Ask Away! With Jeff Smith: Detonation vs. Pre-Ignition

"Okay, I keep reading about there is a difference between detonation and pre-ignition but it seems that whenever I ask anybody about this, they agree but don’t know the difference. The typical answer I get is “It’s really complicated.” So, is it really?"

That's what J.M. had on his mind, and it was bugging him enough to ask OnAllCylinders' tech answerer Jeff Smith what the real deal is about detonation and pre-ignition. Both can do some bad things to an engine, but they are indeed two entirely separate things.

In his latest Ask Away! column, Jeff explains the difference between these two combustion events, what damage they can do, and how to build and tune an engine to prevent either from happening. It's good, solid information that should be taped up on toolboxes everywhere--read all about it here.

If you somehow haven't seen Jeff's previous Ask Away! columns, not to worry--here's a link to all of the hot rod wisdom Mr. Smith has dispensed so far.