darkman5001

I was thinking of upgrading my ignition system to an MSD ignition system. Also, I saw a coil that was 54,000 volts. Will this make more HP, or make the car more efficient? What is a good model of ignition for an 86 Vette? Thanks in advance!

:cheers:

Corvette0096

I would just stick with the GM coil. In fact if you are interested I have a 500 mile Accel disti with the MSD coil for sale. I went back to GM. :yesnod: This is the coil that is built right in the cap.

c4cruiser

The early stock HEI systems are not the best for high RPM use but stock TPI motors are about done over 5000 RPM or so anyway. I just use a ACCEL Super coil, good quality cap and rotor with brass terminals and MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor wires. I use stock AC Delco plugs and I check each plug out of the box to make sure the gap is correct.

My 87's motor has an early design ZZ cam, port matched intake runners, balance job and blueprinted and so far never had a problem with the ignition system. With a stock valvetrain, I can pull to just about 5500 RPM in 4th gear (127 MPH) with no problems.

65Z01

The ignition system is much like the engine "air pump" system; you benefit most when you upgrade the "system".

For the ignition system the HyperTech coil/cap/rotor is simplicity to install, has 54kV output and to higher RPM than the stock HEI. Combine that with a set of performance wires (e.g. MSD 8.5mm for very low resistance, or TPIS for lower resistance than stock with stock fit) and cut-back plugs gapped to .045" (on a NA engine) to increase efficiency, which brings about 8-10chp gain.

vader86

We cant really recommend anything if you dont come up with a long-term goal.

For the TPI, the stock GM stuff is excellent. The stock setup is choked at the same time the HEI falls off, so youre wasting money putting MSD boxes and the like in there without other mods to take advantage of the spark.

scorp508

The one it came with is perfect if you haven't done any modifications for higher RPM running.

Curveit

If you're going to replace these parts anyway, might as well up-grade.

:chevy

CFI-EFI

Driving down the road at 70 mph, your 400 horsepower engine isn't making 400 hp. Likewise, a 54000 volt coil doesn't make 54000 volts until 54000 volts are required. The ignition system "senses" the voltage required and send just enough to do the job. The demands of the ignition system are increased by, among others, higher compression ratios, wider plug gaps and higher rpms. The stock system has plenty of "head room" to meet the stock demands and of many modifications. A large percentage of high performance ignition products are purchased by the uninformed, and do little but stroke the ego of the buyer and provide an "OOOO" factor for their similarly informed friends.

Aftermarket 8.5 mm (or larger) wires do not have lower resistance, because of their size. There are plenty of low resistance 8 mm wires. The extra size only provides additional insulation for the 54000 volts your coil isn't going to be called upon to deliver. Larger diameter wires only complicate the installation, increase the cost, and contribute to the "OOOO" factor, for the majority of their applications. Chrome valve covers will give you about the same boost in performance.

Let your budget limit your ignition up grades. It certainly won't hurt anything but your wallet. Just go in with both eyes wide open. Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!

JAKE

According to Myron at TPIS, when he checked with the ignition "experts" he was told that the coil that comes stock in the distributor cap of TPI system is as good as anything in the marketplace.

The external coil that comes with some of the 'F' body cars needs improvement though, according to Myron.

For the 86, GM warns to be careful on the coil selection. This caution may apply to other years as well, but I don't have their Shop Manuals.

The coil wire color has to match the pick-up coil wire color for compatability. If your pick-up coil wires cross each other you cannot use a coil that has a yellow wire. I suspect it kills the module over time.

Jake

darkman5001

How much, and what are its advantages over the stock one? Thanks!

:cheers:

vinnies87

:iagree: