Dyna 2000 Digital Performance Ignition

Dyna 2000 Digital Performance Ignition

CW EVALUATION

Advanced engine mapping

AFUNDAMENTAL step in finetuning your engine’s performance is getting the ignition timing right. One way to do this is by installing an aftermarket ignition advancer. This alters what’s referred to as “static” or “total” advance (but doesn’t reshape the ignition curve). Combine that with higher-compression pistons, for example, and you may find that increases in static advance alone have certain limitations, such as promoting detonation at lower rpm when the timing is advanced for optimum peak power.

This is where a high-performance ignition system comes into play. Dynatek’s Dyna 2000 Digital Performance Ignition Kit consists of a microprocessor-controlled ignition module, wiring loom and an adjustable dual-sensor crank trigger. Slotted mounting holes in the trigger’s aluminum baseplate allow fine-tuning of static advance, while a rotary switch on the module provides a choice of five advance curves (three for four-valve-per-cylinder engines, two for two-valve applications).

Farther around the dial are four retard modes for nitrous-oxide and turbocharged motors. There’s a test mode for troubleshooting and checking adjustments to static timing, and a second switch for setting the rev-limiter, which is adjustable from 8500-16,000 rpm in 500-rpm increments. A digital tach output and a safety interlock, which can be hooked to sidestand and theft-prevention switches or a shift-kill system, are also included.

Detailed instructions made for a worry-free, two-hour installation on our 1988 Suzuki GSX-R880 project bike (CW, October, 1997). All hardware was included, with wiring long enough to locate the slick-looking, anodized module on frame tubes in the bike’s tailsection. Mounting the crank rotor and trigger also were simple procedures.

Parts in place, performing deadengine adjustments is a five-minute task. The supplied timing-indicator plate marks 20-40 degrees BTDC in 2-degree increments, and bolts to the right-side engine case during the adjustment process. A light built into the module indicates when the rotor magnet trips one of the crank-position sensors, thereby increasing adjustment accuracy and ease.

Back-to-back dyno runs against the stock ignition (with a 5-degree advancer) produced nearly identical power curves. Our best results118 peak horsepower at the rear wheel-were achieved with 40 degrees static advance, using the curve that Dynatek suggests for stockcompression engines. This takes full advantage of a quick advance for snappy low-end response.

Admittedly, our GSX-R’s mild state of tune did little to exploit the Dyna 2000’s true potential and flexibility. Even so, at $345, the kit costs only a few bucks more than a stock CDI box. That fact alone represents fair value for a tuner who has more than a spark of interest in tweaking his ignition system.

DYNA 2000 IGNITION

Dynatek

164 South Valencia St. Glendora, CA 91741 818/963-1669 Price............$345

ups

A Easy to install A Quality components

Downs

▼ Lightly modified engines don’t tap system’s potential