HONDA Power Caps

by Todd Ryden

When you're looking to up the performance or start bolting on other power parts, the need for more spark energy and voltage grows. Any time a modification effects the flow of the air and fuel or increases cylinder pressures, there is also an increased demand put on the ignition system to deliver a spark with enough voltage to ionize the plug gap and ignite the fuel mixture. The factory Honda or Acura coil produces an adequate spark for stock vehicles, but when you're looking for improved performance, the tiny in-the-cap coil falls short of power.

To answer the need for a better spark, installing a high quality aftermarket coil has always proven to be a worthwhile and inexpensive add-on. Though on these efficient Hondas and such, the coil is built right into the distributor cap! How do you replace that?!

The answer is a Modified Power Cap from MSD Ignition. MSD has been sparking the performance industry for almost three decades and they are answering the needs of the ever growing sport compact contingent with a variety of high output ignitions, custom wire sets and accessories.

MSD's Honda and Acura Modified Distributor Caps are specially constructed to allow the use of an external coil such as an MSD Blaster Series Coil. Each cap features a brass Power Tower that effectively delivers the voltage of a Blaster Coil to the rotor tip and spark plugs. There are several caps currently available and the list seems to continue to grow. Each kit comes with the modified cap as well as a low resistance MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor coil wire is supplied with a boot, terminal and a crimp tool so you can cut the new coil wire to fit your application.

As for a coil, MSD suggests their Blaster SS, PN 8207. This unique coil features a compact housing design and is easy to mount with the supplied vibration mounts. The low resistance windings of the Blaster SS are designed around a segmented bobbin which improves the placement of the high voltage while reducing the chance of any internal break down. The coil is capable of producing up to 140 milliamps and up to 40,000 volts (tested with an MSD SCI Ignition Control).

If MSD doesn't offer a Power Cap for your application you can modify your own with this Power Tower. The Tower, PN 8405 is supplied with a brass insert that screws firmly into place making contact with the rotor tip lead.

The Modified Power Cap and Coil are easy to install! Remove the cap, disconnect the coil wiring and splice in enough wire to reach the new coil. Then pop the new cap in place, connect the plug wires and new coil wire and you'll know you have a much better spark jumping in your cylinders!

For an MSD Sport Compact Brochure, contact msdtech@msdigniton.com

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