Smart Coil Conversion

Smart Coil Conversion

Smart Coil Conversion Bracket for the Volvo B234 16-Valve Cylinder Head

Upgrading the ignition system on the Volvo B234 16-valve cylinder head is a must for anyone running an aftermarket ECU capable of sequential ignition. The stock setup, spark plug leads, an external coil, and a separate igniter adds complexity and unnecessary wiring. With our Smart Coil conversion, we’ve allowed use of a direct coil-on-plug system that integrates the igniter into the coil, allowing for direct ECU control without additional components.

This system provides higher output and more reliable spark energy while making tuning significantly easier, providing consistent results for high-performance builds.

Why We Chose the R35 GTR Coil

The R35 Nissan GTR coil was our top choice after extensive research, supported by data from PRP, a trusted supplier in Australia. Here’s why:

  • Proven Performance: Known to support power levels exceeding 2,000 horsepower on other platforms, these coils are more than capable for the Volvo RedBlock.
  • Customizable Design: The removable stalk makes them adaptable to other engines, including the Volvo B234.
  • Efficiency: They offer high spark energy with low current draw and minimal heat output.
  • Compact Size: Compared to bulkier alternatives, they fit neatly in tight engine bays.

We strongly recommend using genuine Hitachi coils sourced from trusted suppliers. While replicas may be tempting due to their lower cost, they lack the reliability and performance of genuine items, an investment worth making for consistent results.

dont just take our word for it, here is a link to key info. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI_fG4SduvU

Our Design Decisions

After numerous iterations and prototypes, we developed a low-profile mounting bracket that offers the following advantages:

  1. Compact and Clean Fit:

    • The bracket keeps the coils as low as possible in the rocker cover for a clean look and avoids hood clearance issues.
    • The design complements the classic aesthetics of the B234 cylinder head.

  2. Sealed Spark Plug Wells:

    • An O-ring seals the bracket to the rocker cover, and an insert at the rear provides additional sealing.
    • While not fully waterproof due to the factory rocker cover design, the setup effectively protects against moisture and debris. we have experienced wasting time fault finding miss fires due to moisture and we dont want our customers to experience this frustration. it can get expenisve when paying for dyno time.

  3. Factory Mounting Points:

    • The bracket bolts directly to the rocker cover’s original lead cover mounts, no modifications required.

  4. Wiring Placement:

    • Coils are positioned with the wiring on the intake side to reduce heat exposure from the exhaust.
    • The layout allows for a tidy, aesthetically pleasing loom.

What You’ll Need to Run This System

This Smart Coil conversion is a fantastic solution for modernizing your ignition system. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • R35 GTR Coils: Genuine coils are essential for reliable performance.
  • Removable Stalks: The universal stalks can be sourced from PRP, and we’re considering stocking these as part of a complete kit.
  • Aftermarket ECU: Your ECU must support sequential ignition.
  • Trigger Setup: Replace the OEM distributor with a crank and cam trigger system, as required by most ECUs. These can be sourced from other suppliers.

Conclusion

With Our Smart Coil conversion, you’re not just upgrading the ignition system, you’re investing in reliability, performance, and style. This system simplifies the ignition setup, delivers superior spark energy, and protects against common missfire issues. It’s the ultimate solution for enthusiasts looking to modernize their Volvo B234 while maintaining the engine’s classic appeal.

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