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Ignition Upgrade Question

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Old 09-12-2010, 09:54 PM
geomath's Avatar
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Default Ignition Upgrade Question

Does an Ignition upgrade like a multi spark unit + higher voltage coil require an increase in alternator amperage? It would seem so to me but I don't know for sure. If so, then what would be needed?
 
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Old 09-22-2010, 10:27 AM
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Lightbulb continuation of origional post

It is my understanding that the multi spark control (i.e. MSD 6200) only increases the rate of spark discharge and not the intensity (amperage) so no problem there. However, the coil (i.e. MSD 8482) steps the voltage up which means it will produce an increase in amperage because E = I x R (voltage = amperage x resistance) and then I = E/R (amperage = voltage / resistance) so if voltage goes up and resistance stays the same then amperage must go up right? So, I found that the resistance of the wires I got is 500 ohms per foot and the coil is supposed to put out a max of 42000 volts so the amperage drawn will be a max of about 42 amps but will actually depend on the length of the wires. My alternator is rated 98 amps so no problem (I Hope! ).
I saw that there were a few views of my original post for this so if anyone else wants to know then I hope this helps you out.
 
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