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NAPA Performance Tips with Willie B; Ignition Components
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
03/23/2009
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Willie B is the newest member of the PINKS All Out presented by NAPA on-air crew. (Photo: SPEED) ยป More Photos
Hello everyone. This is ‘Willie B,’ and I’m the newest member of the PINKS All Out presented by NAPA on-air crew. Not to mention a certified drag racing freak. As a racer, I’m always in search of more power or better efficiency, which means I spend a lot of time and money here at my local NAPA store when its time to get serious. So for the next few months, I wanted to write a series of NAPA Performance Tip columns in hopes of helping you improve your ride as well.

Ok, let’s talk shop for a minute. One of the easiest ways you can positively affect your on-track elapsed time and/or on-street performance is through improved ignition components. It’s a simple method of application; as a hotter spark creates a better burn, maximizing engine performance. There are many benefits here as well, including easier starts, enhanced drivability, increased torque and higher horsepower throughout the engine’s entire operating range.

Early on, magneto systems used a magnet-in-coil setup where a contact breaker created increased voltage to jump a gap. It was some really cool stuff, but today, some of those systems are considered very outdated and better left to a museum. So enough with the history lesson, let’s dive into what most of us weekend warriors will take with us to the track this afternoon.

One of the most fundamental components is an electronic ignition, which is something that’s readily available at your local NAPA store. For those enthusiasts and racers that love the older cars, NAPA has a full line of electronic ignition (EI) systems to replace your old-school mechanical one (check your local NAPA store for all the listings that fit your application).

In some cases, a modern distributor will automatically fit into an older engine with no further modifications, which is fast and simple. With it, you’ll
have fewer moving parts, less mechanical wear and no oxidation or burning at the points of contact. These advantages will lead to a much-improved response from your engine.

For a lot of you though, it’s hard to beat running around in your typical asphalt pounding Chevy small block. Now, let’s say you’ve placed a few upgrades on it here and there, but haven’t quite received the punch you want – so it may be time for a full upgrade system from MSD Ignitions. When it comes to electronic ignitions, they are all business. They offer bigger wires, more efficient and better distributors, higher voltage control modules and coils, everything you’ll need for a serious upgrade.

NAPA part number BK3353853 is the MSD Super HEI kit, and it will absolutely wake your engine up. It solves power loss by eliminating those dead spots above 4,500 rpm, and the increased rpm range will give you better mileage and performance. Also, you may want to look at a MSD 6AL box which features a rev limiter that will protect your engine from overheating and winding too hard.

All of these little upgrades will improve your overall performance without a lot of labor intensive work under the hood. For me and racers like me, it’s all about getting the best bang for your dollar. That’s a simple $340 upgrade available online from NAPA that makes a huge difference in how your car performs. Keep upgrades simple and you’ll keep your headaches to a minimum.

I’m all about being able to drive the cars we build and you should too. Enjoy your ride and most importantly drive your ride with the help of NAPA. Check them out online at www.napaonline.com, or just roll into your local NAPA retailer. There will be somebody there waiting to help you out. No problem. Willie B.
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