Ignition coils / How often should these be replaced

[fazil]

My other bike is a 1992 virago 250 and it still has the original coils.
Can i improve performance if i change them after 22 years of use with newer ones?

 

[tejkowskit]

They shouldn't need replacing until they go bad.. Is your bike skipping or misfiring? To my understanding ignition could either work, or they don't.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

My other bike is a 1992 virago 250 and it still has the original coils.
Can i improve performance if i change them after 22 years of use with newer ones?

Unless the newer ones are putting putting out more voltage (aftermarket), as posted above, it shouldn't make a difference..

A turbo or Nitros set up would help performance:thumbup:

 

[fazil]

Is your bike skipping or misfiring?

No, i just wondered if i can improve performance by replacing them with new ones.

 

[aclayonb]

FWIW, I replaced some old perfectly functional CB750 coils with 20 year newer CBR900RR coils and it made a huge difference. I'd just scour the virago forums and see if anyone is doing upgrades or mods on the coils. Easiest way to find out.

 

[FinalImpact]

No, i just wondered if i can improve performance by replacing them with new ones.

Old school testing is very effective.
While the engine is running hold a cold beer in one hand and then firmly Grasp each ignition wire with the other hand. If the can is crushed or dropped, you need new wires! The same concept applies to touching any part of the coil body. If it leaks energy, it should be replaced! Except exposed terminals...

As for as improving, you may get better bang per bike by adjusting the curve and rate as to when the spark fires vs the the actual hardware. Also, if the compression ratio has been increased, increased energy and smaller gap can help... But generally speaking a NEW coil isn't going to deliver more energy unless the whole system is updated (what ever components time and drive the coil(s).

Although the method mentioned works - I would not suggest it! Use a ground wire to a screw driver and **IF** there is leakage energy, let it go from the screw driver through the wire to the engine ground keeping you from getting ZAPPED! It pretty effective! Although so is misting subject parts w/a spray bottle of water! :thumbup:​

 

[elus1ve]

This testing method is terrible. It's a waste of good beer :spank:

Old school testing is very effective.
While the engine is running hold a cold beer in one hand and then firmly Grasp each ignition wire with the other hand. If the can is crushed or dropped, you need new wires! The same concept applies to touching any part of the coil body. If it leaks energy, it should be replaced! Except exposed terminals...

As for as improving, you may get better bang per bike by adjusting the curve and rate as to when the spark fires vs the the actual hardware. Also, if the compression ratio has been increased, increased energy and smaller gap can help... But generally speaking a NEW coil isn't going to deliver more energy unless the whole system is updated (what ever components time and drive the coil(s).

Although the method mentioned works - I would not suggest it! Use a ground wire to a screw driver and **IF** there is leakage energy, let it go from the screw driver through the wire to the engine ground keeping you from getting ZAPPED! It pretty effective! Although so is misting subject parts w/a spray bottle of water! :thumbup:​

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

This testing method is terrible. It's a waste of good beer :spank:

Yep, but it'd be funny as hell!

:needpics:

 

[Lefty]

This testing method is terrible. It's a waste of good beer :spank:

Depends on the beer....Blah

 

[Mosqui]

The coils age with time, and they start having leaks. Same with the cables, so I'm pretty sure that it'll make a difference if you replace them, but not sure if you will notice it. Sometimes is not worth to change them.
Good luck