• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

How To: Dual Igniton plug mod for 2.3L and 2.5L


TheStig88

New Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2008
Messages
65
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Columbia, Missouri
Vehicle Year
96,06,84
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3L
Transmission
Manual
This mod is for anyone with a 2.3/ 2.5L with the dual plug head

no tools required

except a marker

nothing needs to be purchased (unless you don't have a marker)

i have seen an increase in city and highway gas mileage and some more low-mid range power (between 1200 and 3500 rpms)

my city mileage was a fairly steady 19 mpgs (i don't drive far to work)
and my highway mileage was a steady 27 as long as i stay at 70mph

after this mod (i've been checking my mileage regularly just to notice any changes)

my city mileage has jumped to 22.5

and i made a special trip to my in-laws (115 miles round trip) just to test the highway mileage...

and my highway mileage came out to be 30.2 MPGS!!!

so...ON TO THE MOD!!

Step 1: open your hood and locate your coil packs (you'll only be working with the FRONT pack)


Step 2: label your wires so you know which ones they are
here's a little diagram just in case
4 2
1 3




Step 3: remove all 4 wires and re-install them in this order...

1 3
4 2



Step 4: enjoy (so simple its mind blowing)

you just modded your truck

this mod turns the exhaust spark into an ignition spark
so you now have 2 plugs firing on the ignition stroke instead of just 1.

this burns the fuel more efficiently and in turn gives you better MPGs and more power.
 


snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,052
Reaction score
13,523
Points
113
Location
Jackson, NJ
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!
this mod turns the exhaust spark into an ignition spark
so you now have 2 plugs firing on the ignition stroke instead of just 1.

this burns the fuel more efficiently and in turn gives you better MPGs and more power.
Here the problem with your theory.

That is a 2 channel coil (wasted spark system). It fires #1 + #4 and #2 + #3 at the same time as pairs. That means when the #1 cyl is being fired on its exhaust stroke, #4 is being fired on its compression stroke. (ignoring the other coil, for now.) Switching 1 + 4 does nothing, except move which terminal, on the same channel of the coil, the wire attaches to.

With this 2 coil system, wasted spark system, you always have both plugs firing on both the comp and exh stroke. One is being fired on the main coil (on purpose), the other is being fired on the secondary coil (as wasted spark).
 

Gotta_gofast

New Member
RBV's on Boost
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
1,454
Reaction score
33
Points
0
Location
Wisconsin
Vehicle Year
2006
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
6.0L Powerstroke
Transmission
Automatic
If both spark plugs were to fire at the exact same time in two different locations would that not cause two flame fronts to collide creating abnormally high cylinder pressure? When carbon or high compression ignite the fuel mixture in a second location the two flame fronts traveling toward each other and the rapidly expanding gasses cause extreme but short cylinder pressure. So.... two plugs firing at the same time would cause the engine to detonate or ping. I have not messed with a 2.3L dual plug head, but I would have to assume the second set of plugs fires after the main burn in hopes of igniting any unburned combustables for emissions?
 

red_rider

New Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Ottumwa, IA
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Mazda
Engine Size
2.3 Lima
Transmission
Manual
I'm not an expert on the theory but still a little curious. Has anybody else tried this as well?
 

AlexPresler

New Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2011
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3l
Transmission
Manual
I did it and didn't really notice anything different.
 

EMB1230

New Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2011
Messages
423
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Kenosha, Wi
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3L
Transmission
Manual
Here the problem with your theory.

That is a 2 channel coil (wasted spark system). It fires #1 + #4 and #2 + #3 at the same time as pairs. That means when the #1 cyl is being fired on its exhaust stroke, #4 is being fired on its compression stroke. (ignoring the other coil, for now.) Switching 1 + 4 does nothing, except move which terminal, on the same channel of the coil, the wire attaches to.

With this 2 coil system, wasted spark system, you always have both plugs firing on both the comp and exh stroke. One is being fired on the main coil (on purpose), the other is being fired on the secondary coil (as wasted spark).
So you're saying that if you do "notice" a difference, it's all in your head?
 

Gotta_gofast

New Member
RBV's on Boost
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
1,454
Reaction score
33
Points
0
Location
Wisconsin
Vehicle Year
2006
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
6.0L Powerstroke
Transmission
Automatic
So you're saying that if you do "notice" a difference, it's all in your head?
Without mathematical reason, an accepted theorum explaining how it works, or dyno proof.... yes, its in your head.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,636
Reaction score
4,703
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
I decided to try this today in my '96. It does seem to give the truck just a little bit more power right off idle but nothing at high RPM that I notice.

I also did this to a buddy's '94 Mazda B2300 today (without telling him what exactly I did.) Since we both keep really good track of fuel mileage and put a lot of miles on both trucks, perhaps we can establish some sort of baseline to see if this even does anything. My truck has 221,600 miles on it as of today and the other has about 156k. Both are 100% factory configuration except his has no exhaust past the cat.

FWIW, I get about 19mpg in town and the best I have EVER got on the highway is 21. I plan to finish off this tank, then fill up and post my results after that. I am not expecting any gains. The other truck gets about the same with a max of 22/highway.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,636
Reaction score
4,703
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
One tank down, 18.8mpg combined. That is 75% highway.
 

AllanD

TRS Technical Staff
TRS Technical Advisor
Joined
Jun 1, 2001
Messages
7,897
Reaction score
134
Points
63
Age
62
Location
East-Central Pennsylvania
Vehicle Year
1987... sorta
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
'93 4.0
Transmission
Manual
One tank down, 18.8mpg combined. That is 75% highway.
You've just re-convinced me I never want to own another 4cyl Ranger.

Why you ask? well I average a combined mileage of 17.5mpg
and 19mpg highway and the best I've ever gotten is 22.1mpg, but I've played in the 20's on the highway...

in a 4x4 Supercab with a 4.0 running 4.10 gears.

So at what point would running a 4cyl gain me anything?

AD
 

Captain Ledd

Well-Known Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
2,384
Reaction score
39
Points
48
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1984, 1997
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
302, 2.3
Transmission
Manual
My credo
If you're not making mistakes, you're not learning.
One tank down, 18.8mpg combined. That is 75% highway.
:shok: Something is wrong with your driving or your truck.

I routinely get high-very high 20's (on a few occasions I did break the 30 mark, but not often).

That kind of mileage is uncalled for.

I still managed to get 14 towing another (4.0, 4x4) Ranger on a dolly across the state of Mi.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,636
Reaction score
4,703
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
You've just re-convinced me I never want to own another 4cyl Ranger.
I have been in a state of disappointment and shock for the last two years. I got 25mpg out of my '86 with a 2.9, 5 speed and 3.45 gears. It is just so reliable though . . . . . .

:shok: Something is wrong with your driving or your truck.
I agree, but I do not know what could be wrong. I have had a recurring cylinder 1 misfire occasionally, but it runs really good otherwise. I am leaning towards a partially dead or dying coil pack, bad oxygen sensor(s) or dirty MAF sensor. I have replaced the spark plugs. FWIW I am running 87 octane regular gas with no ethanol every time and I have been getting gas from the same station every time for over a year.

18.8 is slightly lower than usual, but there were a couple really windy days last week and that seems to affect my mileage a lot.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,636
Reaction score
4,703
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
I cleaned the MAF tonight, just as a precaution. It appeared to be very clean but I guess we will find out. I am guessing that it will have zero effect on mileage. No results yet on the other truck we're trying this on.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top