The voltage ionizes the air in the plug gap, creating an electrical path across this gap. But voltage is not what initiates combustion. For a 9:1 compression street engine, this can be between 8,000 and 12,000 volts. In order for a spark to jump the gap, a large amount of voltage is required. Voltage is the electrical pressure that �pushes� the current (amperage) through a conductor. Triggering a spark across a spark-plug gap requires both voltage and amperage. While we�ll keep it simple, there is some basic physics here that you�re just gonna have to wade through. We�ll explain how they work and the advantages of each. Given the large body of existing misinformation, we decided to zero in on the two basic types of performance ignitions. Either that or they spend tons of money on parts they may not need. Most enthusiasts treat ignitions like some sort of weird, black magic/voodoo curse best left alone until it fails.
The ignition is easily the most misunderstood system in any car.
