Smart Plugs Ignition System?

[David]

Ever heard of "Smart Plugs"? They claim (stolen from their web site http://www.smartplugs.com/indexn.html):

"Advantages of SmartPlug Ignition Systems
* No Distributor, Coil, Points or Moving Parts
* No Modification to Engine Necessary
* Ignites a Variety of Fuels
* No Electrical Noise
* No High Voltage
* Non-fouling
* Faster Burn
* Cleaner Burn
* Less Detonation
* Moisture Insensitive
* Can be used on a variety of engines
* Exceptionally High Altitude Capabilities
* Cold Starts Better than a Standard Spark Ignition System

Details
The SmartPlug is a self-contained ignition system that may be retrofitted to existing spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines. The SmartPlug consists of a prechamber containing a catalytic heating element. Cold starting requires up to 25 watts/igniter from an external power supply. The SmartPlug can be started with a 1.5 volt "D" cell all the way up to a 40 volt battery, depending upon application and design. Once the engine is warmed up under moderate load, the power supply is no longer necessary. The SmartPlug becomes self-sustaining while under load. This unique ability of the SmartPlug is due to its catalytic ignition source.

Click on image to see larger picture. 	The catalytic ignition source within SmartPlug is enclosed  in a custom-machined metal body, which forms a pre-chamber adjacent to the main combustion chamber. The body fits into existing spark plug or diesel injector ports, thus no machining to the engine is required. Ignition starts within the SmartPlug pre-chamber. Surface ignition begins first as a fresh mixture contacts the ignition source during the compression stroke. Because of the reduced activation energy associated with the catalytic ignition source, this occurs at temperatures far below the normal gas-phase ignition temperature. Combustion products such as (CO, CHO, OH and hydrocarbons) and intermediate species then accumulate within the pre-chamber. After sufficient temperature is achieved, due to compression, multi-point homogeneous ignition results. The mixture is then rapidly expelled through the nozzles at the bottom of the igniter. The nozzles cause the flame torch to swirl and cover the entire combustion chamber in an exceedingly short period of time."

So, does anybody think this would work? eliminating the distributor and associated timing headaches seem like a good idea to me, but usually if an item seems too good to be true, it is.

Dave
87.5 CGT
SE Virginia