I have read and heard about Jacobs (and other brands) ignition kits, and am curious. How do they work? Isn't a spark a spark? I have a 1996 F150 5.0 auto. I use it as a daily driver and ocassional towing. How would a kit of this kind effect my truck? I'm sure that they work, but could someone explain this to me please! Thank you so much for your time and patientce.

--Martin

 

Well, the static you discharge in the winter in your house when you touch a door **** is just a spark, and so is lightning. Which spark would you rather experience. The high energy ignition system will make a difference. Some detriment would be reduced plug life but in my mind that is insignificant compared to the advantages. And I'm sure you've read the advantages from Jacob's web site. But the do cost. You have to wiegh the pro's and con's yourself.

 

MW,

I have a Jacobs on my '95 Supercab 4x4 with E4OD and 3.31s.

It works great on my truck. Increased low to mid range very noticeably. Obviously used less gas pedal to hold a given speed.
Helps when loaded down or towing and downshifts from OD much less.

I don't believe the HP claims, but I don't believe the output claims of 99% of aftermarket performance additions.

My mileage increased more than they claimed. My unit was $400 with wires, box, and coil. I did some quick math and figured the unit would pay for itself in fuel savings alone in about 24,000 miles. Gas was cheaper then, so the payoff is quicker now that gas is up.

Before the ignition, my around town average was approx 13.5 mpg, with tanks below 13 mpg in the mix. My average rose to just over 15.5 with the ignition. Highway mileage increased almost as much, with the highway average up in the 20.5 - 21 range.

I have since modified the intake and added a K&N, put on three piece pulley set, and installed a Gibson cat back. Of the four mods if I could only have one, it would remain the ignition.