I'm building an RV-8 (w. showplaces fastback canopy & cowl) and I have a superior 200 HP angle valve (IO-360-A1E6 clone with superior cold air induction) engine built by Barrett. I'm considering going with dual Lightspeed Plasma 3 ignition systems on the engine. The engine was built and run on the dyno with slick mags. I've ruled out another popular electronic ignition system as it advances to 30 BTC at 29" of M.P. and 2700 RPM. On Mags we ran my engine in the test cell (dyno) at both 20 degrees BTC and 25 degrees BTC and it cost me about 10 corrected HP @ 25 degrees BTC....at 30 I can pretty much guarantee it would have cost me even more.
After talking to Klaus it seems light speed doesn't have this same over advance issue that I had with the other system so I am seriously considering changing to light speed when I install the engine. If I did that I'd go with a B&C backup alternator on the rear accessory case of the engine on the vacuum pump pad to mitigate the risk of an alternator drive belt break. I wanted to get feedback from people who have used the Lightspeed products. (specifically the plasma 3 system) Both good and bad. Also how much hotter CHT's have you experienced using the electronic ignition over Mags? Any noticeable increase in performance, fuel burn or power? As I understand it the maximum advantage to electronic ignition is much better starting but the real performance gains are found at higher altitudes where your engine is producing 75% or rated HP or less. Can anyone comment on how much benefit they have actually gained from the Lightspeed system.
Thanks
Drew
After talking to Klaus it seems light speed doesn't have this same over advance issue that I had with the other system so I am seriously considering changing to light speed when I install the engine. If I did that I'd go with a B&C backup alternator on the rear accessory case of the engine on the vacuum pump pad to mitigate the risk of an alternator drive belt break. I wanted to get feedback from people who have used the Lightspeed products. (specifically the plasma 3 system) Both good and bad. Also how much hotter CHT's have you experienced using the electronic ignition over Mags? Any noticeable increase in performance, fuel burn or power? As I understand it the maximum advantage to electronic ignition is much better starting but the real performance gains are found at higher altitudes where your engine is producing 75% or rated HP or less. Can anyone comment on how much benefit they have actually gained from the Lightspeed system.
Thanks
Drew