Ignition planning/understanding

The first step in planning is to set the goals for the engine. Some questions to narrow things down:

1. What RPM range will it be running?
2. Naturally aspirated or forced induction? If forced induction, how much boost / nitrous? More cylinder pressure can require a hotter spark.
3. What sort of fuel? If this is on alcohol, again, that will need more spark.
4. Carb or EFI? While this doesn't change how much spark you need, EFI may have built in timing control features.
5. More of a street car or a race car?

Some of the biggest considerations for an ignition system will be:

1. Is it delivering spark with the correct timing? For a street car, you will also want vacuum advance, not quite as important on a race car.
2. Can it deliver enough spark energy at your peak RPM?
3. How well will it hold up?
4. If it fails, is it important to be able to find replacement parts at your local parts store, or can you wait for something to be delivered?