ignition systems

[DEWATSON]

I'm sure this has been discussed to death, but with new things being invented everyday, maybe its time for some updated opinions..........what is the best ignition system to install on an IO360 RV8?

[DaAV8R]

Two Bendix magneto's.

You asked!

[deek]

Best for what? You will get twice as many opinions as there are options

A lot depends upon your flying, equipment installation, electrical system redundancy, etc. I use one impulse Slick and one LSE Plasma system with direct crank triggers. I personally would not use two electronic ignitions and would use a Bendix instead of the Slick if it would fit. I've used Slick/LSE on 3 EZ's with more than 4,000 hours aggregate flight time, and intend to use 1 Bendix and 1 LSE on the -14. I understand Klaus' system, know how it works, how to install and trouble shoot it, and am reluctant to deviate from what works well.

There are, however, a lot of good systems out there, including two Bendix mags!

deek

[RV10inOz]

Originally Posted by DaAV8R

Two Bendix magneto's.

You asked!

End of discussion.

I wish I had two of them

The saying goes I would rather have two old worn out Bendix than two new Slicks!

For a whole bunch of reasons which are not going to be discussed here, in my opinion, knowing what I know, and for fault finding (not always magneto faults either) the mags will be better.

Others love their e/pmag and EI's though.

YMMV

[drakerv]

Agree with post 3.

[Weasel]

I also agree with post 3. I have 1 bendix and 1 lse

[6 Gun]

I like Craigers 5 spoke chrome with wide tires.
BOB

[N941WR]

I?m thankful my truck doesn?t have points and my plane doesn?t have mags. Enough with the 1930?s Technology.

I?ll take a pair of P-mags with mine any day!

BTW, you asked a very loaded question, one in which there are a lot of opinions mixed in with a few facts.

The real answer is to install the ignition you are comfortable flying behind. The rest is noise.

[jclark]

Originally Posted by DEWATSON

I'm sure this has been discussed to death, but with new things being invented everyday, maybe its time for some updated opinions..........what is the best ignition system to install on an IO360 RV8?

Started "PJ" with a "Jeff Rose (ElectroAir) + one impulse mag. Liked it,
Started a different project with 1 Lightspeed + 1 impulse mag.

Changed out mag on "PJ" to a "P-Mag".

I have flown behind each. I like what EACH of them does.
They all make for faster starts, smoother engine running and the POTENTIAL for better gas mileage.

BUT, if you are considering a change, in MY opinion, the EASIEST change to get some of the benefits of electronic ignition is to remove the non impulse mag and insert a P-Mag. Add power. And with #1 @ TDC give it the "puffs" and timing is set.

James

[crabandy]

Too general of a question. Variable timing and hotter spark make more power smoother running and less fuel with EI, auto plugs and wires, but the electrical system must support it. Mags are electrically independent but are a compromise due to fixed timing and require maintence. Are you building or flying?
I have a dual Bendix mag engine, I installed a single EFII and put my order in to have an engine shop convert a single Bendix mag for my engine. I'm glad the engine shop didn't start on my mag yet, the more I thought about it the more the mag didn't make sense. My electrical system is based on the aeroelectric's 13-8 with the SD8 aux alt, so I have redundant electrical power. I chose this architechture for greater flexability to power avionics as well as engine electronics. I put my order in today for a second EFII and cancelled the order for my mag. Price difference between the rebuilt Mag and EFII was $500ish, I'm guessing I'll break even pretty quickly not buying $20 plugs and a 10% fuel savings.