Need real world data concerning one Slick mag and one electronic ignition

AX-O · #1 12-26-2009, 02:54 PM

All,
I did a search and found some data on this topic. I was wondering if you can tell me your experience from running one Slick mag and one EI. The pros and cons that you have run into. Difficulties? Gains? I currently have two Slick mags installed on my engine but want to explore the option of one and one. Now that I have switched to fuel injection and cold air sump this maybe the last engine mod. Thanks for any guidance.

Radomir · #2 12-26-2009, 03:03 PM

That's the setup I have... and wouldn't think twice to do it again.. Down the road, I may replace the mag with second Lightspeed.. but no rush with that.. You should be able to sell that mag for close to what an LSE II costs..

AX-O · #3 12-26-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radomir

That's the setup I have... and wouldn't think twice to do it again..

What do you like about that set up? Trying to figure out if switching it now would be advantageous.

tadsargent · #4 12-26-2009, 04:24 PM

Axel, the set up of one mag and one Lightspeed is flawless. The install is easiest during the initial build. Use the crank sensor. There is nothing to time
EVER, You use autoplugs which need only checking during annual. The gains are greatest in the leaning department. I like them so much I just changed out a new Left Mag for a second Lightspeed. I am supposed to get 6% more power, but that was not my reasoning. I wanted a simple ignition that never needs maintanence, no software upgrades, and has had absolutely no issues with the thousands of installs. It works exactly as Klaus advertises it to.

Just say no to MAGS

Regards,
Tad "Stripes" Sargent

Caveman · #5 12-26-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AX-O

All,
I was wondering if you can tell me your experience from running one Slick mag and one EI. The pros and cons that you have run into. Difficulties? Gains?

Great experience, same set-up (Plasma II). No downside, easy starts, runs LOP at altitude if I want it to. Only 106 hrs, though. Run the LSI wires carefully to avoid the ring gear and exhaust and mount the unit as the directions state.

breister · #6 12-26-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tadsargent

Axel, the set up of one mag and one Lightspeed is flawless. The install is easiest during the initial build. Use the crank sensor. There is nothing to time
EVER, You use autoplugs which need only checking during annual. The gains are greatest in the leaning department. I like them so much I just changed out a new Left Mag for a second Lightspeed. I am supposed to get 6% more power, but that was not my reasoning. I wanted a simple ignition that never needs maintanence, no software upgrades, and has had absolutely no issues with the thousands of installs. It works exactly as Klaus advertises it to.

Just say no to MAGS

Regards,
Tad "Stripes" Sargent

What he said.

scard · #7 12-26-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AX-O

All,
I did a search and found some data on this topic. I was wondering if you can tell me your experience from running one Slick mag and one EI. The pros and cons that you have run into. Difficulties? Gains? I currently have two Slick mags installed on my engine but want to explore the option of one and one. Now that I have switched to fuel injection and cold air sump this maybe the last engine mod. Thanks for any guidance.

Look for some past posts from Walt Aronow. I believe he converted to dual Lightspeeds from mag(s) and commented about it. If I remember correctly, I think he even has one LSII and one LSIII. His comments may the "next step" beyone what you're talking about.

I like my one slick one LSII setup, but that isn't exactly useful data. I have not touched the LSII in 400+ hours other than to clean the plugs a few times. I always start with both the impulse mag and LSII on, never any problem (yet, knock, knock).

dedgemon · #8 12-26-2009, 06:24 PM

Axel,
I built a RV-9a in 2004 (currently 450 hours) with a O-320, one lightspeed (crank angle sensor) Plasma II and one Slick. The combination works very well and is a conservative way to get your feet wet with electronic ignition.

I've subsequently built a '8 and installed 2 Plasma II's. Works even better, but you do need to install some sort of backup power supply.

With one mag and one lightspeed you will find that during a typical runup (1800 rpm or so) that the lightspeed is carrying virtually all of the load. If you shut down the mag you'll see somewhere between 20-60 rpm drop depending on temp, humidity, etc... (mixture) with NO discernable change in noise, vibration, etc. But when you shut off the lightspeed the mag will drop 150 - 175. This is expected and normal since the lightspeed is probably firing a bit before the mag.

As to service. I've had the mag disassembled, cleaned, retimed and reinstalled. Fortunately no brush issues (current AD). The lightspeed has had NO service, NADA, NONE. I generally remove the mag's plugs at annual and clean them and regap them. They always have lead fouling (not bad, but always present) The auto plugs on the lightspeed are always removed, look fine, and thrown away and replaced for $2 apiece. Probably would run just fine for another year, but I replace them since they're cheap.

I would'nt hesitate to go this route if you want to try electronic ignition. When the Slick fails and needs serious rebuilding, sell the core and buy another EI. Maybe a PMAG.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AX-O

All,
I did a search and found some data on this topic. I was wondering if you can tell me your experience from running one Slick mag and one EI. The pros and cons that you have run into. Difficulties? Gains? I currently have two Slick mags installed on my engine but want to explore the option of one and one. Now that I have switched to fuel injection and cold air sump this maybe the last engine mod. Thanks for any guidance.

Walt · #9 12-26-2009, 06:40 PM

I built my engine with one mag and one LSII, at about 500hrs rather than get into the mag I installed a LSIII on the other side (and all systems have "proven" to be reliable at this point). Definate improvement in LOP ops and engine smoothness with the dual LSI's. If I had it to do again I would do it the same way except I would go with both II's or III's (probably II's) and I would install the dual crank sensor to start with. I've also taken great care in pick-up harness routing using fire sleeve to protect the harness completely (along the side of the engine behind the exhaust), installed an SD8 BUG (back up generator) for a second power supply, replace the main battery every 2 years etc.. anyway you get the picture. Any questions let me know

Scott Hersha · #10 12-26-2009, 06:43 PM

Axel,
As stated, the one and one combination has been done countless times with few problems. That's what I have too (LSIII and mag). Two electronic systems would result in slightly better performance (according to Klaus), but the redundant nature of have a low-tech mag running is cheap insurance. If my mag fails and I need to spend another 700 bucks on a new one, I may reconsider. I start on the impulse mag and the LS both. Works great. Two blades and I'm running. I have the crank triggered Light Speed which I recommend for accuracy and simplicity. Klaus will drill and install your magnets for a reasonable price ($75.00 when I did it). He uses the big magnets now for all installs in case you decide to go to 2 Light Speeds later. I installed my electronic ignition module on my aft baggage compartment bulkhead (RV-8) vertically. It doesn't restrict may baggage and it's in a safe environement.

Scott