Aftermarket ignition

I have been researching the options for replacing the ignition in my 550 Seca. The more I think about it, the less I like the idea of replacing a 30 year old piece of electronics with another 30 year old piece of electronics. I am going to collect what I find in this post for reference. I will edit in more info as I find it.

Hyperpak

Made by Electronic Research and Development
http://www.erd.co.nz/

Cost ~$180

Hyperpak is a sealed ignition module directly replacing the original TCI. ERD appears to be a small company in NZ, the modules can be ordered either directly by contacting them on their website or found on eBay.

Pro: simple plug and play installation
Con: few reviews specific to XJ platform


Direct Ignition TCI

Made by IMF Soft
http://electronic-ignition-system.com/default.asp

Cost 177 Euro (~$245 as of this writing)

Direct Ignition is a programmable TCI. It should be able to work with just about any bike, since the advance curve is adjustable via a software package. They also sell several types of crank sensors. IMF is a Czech company. The website is a little weird, probably due to the language barrier. Software package comes with the module. The company tells me this product will soon be replaced with a newer version.

Pros: Adjustable, able to tune the curve
Cons: somewhat expensive


SPARKER TCI

Made by IgniTech
http://www.ignitech.cz/en/vyrobky/tcip/tcip.htm

Cost ~$135 plus shipping

This is a sealed unit like Hyperpak. It's a direct replacement to the factory box, with a matching connector available for $5. To order you need to contact the company via the website. Shipping is $50, though.

Pros: Simple installation
Cons: Pricey shipping


SPARKER TCI-P4

Made by IgniTech
http://www.ignitech.cz/en/vyrobky/tcip/tcip.htm

Cost ~$145

This is a programmable version of Sparker TCI above. For an extra $10 you get the same box, but with a serial port that can be connected to your computer. Modern computers might not have a serial port, but serial to USB converter dongles are available. IgniTech will sell you one for a reasonable $16. The programming software is available on the IgniTech site. Looks to be not as fancy as the IMF, but should work fine.

Pros: Simple installation, tunable
Cons: Might be hard to tune, pricey shipping

DIY ignition with GM HEI modules

Made by your self with readily available parts
http://home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/GPZweb ... EImod.html

Cost: $35-50

This setup uses a pair of GM HEI ignition modules available at any parts store for $10 a piece or so. Relatively easy wiring.

HEI modules are basically solid state switches. This setup is commonly used to replace points and condenser, retaining the mechanical advance. I am told that Kawasaki bikes had a TCI and mechanical advance, and the advance mechanism might be adaptable to XJ.

Pros: Cheap
Cons: Lack of timing advance.

DIY ignition from scratch

Made by your own self
http://www.sportdevices.com/ignition/ignition.htm

Cost uncertain

For the really adventurous, these guys offer plans on how to build a programmable TCI ignition. They also explain the differences between TCI and CDI.

Pros: Adjustable, tunable, possibly cheap
Cons: Loads of work. This requires building everything from scratch, including the programmer device and the programming software. Need to have a bunch of skills for this

Another DIY from scratch

http://thebitwiserebellion.com/blog/201 ... onversion/

This one is super-cheap at around $12 total. Instructions are straightforward. However, it suffers from the same thing as the HEI ignition - no timing advance. So, a mechanical advance would have to be retrofitted.

 

I know for a fact that Len has a few field-tested and known-good pre-owned TCI units for the 550s. No idea on price, you'd have to ask him.

 

http://home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/GPZweb ... EImod.html

 

I put a Hyperpak TCI unit in my 750 and the bike has never gone better; can only but highly recommend.

 

Here is another for you:

IgniTech.

This is the unit I have on my Venture. There is a guy in the Venture world that packages them as a kit with the harness adapter and MAP sensor the Venture requires. He also loads the Venture timing curve into them.

Their site lists the XJ as one of the models supported so they may have already created the XJ map.

 

Thanks, Fitz. I will check, but I am still wary - old electronics is old electronics.



I have added the ignition solutions Polock and MiCarl suggested, with some comments.

 

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... rt=15.html

 

I sent questions to the Czechs and had IMF reply. I updated with what info they gave me. IgniTech wants more information on the XJ, we will talk further.

 

this one might be even cheaper
http://thebitwiserebellion.com/blog/201 ... onversion/

 

Added that to the list. Same problem as the HEI module project - no advance.

 

I know several people using the Ignitech although they are on twins and singles, but based on their results it's what I'd be going for

 

I heard back from IgniTech. They wanted pictures of connectors for pinout and a schematic from a manual. I sent all of this off to them and they replied.

They have two versions, a programmable and a sealed one. I added the info to the original post.

 

Hey
So which ignition system did you choose?
Ignitech looks promising, but for some reason IMF Soft looks more appealing to me.

I found a few more related links, even so it's more about CDI.
http://www.transmic.net/de/links.htm

Regards
Christoph

 

I got the Sparker sealed unit from Ignitech. Works great.

The funny thing is, I later figured out where the bad solder was in the OEM units I had, and I fixed them, replacing the output transistors. So now I have two spares.

 

Why would you want to have two 30 year old spares? lol

 

Solid state electronics is purty durable. Electrolytic capacitors being the one exception of course. I purchased an ERD hyperpak for my 750 though... kinda worked the same as the TCI I reworked haha, alhtough I'm sure its MUCH better

 

After some further reading I think Ignitech is the best choice. Fairly cheap ... cds1984 is right, the caps are more of a problem than solid state components. But at some point you want something reliable, not some "maybe" device.

Regarding ignition problems and further people finding this via search... In my case my ignition seems to be ok even so I was pretty sure it's damaged. It just seems not to tolerate voltage drops very well, which occur when crancing and running at low RPM. Especially when you have bad connections (which is probably always the case with 30y old rides), low temperaturs and maybe a old battery...
Connecting the Ignition directly to the battery seemed to help much. (Directly = using a relay which is switched on by the original power supply of the ignition box. And a fuse, just to be safe ).

 

I know this is an old-ish thread but maybe still current. I just sent email to ignitech but my TCI is still good. Seems I just have a bad pick-up coil for my '83 XJ550 maxim (bottom pick up which fires the #2/3 cylinder coil). I must assume the only option for an open pickup coil (yes, I will make sure the wiring is good), is to replace with 30 yo ebay stock parts?

 

I have a xj550. I am living in Jamaica what is my best option for replacing this tci? It is the only thing that is standing between me and the completion of my project.

 

Mavrick, we should have a good used original TCI available, contact us for more details: info@xj4ever.com

 

Need one for my xj 550 how can you help me?

 

Sorry, @Mavrick9. The date on that post was January 2015, they are long gone.

The Czechs still sell new ones, tho.

 

Ok.
Just ordered a complete replacement TCI from https://www.vectriq.com.au for $593.00 AUD.
Yes... I'm frustrated with my TCI.
Here's hoping!

 

Okay what's a hyper Pack Unit where can I find one and much do they cost . I just take my TCI out and plug the hyperpac right into the the existing plug or do I have to change the wires around.

 

We do carry the Hyperpak replacement TCI units in-stock, please send an e-mail (info@xj4ever.com) or use the conversation feature on this website to contact us for information, and please make sure that you specify what model/year bike you are servicing.

 

My bike is an 82 Seca 750 I believe a TCI is a 14-06

 

I need a TCI 14 - 06 for a Seca 750 year 1982 anybody knows where I can get one I would like a new one my email address is read LV at yahoo.com let me know how much they cost and how fast I can get it

 

my e mail is reedlv@yahoo.com looking for an after-market TCI 14 - 06. It goes on a 82 Seca 750

 

Has anybody tried to buy something from electronic research and development if you have maybe you can let us know how it went did you get your package in a timely manner

 

Do you still have them in stock and how do I buy one

 

If you let me know how to purchase 1 we can do it today

 

this is frustrating cuz I don't know who I'm talking to or who is seeing this or what the hell's going on

 

You are replying to an open thread (multiple times). Please email info@xj4ever.com to contact Chacal with your questions about a purchase.

 

Reed, I just send you a message thru this website messaging ("Conversation") feature, check your inbox on this website.

 

Loads of TCI's on ebay.
I got mine overhere;
https://www.carmo.nl

Plus I bought a original one for 70 euro's.. just to be safe.
With the aftermarket TCI the bike definitly starts and runs better, with the original one the bike runs 'softer' of perhaps smoother but lacks torque and the idle screw must be turned higher.

 

The unit I purchased via vectriq.com.au is from carmo.nl.
I agree, very different feel after installing it.
The delay on starting is a bit odd after a genuine and is about the only thing that worries me (starter motor brush wise).
Other than that great replacement so far.
One other thing, I basically have a 900 in a 750 frame so installing the carmo.nl unit required a bit of drilling and re-arranging in the plastic plate.

 

Same here regarding the ignition-unit placement. But was quite simple though.. I removed the oem backplate and have plenty of room now to stash the tire repairkit.
No delay here.. just look at the button and she runs.. without choke.

Cool.. a 900 engine in a 750 package.

 

Pretty sure the carmo.nl replacement is working well now. No crazy stalls and after another sync and coloursync... power straight from the lights... almost like a real boy (bike even).
So far so good.
I did replace everything else, and I really mean EVERYTHING else, before this so... touch wood, I'm happy with the replacement.

 

What I sense with this ignition is the direct response on the throttle and the expanded torque in combination with the replacement mufflers.
Still have to do the sync after the mufflers were changed but it's too cold outside (no garage) now overhere. But runs great anyway so.. no hurry.

 

Finally got the second 900 fitted with the carmo.nl replacement. Stumble at take off is just a bad memory now.
Hope they last another 40 years... well actually, just as long as I'm capable would be good too.

 

Here's a link to Carmo's USA office. THey can test, repair or sell you a new TCI.
www.carmousa.com

 

My OEM TCI is fine but considering getting a Carmo anyway. Is there a tangible improvement and secondly, I have a 4 into 1 exhaust system, is any modification/tune required? Thanks. Adrian

 

I have already done the gm HEI conversion on a cb550 four, and you will need a zenner diode in the primary output on the gm ignition module or the gm coils will not fire. but will not work with electronic advance.

I will see if I can find the video I took..

http://gpzweb.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Ignition/CBheiModCavCoil.html

 

Can anyone please clarify what it is EXACTLY that they have done to accomplish HEI installation with proper timing, at low cost and mediocre skill sets?! I have been searching forums from XJ, XS, Honda, Kawasaki. Looking at 15yr old post that give me a glimmer of hope that someone has fully, step by step, part by part explained how this is done, only to see that their diagrams are on websites that shut down while Dubbya was in office. I’ve seen the wiring diagrams and understand how to hook it up to my XJ650. But they are immediately followed by comments about possible diodes, capacitors, mechanical advance, vacuums, that may be needed But no one ever states fully what they have done! I get that this should probably be common knowledge but I am no where near the skill level that some of you folks are. I’ve really just recently started riding period. That being said I am the type of person who believes they can do anything that doesn’t require a specialized education or materials and tools that are unobtainable. As long as some one is willing to show me. Be it hands on or diagrams and writing. I may destroy everything else around me, but I will get it done. Please….guide me. I definitely need it