Sultans of Spark Coils

[hammdo]

UPDATE: 10/18/2014

So, took the car up and had it put on the dyno -- NO difference. Not a single HP gain. These may give you more spark, but does not appreciable increase the horsepower.

-Don


Well, part of what I do on my job is to evaluate software, hardware, and how they integrate together. I also have experience with cars, computers, and rebuilding so they really go together. My company does these types of evaluations so we expanded to also include items such as those I'm evaluating today.

Performance Distributors Sultans of Spark replacement coils.

Now PD does not claim they will add horsepower. There has been a review for a 'paid' evaluation and that review is here:
http://www.lsxtv.com/news/shocking-p...s-cts-v-coupe/

They did not give these to me nore are they in anyway associated to this. I purchases all of these items just like a regular customer would -- so this is an independent review -- NOT paid.



So, without getting these coils for free, we purchased them in order to find out what they really do. This posting will follow that progress.

So, the first thing I did was unpack the coils. Workman ship is what you'd expect and outside of the markings, there are no physical difference. They bolted in the same location as stock. Here is a front and back. BTW that packet you see is the di-electric grease for the spark plug boot. DON'T put too much on and KEEP it off the plug/connection. That KILLS the spark. They give you one per coil but I used 1/4 of 1 -- so you have a LOT left over.







Here is a link to a You-Tube on how to apply:



I did find out WHY Performance Distributors suggest the Autolite plugs -- the AC-Delco are near impossible to re-gap. So, with 38,000 miles on my car, I went and purchased the Autolites. These are gapped to .065. Below is what I purchases (2011 L99 A6 versions):



Gap was easier for sure.

Here is a pic of everything installed:

Left Side:


Right Side:


Took a little over an hour to do the plugs and coils -- I did take my time and I did mark all coils (stock and replacment) along with the original plugs so I could evaluate what the engine was doing before I made the changes.

I do have headers so I had to wait until the engine cooled down. When changing the plugs, I started with the hardest ones (right side) and worked forward.

The plug to be most careful with is the #3. The header forces you to use a 'swivel' socket. If you don't, you'll crack the ceramic covering on the plug (don't ask me how I know -- I've heard that 'ping' sound before and knew it ;o);

So, before I started it, I wanted everyone to know the car sat for a month. It had a half-tank of QT premium gas left. So no 'fresh' gas and not the usual 'Shell V-Power' I put in it.

So after install and sitting overnight, I started it up. No surprises there -- fired right up. What I did notice was a smoother idle.

So, letting it warm up a bit, I took off part throttle -- smooth, no hesitation what-so-ever. I had a very small one before, but that was gone.

So out to the highway. From a dead stop, I went with rolled-on throttle (I have 3.91's and an auto so no dead stop WOT). Smooth, easy acceleration. Noticeably improved.

On the highway I did a range of throttle tests -- all were flawless. So from throttle response -- pretty much what you'd expect. The minor issues I had before were gone.

After I came back from the test drive, I put it in park and let it sit. Perfect idle. So the combo of coils and plugs did improve throttle response.

Now, I have to schedule a Dyno and that will be later in the month or early October.

I've already had a dyno done by GPI and that is available here.

The differences from that time and now is I have an ATI pulley installed, Catch Can, and BMR suspension parts upgrade. No other engine modifications were done.

Here is the last dyno (92* Jacksonville Arkansas):
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=364759

I will do my best to get near the same temp for the next dyno run.

I'll keep you posted -- it may be a few weeks before I can get it done -- unless someone knows of the shop in DFW open on Saturday's or on Labor Day morning ;o)

But so far, the throttle response is improved. Seat of the pants dyno -- hard to tell. Dyno won't lie.

Why am I doing this? So YOU don't have to wonder. If it does work, we'll know it. I want to know so I was willing to find out. I like to find bolt on hp improvements. IF these don't do that, we'll know...

I'll keep everyone posted... Be patient -- I'm traveling ;o)


-Don

[hammdo]

I've updated the start of the thread. Temp was around 85* today but still ...

[avido]

the coil can get problem with rmp,not with a high load.
they used to change the coil in the vw gti,audi s3 with a big turbo to avoid the misfire with a high pressure.
i changed as usual the 5 coil in my ttrs with lamborghini coil. nothing better and nothing worse than the original.the car got the same power output with a lamborghini or with a stock. that car whit the lamb coil was as fast the with the stock.
we did same result whit a more open gap

[hammdo]

Cool! Thanks for your input -- that's what I'm seeing too. The stock coils vs these are not a measurable difference except more 'spark' available -- boosted may benefit from more spark during higher rpms but NA cars -- not so much it appears. NA cars -- save the $$$ for other upgrades...

-Don