Performance Ignition Coils - Import Tuner Magazine

Okada Projects of Japan recently introduced an innovative, highly effective and easy-to-install ignition Plasma Direct system, replacing the factory coils while promising to increase both horsepower and torque in less time than it takes to change out your spark plugs. What is the Plasma Direct ignition system you ask? Simply stated, the Plasma Direct is an ignition coil system that uses a high-power amplifier built into the unit. It produces 4 times more spark energy and a 100 percent improvement in secondary current (Spark Amperage) increase than the average stock coils without generating any additional heat inside the ignition coil. Extensive testings show that Plasma Direct also generates a highly effective multi-spark discharge of 10 sparks throughout the powerband. In comparison to the factory coil, which delivers a single spark discharge. The Plasma Directs multiple spark discharge and improved spark energy yields improved ignition and greater combustion efficiency, all of which is beneficial for those driving high-horsepower machines-but is a limiting factor often overlooked when building your street machine.

Perhaps you enjoy the aroma of burnt wires and coils under the hood? We sure don't. Believe it or not, many aftermarket ignition coil packs are sold with a higher voltage range in comparison to most factory systems, which use a range of 300 volts to 400 volts. These aftermarket systems increase the payload to a whopping 450 to 500 volts, which can cause an ignition overload and net you with a crispy disaster. Not only do many of these ignition units bump up the voltage, they also produce negative current spikes of -30 amps to -40 amps, which will eventually lead to killing the coils due to its excessive negative current. Not all is lost with high voltage systems, though, these ignition units that often advertise how many mill joules and volts they deliver are considered ideal for drag racing, which demand high rpms during short intervals, but show limitations in performance gains within the midrange and lower rpm due to an overload in voltage and short lifespan of components. Damaging the factory ignitor on vehicles such as the BMW, which inconveniently integrates the unit within the factory ECU, will set you back a hefty chunk of change.

The Okada Project Plasma Direct system requires no splicing or cutting into stock wiring; Simply replacing the stock coil with the Plasma Direct system and re-plugging the harness wires onto the new unit is a simple one-two process. And the best part you ask? All Plasma Direct components are OBD II compliant and C.A.R.B. approved which means you can give your local smog tech and friendly cop the finger while you rock your new Plasma Direct ignition system. Check out the Okada Projects website for more information and application specifics for your vehicle.

The secondary spark current on an Okada Project Direct Ignition reaches an improved 140mA and shows a wave pattern present in the multi spark oscillation, which improves combustion and increases ignition spark. Okada Projects representative Akira Sato states that the main importance of their Plasma Direct ignition is the change in current capacity while voltage is not important when looking to create an increase in energy spark. The oscilloscope shows the Okada Plasma Booster Direct goes from a range of 10 amps to -10 amps which are twice that of the factory unit. The secondary current also reaches 100mA, which is twice the twice milliamps of the factory 50mA current while also making an AC discharge, not possible on the factory setup.

Like most factory and aftermarket ignitions sold on the market today, a majority of them use a DC charge. Okada Projects has specially modified the coil pack to provide a DC to AC discharge which promotes larger oscillation and creates larger energy. Converting DC to AC creates more ions, which in scientific terms means larger current. Too good to be true? This simple, yet effective system also boasts a CARB certification for legal use on highways. How you like them apples?

Upgrading to the new plasma direct coil packs requires a quick swap of your factory 4G63 EVO coil packs otherwise known as a waste spark system. Replacing the stock units with the simple plug and play design minimizes any room for error with even the most novices of mechanics.