I have seen some posts about this, but never got a conclusive answer. Some vendors claim to have developed ignition components specifically for the MINI. Is there any difference between the ignition system in a MINI and that in a Dodge Neon? At SEMA, I asked a rep from MSD, but he didn't know the answer. The only difference I know of is the size of the bolt holes that are used to secure the coilpack. Are there any other differences?

 

Andy,

The Main Difference is the Hole Size. The Mini have the bolts in it's own sheithing, where on dodge, the sheithing is in the coil.

Other then that, the wires are slightly different lengths, and the Spark Plugs are different.

Thanks,
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

Thanks, Dan. Do you happen to know the difference in spark plug specs?

 

I am not sure of the exact difference... I am just talking OEM to OEM. Not aftermarket.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

The elctrical properties are different between the MINI coil and the DODGE NEON coil.

Although the outside parameters look the same, the internal windings are different.

The primary inductance is LOWER on the neon coil than on the Mini coil
This means faster current rise time and higher peak primary current.

But since the effective inductance is lower, the total energy of the spark discharged will be LOWER.

If you are interested, I can post some scope graphs, since I tested both of these coils extensively.

Regards

Ulf

 

Sure, I'd be very interested to see that. I've been checking out some of the discussion at http://www.neons.org

There are guys there who have actually dyno'ed their cars with varying plug gaps, most choosing to increase the stock .035 to .040 or so.