Winter Project LS-2 Coils - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

XfireZ51 · 03-08-2009

=Jeff= and myself have been working on a prototype conversion for LS-2 coils on an LT-5. LS coils is a popular upgrade for ignition systems being used by other enthusiasts. And Pete kept complaining about the cost of an LT-5 ignition module. So I decided to look into it. This conversion won't
eliminate the IM, but it will significantly reduce the heat transferred through it. Moving the coils out from under the plenum also opens up quite a bit of real estate and reduces heat under plenum due to coils.
The LS2s fire in "waste spark" mode for our application. Those who are using or contemplating forced induction and higher compressin ratios, the LS2 coil packs a punch. Top end spark should be more stable also. I was able to start the motor this morning. We need to change the way we supply power to the coils, but we know what to do there. I can tell you the motor had a "basso profundo" note to it. Lower than previous.
LS coils will allow wider plug gaps without taxing the ignition module.
We'll add a video of the motor running later. For now, here's some pics.
We're talking "proof of concept" so the install looks a bit "rough".

Pete · 03-08-2009

Hey Dom
Did it start?

Pete

jonszr1 · 03-08-2009

very nice work guys , plus it would save on plug wires

XfireZ51 · 03-08-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Hey Dom
Did it start?

Pete

Yeah. Right up. Jeff and I just need to use a more robust source of power. But that isn't an issue. We know how to do it. Pretty straight forward modification. Had a pretty nice deep note to it. Once we get it running again I'll have you come on over and take a peek.

Bob G · 03-09-2009

Now All you need is plastic coil covers & A see through hood

XfireZ51 · 03-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob G

Now All you need is plastic coil covers & A see through hood

Wasn't someone working on putting glass in the hood?

FU · 03-09-2009

NICE

Locobob · 03-09-2009

Cool project

Maybe someone like Carter can come up with a nice cover to pretty it up. Why do you suppose the sound of the motor changed? Seems like it ought to be the same unless maybe the spark timing was somehow affected.

carter200 · 03-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locobob

Cool project

Maybe someone like Carter can come up with a nice cover to pretty it up. Why do you suppose the sound of the motor changed? Seems like it ought to be the same unless maybe the spark timing was somehow affected.

I'm willing and able.

XfireZ51 · 03-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locobob

Cool project

Maybe someone like Carter can come up with a nice cover to pretty it up. Why do you suppose the sound of the motor changed? Seems like it ought to be the same unless maybe the spark timing was somehow affected.

Bob,

Actually spark timing could be affected. There is a "spark latency" associated with our ignition module and the LS coils would add another layer to that. I'll need to put a timing light to it and check how much.
I'd also like to think that the air/fuel combustion is benefitting from hotter spark.

Here's pretty good vid on the LS coils. In it they fire a plug with a
.13" gap.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...65754251&hl=en

03-08-2009	#1
XfireZ51 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 9,708	Winter Project LS-2 Coils =Jeff= and myself have been working on a prototype conversion for LS-2 coils on an LT-5. LS coils is a popular upgrade for ignition systems being used by other enthusiasts. And Pete kept complaining about the cost of an LT-5 ignition module. So I decided to look into it. This conversion won't eliminate the IM, but it will significantly reduce the heat transferred through it. Moving the coils out from under the plenum also opens up quite a bit of real estate and reduces heat under plenum due to coils. The LS2s fire in "waste spark" mode for our application. Those who are using or contemplating forced induction and higher compressin ratios, the LS2 coil packs a punch. Top end spark should be more stable also. I was able to start the motor this morning. We need to change the way we supply power to the coils, but we know what to do there. I can tell you the motor had a "basso profundo" note to it. Lower than previous. LS coils will allow wider plug gaps without taxing the ignition module. We'll add a video of the motor running later. For now, here's some pics. We're talking "proof of concept" so the install looks a bit "rough".

03-08-2009	#2
Pete Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Chicagoland,IL Posts: 2,679	Re: Winter Project LS-2 Coils Hey Dom Did it start? Pete __________________ '91 #1635 PoloGreen 350 LT5 11.09 @ 129.27 11.04 @ 128.86 474RWHP 400RWTQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFNFOhGGlR4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlRIOMwaDYY https://sites.google.com/site/peteszr1garage

03-08-2009	#3
jonszr1 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: lone pine and mammoth lakes Posts: 1,407	Re: Winter Project LS-2 Coils very nice work guys , plus it would save on plug wires

03-09-2009	#5
Bob G Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Huntley IL Posts: 170	Re: Winter Project LS-2 Coils Now All you need is plastic coil covers & A see through hood

03-09-2009	#7
FU Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Found Member Posts: 4,346	Re: Winter Project LS-2 Coils NICE __________________ Frank Urbo. NCM Lifetime member # 982 Registry Founding # 237

03-09-2009	#8
Locobob Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,057	Re: Winter Project LS-2 Coils Cool project Maybe someone like Carter can come up with a nice cover to pretty it up. Why do you suppose the sound of the motor changed? Seems like it ought to be the same unless maybe the spark timing was somehow affected. __________________ Robert ZR-1 Net Registry Oregon State Director 91 ZR-1 #431 Black/Black LPE 368