition if the two plugs in the same cylinder fire at different times?