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

[TheStig88]

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]

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]

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?

 

[Ramirezsergio63]

where did you get your air intake?

 

[red_rider]

I'm not an expert on the theory but still a little curious. Has anybody else tried this as well?

 

[mp3deviant721]

He posted this mod on Ford Ranger Forum earlier and had quite a discussion going.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-...gnition-plug-mod-dual-plug-2-3-2-5l-only.html

 

[AlexPresler]

I did it and didn't really notice anything different.

 

[EMB1230]

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]

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]

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]

One tank down, 18.8mpg combined. That is 75% highway.

 

[AllanD]

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]

One tank down, 18.8mpg combined. That is 75% highway.

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]

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 . . . . . .

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]

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.