Engine Ignition Systems

Larry Brown · #1 01-19-2010, 06:36 PM

I have a question regarding the Van's engine choices. I'm thinking about ordering a XO-360-A1A from Van's. They have an option that says "Unison electronic ignition option" $2250.00. The question is, is this for 1 or 2 (E or P) mags and is this same as the "Lightspeed electronic ignition".

Mel · #2 01-19-2010, 06:50 PM

I would assume that this is the LASAR ignition. That's the only electronic ignition I know that Unison offers.
Does Unison offer another EI?

N941WR · #3 01-19-2010, 07:45 PM

Unison is an electronic ignition that couples with standard mags. If the IE dies, the mags will get you home. Here's the we site:
http://www.unisonindustries.com/ourp...cignition.html

They are costly. More so, if you ever need to repair them.

If you want to go E/P-mags, you can delete the ignition option and buy and install whatever you want.

John Clark · #4 01-19-2010, 07:46 PM

This may start a "discussion" but I am a big fan of the Unison Lasar system. The one on my IO-360-A1B6 has been faultless and runs beautifully LOP. I am also fond of the fact that the failure mode is two normal mags. Here is a review: http://www.avweb.com/news/reviews/182489-1.html

John Clark
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

Jetj01 · #5 01-19-2010, 11:17 PM

I too am a Unison Lasar system ignition believer. I have run my 0-360 A1A now for 85 hours and am impressed with the consistancy of the system. It keeps the CHT very uniform at cruise power settings and running at a good efficiency ratio. I have installed a little light that goes out when the system comes on and it has been flawless. And the redundency of 'normal' Slick mags if the electronic system fails is a big plus. BTW, I would recommned the 'bush' Lasar kit with the impulse mag option. And the support received from the people at Unison has been great, it is a certified system leading to my 25 hour Phase 1 fly-off...and it came with my engine i bought from Chuck!

Costly? But...so is flying!

Tailwinds,

Dean Pichon · #6 01-20-2010, 09:33 AM

I ran a LASAR system in my -4 for 7 years and recently removed it and installed PMags. The system worked fine, but there are very few out there, so no FBOs have the tools or knowledge to work on them. Parts and service are very expensive.

Last year, after a prop strike, I sent my engine to Mattituck for inspection and repair. Mattituck informed me it would cost $3K to merely inspect the LASAR system. If anything was found to be wrong the price would go up from there.

I took the opportunity to switch to PMags. I also heard that Unison sold the LASAR system and it is now sold and serviced by a new organization.

Regards,

N941WR · #7 01-20-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Pichon

... Mattituck informed me it would cost $3K to merely inspect the LASAR system. If anything was found to be wrong the price would go up from there...

$3K for an inspection! OUCH

For comparison, all E-mag Ignitions charged me to test, teardown, reassemble, and re-test both of my p-mags was the shipping there and back, $65 after my prop strike. Oh, and they found nothing wrong with them.

I hope the competition is listening for all of you guys who run traditional mags. Actually, what I hope is none of you ever have a prop strike.

AlexPeterson · #8 01-20-2010, 07:36 PM

Be sure to search these forums for Lasar, be sure to spell it as I just did.

The price you stated below seems to be too little additional to pay for the Lasar system above standard mags. The left Lasar mag alone is about $2600. They hugely raised (as in almost tripled) their prices a few years back. It would seem they want to get out of that business.

G3i Ignition · #9 01-22-2010, 06:52 PM

Have questions on EI, or mags, contact us, take a look at what we offer at G3i. Just google it (g3i ignition).

Thomas Shpakow
www.g3ignition.com

WhiskeyMike · #10 01-23-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G3i Ignition

Have questions on EI, or mags, contact us, take a look at what we offer at G3i. Just google it (g3i ignition).

Thomas Shpakow
www.g3ignition.com

Thomas,

Could you estimate the weight delta for an installation using your product on a -10 (IO-540) compared to the frequently used approach of 1 LE and one mag? Obviously, with your product there are still two mags so there is additional weight there. Just wondering how it generally compares. Thanks.