CMC legal coil question

[Fbody383]

You could look at every single part we run on our cars under a microscope and say how some rules make sense and some don't. Bottom line, why would you want to run an aftermarket part? Specifically a coil, distributor cap, or rotor.

If it is for a performance advantage, then that is why the rule is written that way. If it is for reliability, then submit an RCR.

It is a context question and it should be a driver/mechanic preference not a rule preference.

If I want the ability to run an Accel coil, or an MSD optispark that yields no performance advantage, why can't I? Make the notation on the dyno sheet and risk re-dyno if something changes.

Reliability can also be described in terms of dollars - i.e. small block Ford cranks. One invisible intent of the rules is to NOT have to pull the motor every couple of races to check the crank.

If OEM is so good for reliability, let's roll the brake rule back.

[michaelmosty]

OEM is good for reliability on some parts, but not all.
IMO, the brake rule is a completely different scenario than the ignition discussion.

[marshall_mosty]

Sounds like it might be a MAF issue. I've had them go bad on the dyno and had the MAF end up being the culprit.

[Supercharged111]

What does the EECIV have for datalogging options? That's how I found the bad O2 on my truck and that's also the most certain way to diagnose a MAF. Does the pumpkin run a dry filter or an oiled filter?

[Al Fernandez]

I think Mike is spot on in everything he has said. OE parts is not a goal, rather a tactic to achieve a goal of cars being safe, cheap, reliable, and good for competition. Sometimes OE wins, sometimes it doesn't. However, I do recognize that when the ignition rule was created, all aftermarket ignition coils, distributors, bla bla bla were more expensive than boring looking black OE replacements. If that is no longer the case and therefore the balance shifts...great, lets get the facts together using real data across the platforms and change the rules.

[MHISSTC]

I think Mike is spot on in everything he has said. OE parts is not a goal, rather a tactic to achieve a goal of cars being safe, cheap, reliable, and good for competition. Sometimes OE wins, sometimes it doesn't. However, I do recognize that when the ignition rule was created, all aftermarket ignition coils, distributors, bla bla bla were more expensive than boring looking black OE replacements. If that is no longer the case and therefore the balance shifts...great, lets get the facts together using real data across the platforms and change the rules.

Yes, probably a good time for a review.

I've been researching this heavily over the past few days. Condensing everything down... ...and with zero ability to control timing from a fancy distributor and with our engines at the level of performance they operate... ...it seems the only "performance" benefit to be had from a hotter coil (higher voltage output) is possibly a smoother idle. Basically, it seems if you don't have super high compression, or power adder, or super high RPMs, there is actually no "performance" advantage to be seen. The only potential advantage may be with better longevity and durability if the manufacturer uses higher quality components. And from what folks have already posted, that may also be questionable. If the quality is the same, the benefit may then only be a cheaper price than the OEM brand, as the OEM brand (Motorcraft/Autolite in our specific case) seems to now have a higher price tag attached to it, even though it may only be a rebranded part from a specific no-name manufacturer.

And now I'm even seeing other threads that claim the aluminum terminals on caps may actually have a performance advantage because the conduct electricity better than brass. If that's the case, the only benefit to brass is possibility they wear better/oxidize differently than aluminum.

[MHISSTC]

Sounds like it might be a MAF issue. I've had them go bad on the dyno and had the MAF end up being the culprit.

We're running speed density with no MAF.

[Fbody383]

OEM is good for reliability on some parts, but not all.

I think the racer should have latitude to determine OEM or other parts when "performance" is not impacted. Reliability can also be time and money. No, I don't think a small block Ford guy should have to choose whether or not to inspect a crankshaft regularly versus a potentially more reliable, less expensive overall aftermarket. Should a 4th gen guy have to buy some unobtanium dash cover, just because?

IMO, the brake rule is a completely different scenario than the ignition discussion.

There were other external drivers that have since been removed so why not go back to OEM?

I think the overall tone of the rules is still fine, but some of this stuff needs review.

[Al Fernandez]

All drivers are free to go back to 12" rotors with twin piston sliding calipers any time they want.

[BADVENM]

We dont have a MAF. We run a K&N oiled filter in the stock airbox.