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Post by scooterb on Sept 17, 2013 8:33:14 GMT -5
Is a new CDI worth it?
I really don’t need to remove the rev limiter but I would like to get a stronger spark if possible.
I have read a lot of conflicting information regarding the CDI units. Some say they fail often and others have had the same OE CDI for over 10k miles. I have also read that the timing advance doesn’t make a difference.
Does anyone one have firsthand experience with CDI units that make some kind of improvement?
What type/brand of CDI is it and what gains did you see?
I have a ATM150-A and believe it is an AC CDI unit. The only “upgrades” I have made to the scoot is a new ‘red’ coil and an iridium plug. At this time I don’t plan on making any other changes.
Thanks
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Post by tvnacman on Sept 17, 2013 9:05:20 GMT -5
I have been buying and testing cdi's . All of the cdi's I have tested have variable timing . All of the others have fixed fire point some are advanced or returded as compared to stock . This is the one with variable timing do not be fooled , there are 5 others that identical to this one and is fixed timing . www.testedscooterparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=462_463&products_id=21475786John |
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Post by scooterb on Sept 17, 2013 10:13:28 GMT -5
I have been buying and testing cdi's . All of the cdi's I have tested have variable timing ..... John Thanks John Is it worth upgrading/changing the CDI from OE? |
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Post by tvnacman on Sept 17, 2013 11:16:25 GMT -5
Some guys like the way it runs with the new cdi. Some have had to turn the idle up a little. To answer your question is it worth it, on a stock motor you might see some gain. If you plan to start to mod the engine you will need it.
John
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Post by f4milytime on Sept 17, 2013 11:47:48 GMT -5
Yup soon as I get some extra mulla, I'm gonna get that cdi !!!  |
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Post by alleyoop on Sept 17, 2013 12:16:24 GMT -5
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Post by scooterb on Sept 17, 2013 12:37:15 GMT -5
Thanks all....
I already have an upgraded 'red' coil and iridium plug. I was going to buy a spare CDI just to pack with my on my trip but will buy an upgraded unit instead of stock and then just use the stock CDI as a backup.
I just need to determine if my CDI is AC or DC; I believe it is AC but have not checked it with a multi-meter.
The prices range significantly between the OE CDI units at $8, orange units at ~$10, and "racing" CDIs at over $30.
I am leaning towards one of the orange units, I don't believe I need an adjustable CDI. That would be one more thing I could tune incorrectly.
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Post by tvnacman on Sept 17, 2013 13:25:38 GMT -5
I have the orange oned too , they are fixed advanced timing .
John
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Post by prodigit on Sept 17, 2013 21:30:26 GMT -5
Not worth it!
Worst case the CDI will tard performance.
It's not going to do a lot about the spark. Want a bigger spark? Get a better spark cable.
You could also gap the spark plug somewhat. Stock gap is 0.024", you can bring it down to 0.015" without probs.
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Post by PCBGY6 on Sept 17, 2013 21:33:02 GMT -5
D8
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Post by skuttadawg on Sept 17, 2013 22:20:58 GMT -5
Link for AC or DC info www.scrappydogscooters.com/Tech_Talk_with_Mo_.html scroll down a bit I know yours is a 4T , but I replaced the CDI on my 2T it did seem to help on take off but had the same top end and RPM since the head was not fully ported . With a BBK that had the exhaust port fully open and a racing pipe I can hit 10,500 RPMs where with the 50 it maxed at 8,000 . The stock was plastic where the blue finned CDI from PFS is aluminum . Stock had a hole to mount a screw through but other did not so I used a zip tie to hold it in place . An aftermarket may not offer any gain except advanced timing curve but some have reported it did not want to start as easy and many do not have a RPM limitation . Being of better quality is enough for me to be happy since it is one less thing to fizzle . I would just do like most of us do with a size or two larger main jet and you may want lighter or heavier rollers depending on what you have and what you want . Did the red coil make any improvement ? Does it run hotter with a stronger spark ? The NGK iridium is a great way to keep it running at its best . I have just over 18k miles on mine as I changed it at the dealership before I ever rode my Echarm . I also replaced the rollers that weighed 12.2gs with 5,500 miles on em with 12g DR Pulley sliders and must say well worth the money as it had a better curve and gained 5 MPH on top end |
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Post by tvnacman on Sept 18, 2013 5:10:08 GMT -5
Link for AC or DC info www.scrappydogscooters.com/Tech_Talk_with_Mo_.html scroll down a bit I know yours is a 4T , but I replaced the CDI on my 2T it did seem to help on take off but had the same top end and RPM since the head was not fully ported . With a BBK that had the exhaust port fully open and a racing pipe I can hit 10,500 RPMs where with the 50 it maxed at 8,000 . The stock was plastic where the blue finned CDI from PFS is aluminum . Stock had a hole to mount a screw through but other did not so I used a zip tie to hold it in place . An aftermarket may not offer any gain except advanced timing curve but some have reported it did not want to start as easy and many do not have a RPM limitation . Being of better quality is enough for me to be happy since it is one less thing to fizzle . I would just do like most of us do with a size or two larger main jet and you may want lighter or heavier rollers depending on what you have and what you want . Did the red coil make any improvement ? Does it run hotter with a stronger spark ? The NGK iridium is a great way to keep it running at its best . I have just over 18k miles on mine as I changed it at the dealership before I ever rode my Echarm . I also replaced the rollers that weighed 12.2gs with 5,500 miles on em with 12g DR Pulley sliders and must say well worth the money as it had a better curve and gained 5 MPH on top end Have you ever checked timing on your little engine with a light ? If so have you seen ignition timing change when reving from idle ? I don't disagree with what your saying , however you state that it may struggle at startup . That tells me the timing is fixed at an advanced preset . I have moved several of this variable timing cdi and it has been used on stock and high compression engines . why don't you try the cdi if it is not as described I will take it back and pay the return shipping . Please don't bother if you do not own a timing light . I'm telling you this is one of the best cdi's out there for the money shy of a programmable ECU . John |
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Post by scooterb on Sept 18, 2013 8:04:18 GMT -5
I am really not sure if it made a difference or not because I changed everything before I even started the scooter for the first time. Thanks |
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Post by scooterb on Sept 18, 2013 8:09:26 GMT -5
Well I determined last night that I have an AC CDI and ordered one online. I really just want to have it as a back up in case of a failure on the road; cheap insurance since we will be in the middle of nowhere for 3 weeks with our scooters.
So I will install the orange CDI in my two scoots and use the OE as a backup. Hopefully there will be some improvement.
Thanks for all the information and assistnace!
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..BAD TO THE BONE..
Main Jet
