Advancements in cylinder heads, camshaft profiles, and exhaust and intake systems have provided a path to move a higher volume of air and fuel through the engine, improving the internal combustion process. Given the advancements in engine design, it's essential to have a powerful ignition system to ignite the compression stroke at the right moment for maximum power. One of the best ways to maximize ignition performance is with a good, high-energy ignition system that provides the optimal timing curve for the application.
We recently visited with the folks at Performance Distributors to learn what makes a well-designed Davis Unified Ignition (D.U.I.) high-energy distributor. We took a look at both the D.U.I. Street/Strip unit and the Chevy Tri-Power ignition unit that incorporates a smaller-diameter cap for extra firewall clearance. Besides the cool-looking products they offer with a variety of different-color caps, it's what's underneath that holds the science.
The ignition rotor used on...
The ignition rotor used on the D.U.I. distributor is secured with plastic screws because they are nonconductors, and at engine speeds above 6,000 rpm, metal screws may sometimes allow spark scatter inside the cap.
The Chevy Tri-Power ignition...
The Chevy Tri-Power ignition mounts the module outside the cap at the rear, where it is air-cooled.
The Chevy Tri-Power distributor...
The Chevy Tri-Power distributor (PN 14720) looks similar to the smaller, point-type Chevy units. But the delivered voltage is vastly superior. Performance Distributors also offers custom-fit ignition wires, dubbed Live Wires, numbered for each cylinder.
The specific distributor curve...
The specific distributor curve is marked under the housing with a work-order number, which is used to file the details of the specific curve, allowing the owner to reference it at a later date.