Why use a Capacitive Discharge Ignition Box (CDi)?

CDI systems or Capacitive Discharge Ignition (CDI) systems store, or accumulate voltage, until a point at which a signal allows release discharge of the stored voltage to the spark plug. An after market CDI ignition system greatly increases the voltage available to the spark plug allowing for a longer, more intense spark. The principal advantage of a capacitive discharge ignition is the ability to present a superior spark to the air/fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber thus maximizing burn efficiency. As most experienced tuners know the easiest way to get a bigger spark is to increase the spark plug gap size. However, increasing the gap distance has a direct proportional relationship to the voltage necessary to ionize the air/fuel mixture.

Engine modifications such as Larger Turbos, bigger Cams, larger intercoolers and INCREASED BOOST PRESSURE further stress an ignition systems ability to provide ample spark energy to EVENLY BURN THE MIXTURE.

Although it may sound strange, the air we breathe has electrical resistance that the ignition system must over come in order to ionize or spark across a plug. As pressure increases, the air becomes denser and provides even more resistance.

In the late 90s we worked with the CraneDI2 CDI system, but in our opinion needed more development and looked to other options. M&W's reliability and quality surpasses anything else currently on the market. We've been familiar with M&W since about 2000 and watching the CDIs perform in the 24Hour Race here in Daytona was a testament to their accomplishments. We've also used Autronic's 500R CDI unit and been happy with the results. There is still have more testing to sway from the M&W just yet.