What does an aftermarket CDI box do?
The “CDI” regulates your engine timing and also controls the spark intensity of your ignition system. A high performance “CDI” will advance the engine timing allowing for higher low rpm torque and higher top end speeds.
Will any CDI work?
Because ignition characteristics (particularly timing) vary widely across vehicle models, there’s no one CDI box that can cover them all. The CDI must be matched to the engine that’s being worked on. The CDI boxes in these systems are not interchangeable.
Which is better AC CDI or DC CDI?
There is no CDI system that can be said to be better than the other but each is good in different situations. The DC-CDI works well in areas where there is extreme cold temperatures and is very precise during ignition. The AC-CDI on the other hand, is simpler and rarely runs into problems.
Do I need a CDI box?
The short answer is, the CDI box controls your motorcycle’s ignition system—arguably one of the most essential systems on the bike. Most modern motorcycles (post-1980) have a CDI box, so even if you’re shopping used motorcycles, odds are, your bike will have one.
How do I test my CDI box?
Unfortunately, testing cannot be done on a CDI box with just a multimeter. The only way for a home mechanic to test for the CDI is to swap it with a CDI that is known to work. It’s for this reason that the CDI should be the last thing that you check.
Where can I get a replacement CDI box?
Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc offers both OEM style and Hot Shot Series aftermarket replacement CDI boxes. The only real way to test your CDI box is to swap it out with another known good unit from the same year/make/model.
Can you replace a CDI box at Rick’s Motorsport?
Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc offers both OEM style and Hot Shot Series aftermarket replacement CDI boxes. The only real way to test your CDI box is to swap it out with another known good unit from the same year/make/model. Because of this, we recommend that you rule everything else out before replacing the CDI box.
How can I tell if my CDI box is damaged?
The automotive should be switched off and allowed to cool. Use an ohmmeter to measure the electrical resistance of the CDI box in a quantifiable way. Different vehicles have specified electrical resistance within the coil. If the coil’s correct resistance levels fail to meet these specifications, you’ll know that your coil is damaged.
What does the trigger on a CDI box do?
The trigger tells the box to fire, the box determines when to fire which coil with the capacitors, and zap goes the spark plug, ad infinitum. In addition to dischargin’ those capacitors, the box may also influence your rev limit, timing advance, and other variables related to spark, but that’s it.