I'm working on a new project, the Coil Commander, a 16V converter to run stock ignition coils at 16.2V instead of the stock 12-14V system. The stock coils are pretty darn good parts and it would be nice to supply them better. There are 16V batteries available, but the rest of the car and ECU isn't really designed to run from over 16V (plus you probably need a 16V alternator if you want to use your 16V battery correctly).

It has been mentioned that this device might also drive injectors so that they run from a constant voltage instead of ecu compensated duty cycle. Plus it might help control big injectors a bit better.

The third point is this will improve noise from the coils on the +12V supply since they're isolated and decoupled.

Overall, the intent is this thing can spare the need for 16V battery, 16V alternator, run the desired systems from 16.2V, and let the rest of the car run from normal rated voltage. It could also spare the need for CDI or whatever since the stock coils can perform quite well (if supplied right). I know someone will ask... Yes I can adjust it to output higher up to 24V.

What do you think? I am looking for people to test it so if you have a nice setup and good baseline data, I want to see if you can use this to advance timing, control fuel better, or run stock coils better at higher RPM. I want to give these away to a few people who can help test.

Totally subscribed, if my car was up I'd be in for this. Hope the testing goes well excited to see the results.

I like the idea and I think it could really help a lot of people out. Are you sure 16+ volts isn't going to harm anything in the ignition system? I doubt it, but that's the only concern I really have. I'm running a cdi myself, but really only for the ignition cut type 2 step which helps launching my auto car.

I really like the idea of getting better voltage to the injectors, kind of like the "eazytune" box FIC used to sell.

-red97rum- said:

I like the idea and I think it could really help a lot of people out. Are you sure 16+ volts isn't going to harm anything in the ignition system? I doubt it, but that's the only concern I really have. I'm running a cdi myself, but really only for the ignition cut type 2 step which helps launching my auto car.

I really like the idea of getting better voltage to the injectors, kind of like the "eazytune" box FIC used to sell.

Click to expand...

Yeah that's why I'm running at 16.2 instead of 24V, the transistors can take that with no problem since they'll be specified for much higher than their expected operating range. 24V might be pushing it with the stock transistor pack.

If this 16.2v works out, I'll look into making an upgrade for the stock transistors so the coils can be pushed much higher without worry.

Why not just get a CDI and stop farting around with this field-collapse system?

could this be used to feed a fuel pump. like the aeromotive eliminators pumps

whe3ls said:

could this be used to feed a fuel pump. like the aeromotive eliminators pumps

Click to expand...

Yeah sure, what kind of current do they draw?

ramsack said:

Why not just get a CDI and stop farting around with this field-collapse system?

Click to expand...

I own a CDI system and still made this because there are a bunch of possible uses plus people who don't like CDI or swear by the stock coils will like this device.

I'd be interested in trying one. I had an MSD DIS2 now, but man that thing takes up a lot of real eastate in the 'bay.

If this worked it would be a nice cheap alternative for those who are just out of the limits of a stock ignition, but don't need a full on MSD or other..

bastarddsm said:

I'd be interested in trying one. I had an MSD DIS2 now, but man that thing takes up a lot of real eastate in the 'bay.

If this worked it would be a nice cheap alternative for those who are just out of the limits of a stock ignition, but don't need a full on MSD or other..

Click to expand...

Cool. What kind of logging can you do to test this out? Can you capture info about knock, timing, etc.? I am hoping to see solid data to compare stock voltage versus 16.2V on different setups. PM me and we can talk more.

casuprock said:

It has been mentioned that this device might also drive injectors so that they run from a constant voltage instead of ecu compensated duty cycle. Plus it might help control big injectors a bit better.

Click to expand...

What voltage would the injectors be locked at? I think you'd need v3 or equal to adjust the deadtime for all voltage points in the ecu no matter the voltage you lock them at. The ecu is expecting variations. I will say that locking them is amazing, especially with the stock alternator. Using the windows, radio, headlights, etc etc always had an immediate affect on the tune at idle. As for raising the voltage, that completely changed the personality of the car in all aspects. I think my easytune locks them at 18v. 16v would be nice. The injectors really like higher voltage. The larger the injector the more you will see an improvement with that. I was able to remove over half the deadtime with my 1250s, it really woke them up. Every dsm I own from here forward will have an injector driver box like easytune _IF_ I can find one. Why they stopped selling them is beyond me. It's probably the only dsm part I've owned to hold its value if not increase a little.

As I continue to raise boost I make my plug gap smaller and smaller. I know there's a trade off there. The idea of running larger spark plug gap really intrigues me. I have recently looked at aftermarket ignitions, but am reluctant as the stock stuff has proven itself to go what, 9's? Many of the aftermarket ignition reviews seem to be littered with issues too. I guess my only question is with the stock transistor, is there a way to determine what it can handle aside of just trying it out and crossing our fingers?

Figured this was worthy of adding. Found this on the dsmlink forums in a boost-a-pump thread talking about using it on the coils instead of fuel pump.

The next limit you will see on the dsm is when you start frying power transistors, because they current limit somewhere around 6-7A. If you start killing them, I would recommend turning the boost a pump down. The stock ECU runs a long dwell at low RPM, so you'd be more likely to get the coils past that current at idle, and possibly damage the power transistor then, than at high RPM.

Click to expand...

So you got any of these ready to be field tested yet?