Aftermarket ignitions

[JPaganel]

I have been researching the options for replacing the ignition in my 550 Seca. The more I think about it, the less I like the idea of replacing a 30 year old piece of electronics with another 30 year old piece of electronics. I have collected what I found in this post for reference and I am copying it here from the XJ board where I originally posted.  I will edit in more info as I find it.

Hyperpak

Made by Electronic Research and Development
www.erd.co.nz/

Cost ~$180

Hyperpak is a sealed ignition module directly replacing the original TCI. ERD appears to be a small company in NZ, the modules can be ordered either directly by contacting them on their website or found on eBay.

Pro: simple plug and play installation
Con: relatively few reviews for some platforms


Direct Ignition TCI

Made by IMF Soft
http://electronic-ignition-system.com/default.asp

Cost 177 Euro (~$245 as of this writing)

Direct Ignition is a programmable TCI. It should be able to work with just about any bike, since the advance curve is adjustable via a software package. They also sell several types of crank sensors. IMF is a Czech company. The website is a little weird, probably due to the language barrier. Software package comes with the module. The company tells me this product will soon be replaced with a newer version.

Pros: Adjustable, able to tune the curve
Cons: somewhat expensive


SPARKER TCI

Made by IgniTech
http://www.ignitech.cz/en/vyrobky/tcip/tcip.htm

Cost ~$135 plus shipping

This is a sealed unit like Hyperpak. It's a direct replacement to the factory box, with a matching connector available for $5. To order you need to contact the company via the website. Shipping is $50, though. They specifically mention making replacements for the FJ vacuum advance units.

Pros: Simple installation
Cons: Pricey shipping


SPARKER TCI-P4

Made by IgniTech
www.ignitech.cz/en/vyr...p/tcip.htm

Cost ~$145

This is a programmable version of Sparker TCI above. For an extra $10 you get the same box, but with a serial port that can be connected to your computer. Modern computers might not have a serial port, but serial to USB converter dongles are available. IgniTech will sell you one for a reasonable $16. The programming software is available on the IgniTech site. Looks to be not as fancy as the IMF, but should work fine.

Pros: Simple installation, tunable
Cons: Might be hard to tune, pricey shipping

DIY ignition with GM HEI modules

Made by your self with readily available parts
http://home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/GPZweb/Ignition/GPZgmHEImod.html

Cost: $35-50

This setup uses a pair of GM HEI ignition modules available at any parts store for $10 a piece or so. Relatively easy wiring.

HEI modules are basically solid state switches. This setup is commonly used to replace points and condenser, retaining the mechanical advance. I am told that Kawasaki bikes had a TCI and mechanical advance, and the advance mechanism might be adaptable to other bikes.

Pros: Cheap
Cons: Lack of timing advance.

DIY ignition from scratch

Made by your own self
www.sportdevices.com/ignition/ignition.htm

Cost uncertain

For the really adventurous, these guys offer plans on how to build a programmable TCI ignition. They also explain the differences between TCI and CDI.

Pros: Adjustable, tunable, possibly cheap
Cons: Loads of work. This requires building everything from scratch, including the programmer device and the programming software. Need to have a bunch of skills for this

Another DIY from scratch

http://thebitwiserebellion.com/blog/2013/05/30/diy-electronic-ignition-conversion/

This one is super-cheap at around $12 total. Instructions are straightforward. However, it suffers from the same thing as the HEI ignition - no timing advance.

[Pat Conlon]

Here's one more:

DYNA 2000

Made by Dyna Tech: http://www.dynaonline.com/skins/products/sportbikes/dyna_2000/
Cost: $300 plus $130 for 2.2 ohm (grey) coils or 3.0 ohm (green) coils

Pro: advance programmable via software and laptop

Con: cost
         Reliability?

A note on the ER&D HyperPac: it disables your side stand switch.

[giantkiller]

OK so which one would/ or do you use Pat?

[Pat Conlon]

Currently both FJ's have the oem ignition....my '84 has the TCI vacuum advance plugged.

I tried the HyperPac, but I rely on my side stand switch to shut my bike off (that way I know my side stand is down) so I went back to my oem '84 TCI.

A few folks on this forum use the Dyna 2000, but I have heard some stories about reliability...

[JPaganel]

I found some favorable reviews on the Hyperpak, and a lot of people had good things to say about Ignitech.

I have ordered from Ignitech for my 550 Seca.

[JPaganel]

I received and installed the Ignitech unit for the 550.

It plugs in and runs with no issues and the safety switch functionality is retained.

[TexasDave]

I received and installed the Ignitech unit for the 550.

It plugs in and runs with no issues and the safety switch functionality is retained.

Great find for the 550. What model did you get? Do they make any that fit the FJ?  Dave

[JPaganel]

I got the non programmable unit from Ignitech.

They do make one for FJ, and specifically mention replacing vacuum advance.