I have a '90 sidekick with the 8v motor and i was wondering if it would be worth my time to put a aftermarket ignition system in it. Like an MSD or a Jacobs. Would I notice a difference?

I was wondering something similar, I'm working on a new ECU for mine but I'm undecided as to whether or not to keep the stock igniter. Someone somewhere mentioned that RRO do an upgraded coil but I couldn't find it on their site, has anyone tried a coil upgrade, if so from whom and what part numbers?

I was looking for the wiring diograms to put an MSD on my 8V and couldn't fine one close enough to my stock tracker one.  If some one finds it could i plz have the link. lata stu

Ohh, ya James, how is that ECU coming along???
And are you still thinking about a turbo for the
Rhinozuk

Cheers,
Darrin

The ECU is coming along slowly, I've done a lot of research and I'm now going my own way. Arizona Microchip have released a processor with a single cycle hardware multiplier so I got a couple of samples and I've got some datasheets from Bosch for the LSU4 wide band 02 sensor.  I'm going to have it in parallel with the stock ECU initially and just use it for datalogging, that should give me a pretty good map to start from. I think I might go for a supercharger for more bottom end. The new Mini has an Eaton M45 and a number of people are going for the new 'Cooper Works Kit' so theres a few as new superchargers around at the moment going for good prices.

ENGINE SWAPS  TURBO'S   SUPER CHARGERS ALL THIS TALK IS MAKING ME FEEL WAY UNDER POWERED     MATTY D.....

Super Charging is good, I don't know how much better the
bottom end would be, but a SC is instant boost with a flick
of the foot, great for breaking axles  

Wildgoody, A steel front GV axle is on my shopping list. I think I'll have to fit the 4 dr shafts and brakes to it as well. I managed to pick up a complete manifold with throttle body, injector and sensors for the equivalent of $16 so that will help development.

Is that the 16V manifold with port injection?
and if so does it look like it would fit onto
an 8V head

$16 .........  AAHHH   why can't I find these good deals  

LOL, keep us posted on the progress  

Darrin

To answer the original questions:

Will you notice a difference after finding an aftermarket ignition for your trucklet? Yes - in your wallet.

My late '94 JX had a problem with rough running and fuel consumption that I fixed by replacing the old, weak coil with an Accel universal coil and gapping the plugs to 0.038 inch. If you go this route, be sure to match the new coil's primary winding resistance with that of the old coil. You will need to relocate the ignitor transistor - the firewall is the best place to keep it cool in hot weather.

Don, y'all
.

Wildgoody, no its the 8V TBI, still need a MAP sensor Suzuki quoted me the equivalent of around $450 might try to source a Bosch one instead with combined MAP and inlet air temp.
Don, was that a 16V engine or 8V? I'm a little surprised that you didn't get any improvement at all. I wouldn't expect any noticeable power increase but when I've messed with ignitions in the past I could usually feel that the engine was a little smoother.

So I wouldnt really see much power improvement? I know they claim that you will get more pore and MPG. I bought a Jacobs off-road ignition for my 3/4 ton Dodge and thats what they said, it even came with "Up Hill Moduale" that was supposed to give it a hotter spark when it noticed when you were going up hill. But that truck was so big I couldnt really tell a diff. Has anyone put an MSD on thier Sidekick? If so what did you think? Also are the aftermarket ones(Distributors, coils) more waterproof?

I also run a Jacobs Off-Road on my 2000 dodge ram.  The system gave me 4 more miles to the gallon which, percentage wise, was right on the money w/ what they promised. It does run smoother and has better throttle response. I will say the most noticeable gain was from the larger plug wires.(I put them on before the rest of the system).

Now, as far as my sami, I was gonna go the bigger plug wire/aftermarket coil upgrade route.  I can't see the payback for the sami $$$ wise. The jacobs paid for itself in less than a year in gas savings on the gas hog dodge.

James, do you need a stock TBI MAP sensor ?
I could get one from a wrecked car if it would help
also there is one available from an electronics
warehouse that is suitable for boost, the MAP
from a TBI Zuke is probably not, tho I never
checked this, I just know when I get 5 PSI boost
it sets off the check engine light, that poor computer
don't know what's happening  .

Let me know,
Darrin

Darrin
I want to go with something thats easy and cheap to replace so I'll look at the options. The Ford ones are a bit trickier to interface so a VW or GM one might be better, should be loads in the breakers so they will be cheap. On the plus side I found a bit of scrap 1" plate at work so I'm going to make up a TBI spacer and see if that makes any difference. This plate of plate is about 2ft x 2ft so I should have enough