C5 ignition

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millerdog
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C5 ignition

#1

Post by millerdog »

I’ve recentl purchased a C5 ignition with the thin coils they offer. They state on the website that they will mount on an 1100, but are pretty vague on the 1000. Anybody have any problems with mounting the coils on a 1000? They claim plug and play, but I know from experience, this is not always the case. I’m just wondering if I’m gonna need to do some fabrication, or not! LOL. Super excited about this. I’ve had about every ignition you can think of on this bike. Not completely happy with any of them. Looking forward to seeing the difference. Thanks in advance!!
1976 sorta stock GL 1000. 1997 VZ800 definitely not stock Suzuki Marauder. Ride em like you stole em!
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CYBORG
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Re: C5 ignition

#2

Post by CYBORG »

not sure what coils you are talking about, but I mounted the coils that came with mine, ignoring the directions, and the traditional mounting place, to find another spot that they would mount and the wires still reach. Works fine. I don't see why theynhave to be mounted any one particular place
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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BlueThunder
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Re: C5 ignition

#3

Post by BlueThunder »

millerdog wrote:I’ve recentl purchased a C5 ignition with the thin coils they offer. They state on the website that they will mount on an 1100, but are pretty vague on the 1000. Anybody have any problems with mounting the coils on a 1000? They claim plug and play, but I know from experience, this is not always the case. I’m just wondering if I’m gonna need to do some fabrication, or not! LOL. Super excited about this. I’ve had about every ignition you can think of on this bike. Not completely happy with any of them. Looking forward to seeing the difference. Thanks in advance!!
The included coils do fit on the GL1000. Its a little tight and I had to remove the air filter housing. No fabrication was needed. However, I found that it is MANDATORY to use a relay to power the coils. Wiring through the RUN switch did not provide enough current and the C5 sputtered above 3500 RPM. The relay solved the problem.
...Brian
2014 CTX1300 Deluxe - BlackThunder aka Predator
1977 GL1000 - Ox
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millerdog
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Re: C5 ignition

#4

Post by millerdog »

Thanks for the tips! The relay has me worried! :(
1976 sorta stock GL 1000. 1997 VZ800 definitely not stock Suzuki Marauder. Ride em like you stole em!
low-side
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Re: C5 ignition

#5

Post by low-side »

+1 on the relay. It solves a lot of problems. I use the run switch to switch the relay.
Explorer
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Re: C5 ignition

#6

Post by Explorer »

I'm not sure what you mean by the "thin coils" either, but I mounted mine on an `82 1100 and they weren't exactly what you'd call plug and play. The relay must be a GL1000 thing, because I didn't need to. Or maybe I should, perhaps I'm missing something! What do I know? I'm certainly no expert.

If parts ever become a problem you can get ahold of Scott Campbell. Power Arc Ignitions. Inc. 2518 NE 102nd Ave. Ankeny. IA 50021. 515-964-7608. http://www.powerarc.com He'll fix you right up.
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CYBORG
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Re: C5 ignition

#7

Post by CYBORG »

I don't know if I used a relay or not. Probably did. I got relays controlling everything else. But it works so well, I haven't had to look at it in a couple of years :lol: :lol:
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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millerdog
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Re: C5 ignition

#8

Post by millerdog »

I sent them an email, asking about the power requirements, and using a relay. Hopefully I’ll hear back soon!
1976 sorta stock GL 1000. 1997 VZ800 definitely not stock Suzuki Marauder. Ride em like you stole em!
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ericheath
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Re: C5 ignition

#9

Post by ericheath »

Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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millerdog
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Re: C5 ignition

#10

Post by millerdog »

Mine hasn’t actually arrived yet, but yes, I believe that’s the one. With the mc2 coils.
1976 sorta stock GL 1000. 1997 VZ800 definitely not stock Suzuki Marauder. Ride em like you stole em!
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AussieGold
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Re: C5 ignition

#11

Post by AussieGold »

millerdog wrote:Mine hasn’t actually arrived yet, but yes, I believe that’s the one. With the mc2 coils.
this is a pic of one of mine .GL1000. in place of stock. not sure if it is the same coil pack you have purchased, but fitting is simple. it will be the best single upgrade you could do, in my opinion. i am sure Paul from c5 is available for any issues you may have.
ps
the relay is nothing to be afraid of, very simple to fit.
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BlueThunder
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Re: C5 ignition

#12

Post by BlueThunder »

millerdog wrote:I sent them an email, asking about the power requirements, and using a relay. Hopefully I’ll hear back soon!
They told me that one wasn't needed. Boy, were they wrong. Take the time to put one in, you will be happy you did down the road.
...Brian
2014 CTX1300 Deluxe - BlackThunder aka Predator
1977 GL1000 - Ox
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robin1731
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Re: C5 ignition

#13

Post by robin1731 »

BlueThunder wrote:
millerdog wrote:I sent them an email, asking about the power requirements, and using a relay. Hopefully I’ll hear back soon!
They told me that one wasn't needed. Boy, were they wrong. Take the time to put one in, you will be happy you did down the road.

They do test their ignitions before putting them out for sale. If the manufacturer tells me it doesn't need a relay I'm going with that. You are the first I've heard of that has had this issue. Where did you get the power for yours from? Originally? We are talking about 40 plus year old wiring afterall.

.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
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CYBORG
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Re: C5 ignition

#14

Post by CYBORG »

The relay assures full battery voltage to the unit. So does GOOD stock wiring
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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robin1731
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Re: C5 ignition

#15

Post by robin1731 »

Obviously I know what the relay does and is always good practice. But if their testing shows it isn't necessary then I would believe that. Like my earlier post mentioned we are working with 40m year old wiring if it hasn't been updated. ;) anim-cheers1
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
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