Just installed Dynatek Arc 2 - Sputters after 5.5k

[EvilTSi_97]

I have searched around a ton and cannot find anything relevant to my problem. I just installed a Dynatek arc2 with the install kit for a 2g. Pretty easy install...just wired up the power and plugged in the harness.

Here's the problem: After about 5.5k rpm it stutters really bad (almost like a rev limiter, but not all the way). I did not ground or activate the rev limiter in the arc 2 and just to be on the safe side, set the rev limit on the box to 11k rpm.

If I take the arc 2 harness and disconnect them and reconnect the harness to the coil pack (instead of going through arc 2 i.e. disabling it) the car pulls all the way through the power band. I have read that people have gotten junk boxes, but this just seems strange to run great with the arc 2 hooked up and then not be able to get past 5.5k rpm.

See my profile for mod list and I the wires are brand new and the plugs are BR7ES (gapped at .22). Do they need to be gapped larger with the CDI or do I need to go a plug colder for the CDI? It was mentioned a colder plug might be needed in the manual, but can't think of why. It seems I have isolated the problem down to it being the arc 2, but just would like to confirm this with some other peoples opinion.

The biggest thing I am unsure of is since I have a 6 bolt swap (thus 1g CAS with harness from RRE for 2g 6 bolt swap) is the dip switch setting on the box for CAM or CRANK signal. I have tried both and it doesn't seem to make a difference either way.

Any help appreciated or if anyone has experienced anything similar!

Brandon

 

[Scoobystyl]

Are you using it as single spark or respark? i was going to suggest gapping your plugs lower but 22 should be fine, Ive ran 16 and 27 with br7's and didnt have an issue with either, my car did seem to hate being set up for single spark but mostly at idle.

 

[EvilTSi_97]

Are you using it as single spark or respark? i was going to suggest gapping your plugs lower but 22 should be fine, Ive ran 16 and 27 with br7's and didnt have an issue with either, my car did seem to hate being set up for single spark but mostly at idle.

I have it set up on single, but did try restrike and it didn't help any. I would get it if the car ran like crap all the way around, but just seems like it's stuck on a rev limiter or just bites the dust after 5.5k.

Perhaps with the new found voltage at the coilpacks, they could be arcing at that rpm? Car runs great in all areas with arc 2 disconnected on factory coil packs. I know i'll need it soon with more upgrades coming..so time to get a cdi in the mix. I'm curious as to how many people have had one of these DOA.

 

[Scoobystyl]

And you have everything on the dials turned off or to zero, if so it is possible it is just no good, id contact who you bought it from and see what they have to say. I remembe reading that a few were coming doa when i was looking to buy

 

[Jon91TSi]

I have it set up on single, but did try restrike and it didn't help any. I would get it if the car ran like crap all the way around, but just seems like it's stuck on a rev limiter or just bites the dust after 5.5k.

Perhaps with the new found voltage at the coilpacks, they could be arcing at that rpm? Car runs great in all areas with arc 2 disconnected on factory coil packs. I know i'll need it soon with more upgrades coming..so time to get a cdi in the mix. I'm curious as to how many people have had one of these DOA.

I would suspect a bad unit. I had a bad one right out of the box and they replaced it no questions asked and it's been fine since.

 

[EvilTSi_97]

I would suspect a bad unit. I had a bad one right out of the box and they replaced it no questions asked and it's been fine since.

I think you are right. I just got off the phone with them and we confirmed my settings are correct. He said he had never heard of that before, but I imagine it is just a bad box.

I have read so many horror stories and never believe them about this ignition. I think I may just save up and go with the M&W

I hope this thread helps anyone who might be having the same problem or has it in the future.

Brandon

 

[Jon91TSi]

I think you are right. I just got off the phone with them and we confirmed my settings are correct. He said he had never heard of that before, but I imagine it is just a bad box.

I have read so many horror stories and never believe them about this ignition. I think I may just save up and go with the M&W

I hope this thread helps anyone who might be having the same problem or has it in the future.

Brandon

When they work, they work beautifully. I run 7's on e90 at .27 gap at over 30 lbs on a COP setup and never get any breakup or anything like that. M&W's are nice, but hard on the old wallet.

 

[Calan]

I got a brand new one from them about a month ago, and it worked for about 4 days, then started randomly killing the car. It's on it's way back to them now.

One of these days, someone is going to build a CDI box that works, but doesn't cost a mortgage payment and first born child.

When they work, they work beautifully.

Agreed. I picked up 2-3mpg, a much smoother idle, and no blowout whatsoever at .030" on BR8ES with a leaner AFR....at least for a while.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I got a brand new one from them about a month ago, and it worked for about 4 days, then started randomly killing the car. It's on it's way back to them now.

One of these days, someone is going to build a CDI box that works, but doesn't cost a mortgage payment and first born child.



Agreed. I picked up 2-3mpg, a much smoother idle, and no blowout whatsoever at .030" on BR8ES with a leaner AFR....at least for a while.

I always like reading about these things. It really is a shame their not very reliable.

Calan, or anyone else in here for that matter, during your experiences, with the box did you ever experience increased throttle response, to the point that you might not know the car has 6'+ of intake plumbing?

I once heard someone describe it as if their car now had the throttle response of an NA. Seemed like a tall tale.

 

[Jon91TSi]

I always like reading about these things. It really is a shame their not very reliable.

Calan, or anyone else in here for that matter, during your experiences, with the box did you ever experience increased throttle response, to the point that you might not know the car has 6'+ of intake plumbing?

I once heard someone describe it as if their car now had the throttle response of an NA. Seemed like a tall tale.

No... Does it improve over stock, sure, is it that noticeable? No... The main benefit is really a stronger spark, allowing for more gap at higher boost levels and not have blowout.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Thanks.

 

[Calan]

What Jon said. It definitely increases performance and improves the overall "feel" of the engine, but it ain't gonna make it rev like a 12:1 CR V8.