snowyriver said:
Was considering EI on my new engine. Seems I could drop some weight and improve performance by going with this ignition. Anyone have experience with it? This will be a 0320, 340, or 360. Thanks.
Here's a link to a CAFE report, midway down the page see: "Ignition Dynamics I,II,III". Seems like a fairly comprehensive, unbiased, look at the differences.
http://cafefoundation.org/v2/research_reports.php
Other than improved starting, idle and possibly reliability(IMO to soon to conclude anything) , you don't realize any significant gains in performance unless you intend to run at very low power, LOP or at high altitude, or any combination of the three. With the most gains coming from very low power and LOP while in the "teens". Not exactly your typical "Cub" flight profile!
Although if range is an issue, it could be the answer.
OTOH, it looks like you can get most of the "reported" performance gains by using a split set-up, one mechanical mag and one electric, and have the best of both worlds. Enhanced performance and proven reliability.
The one thing I haven't seen, from any of the EI systems, is any data of the pressure pulse generated during the combustion event with the extremely advanced timing these EI's REQUIRE to enhance performance. It's likely, with very low power production, the pressure pulse SHOULD be reasonably tame. However, I haven't seen anyone offer any proof of any data, or even if there is any!