Today I ran some tests at 9500 and 10500 with the same results - Better performance with the mags only.  I won't go into that detail because there is better information.  To wit:

 

Today I talked to one of the LASAR designer/developer personnel with the following results:

 

1. There can be a rare failure mode where switching relays just outside the mags chatter or fuse.  This causes a condition where both the mags and the controller are trying to mess with the spark at the same time and this does result in a symptom of the mags-only operation always performing better than the LASAR.  With both trying to operate, the spark is weak.

 

2.  After mag exposure to very high heat, there may be a "distributor" function breakdown in a mag.  Note that about 15 hours were flown on my airplane during which, for some period of that time, the #4 exhaust pipe was separated from the head by about one inch.

 

3. There is not much advance occurring at high rpm (say 2700 Vs 2400).  Thus, I should not expect much improvement at max high power.

 

4. Above about 27" MAP, the engine baseline timing is used (320 = 25 degrees BTDC). There is no attempt to retard timing at takeoff power.

 

5. The software is for certified standard engines.  It may not work as well in performance modified engines -- high compression pistons, effective ram air, etc.

 

6. Not all LASAR failures show up in diagnostic codes when a laptop is connected.

 

After our conversation, I hooked up my laptop and attempted to start the engine and see if there was a LASAR diagnostic code.  The first problem was that it took me 10 minutes to get it started since it wasn't switching to LASAR-Start mode (indicated by panel light) -- finally, after a rough start, it wouldn't stay in LASAR mode, ergo no codes available.  A further call seemed to indicate that problems 1 and/or 2 noted above were occurring and probably that the special mags needed replacing.  Luckily, this Unison location is in Rockford, a 1.5 hour drive away, and tomorrow I will pick up two new mags.

 

More info in a few days