Performance Cap and Rotor?

[btwilson86]

So it's almost time for me to start my Supra project, and I'm running into a dead-end on one of my parts searches....

I have an 88 Supra that I'll be putting an 89 Cressida 7MGE in, running that with the 88 Supra N/A electronics. Part of my project involves increasing the performance of the ignition system (and lots of custom wiring, yes!). I have everything figured out on how I will wire/install most of the components (wires, plugs, coil, spark control), but after several hours of searching the internet I am unable to find a performance distributor cap and rotor from a reputable manufacturer.

Does anyone know if someone makes a performance distributor cap and rotor?

Or does anyone have any experience with how long O.E.M. style components hold up to increased voltage?


Any info and input (except telling me to do a motor swap, I have my reasons) is much appreciated, especially if you can provide some links to what you've shared.

[cre]

I've yet to see an aftermarket "performance" cap and rotor which are actually what they advertise. Toyota's the most robust you're going to find... aftermarket makes are usually suspect to me. There are a LOT of people running high output, capacitive ignition systems on stock Toyota rotors and caps. YES, it's lifetime will be reduced, but you're not likely to cut it in half..... unless you've got something truly amazing planned...

Seriously though, if you're pushing enough current to destroy rotors and caps that quick you're wasting time and money... the STOCK ignition is solid enough to run most mods with no misses or partial burns. People put down over 400HP on turbo'd 4 cylinders running stock Toyota ignition systems.

What are you doing that requires so much more?

[btwilson86]

It's not so much that I'm planning on running alot of power through it, I have just been looking for a cap and rotor that will stand to what I'm assuming will be a higher voltage. I had my eye on an OEM cap and rotor from Toyota, just wasn't sure if they had any weak points I hadn't heard about.

All I intend on doing for the ignition system is the basic stuff:

MSD box (probably 6A-L, or may go with another brand that continues the multi-spark discharge to a higher rpm)
un-determined plug wires (likely MSD or ACCEL from a domestic V8 kit, probably 8.5mm spiral core or something similar)
aftermarket coil (once again thinking MSD, but still have more research to do on them)
NGK Iridium plugs

This part of the project is still in the R&D stage, as I'm running the stock ignition for the time being after my swap.

Limited cash up-front=multiple stage build

[cre]

Heh, I was going to suggest a MSD 6' as a possibility.... that or skip the rotor altogether and get a "points conversion" kit and go straight to COP. The stock rotor's fine for that system though.

My preference for wires are Taylor but you have to build them custom for your own app. They do make wires for domestic V8s (ONLY) but I prefer my wires to fit like a glove so I just buy the wire in bulk and build my own.

Forget the iridiums, they last longer but the material isn't actually as conductive as the less expensive plugs (copper and platinum)... they're a high mile plug, not really higher performing IMO. I'd go with NGK copper and see how they hold up; They're cheaper, work VERY well and you're not going to be upset if you find that the electrode on a $1 plug evaporated or the insulator exploded versus finding you need to replace a few iriduims after the first couple experimental drives. Platinum plugs are fine too, but don't get suckered into the boutique components because the manufacturer's say they're the greatest thing on Earth.

[cre]

I may not have made part of my point on the spark plug thing very clear. You may need to try a couple different temperatures of plug before you find the "right one", start with the stock 5's. If you're bumping the timing up to or past 15 degrees BTDC then step to a 6. Check the plugs frequently for signs of detonation and fouling and replace with another temp as merited.

[btwilson86]

Alright, that's the kind of info I've been looking for! On the plugs, I had just kinda assumed more $=better plug, makes sense what you're saying though. I'll probably start with either the basic coppers or V powers. Benefit of working in the business, plugs are cheap :P

So maybe you can help me out on the plug wires... The whole point of this is to get more energy overall, and as much as possible to the plug for the best spark. So you say Taylor's over Spiral Core, what's your reasoning? Are they more conductive? I'm gonna go spend some time on Google and see if I can find some sites with good info and link back here with what I find (if anything).

Thanks for the input cre