Ignition module upgrade????
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Ignition module upgrade????
I have an 86 with the only upgrades so far being new injectors and MSD 6AL. I was wondering if it is worth it to upgrade the ignition module? I am still learning about the computer controlled timing and was unsure of the compatability of the module with the 6AL and if there is any significant gains to be made from swapping it out. The module I am looking at is an Accel module part number 35363. Will this work with the MSD, and is there anything to be gained? Any and all help is aprreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The ignition module is merely a transistor switch that switches 12v to the spark coil in accordance with a signal from the ECM. An aftermarket transistor switch isn't going to do anything different than the GM module. Don't bother wasting your money on an aftermarket spark module!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 112
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From: Vandenberg AFB California
Ignition system question
Not to hijack the thread, but what about the rest of the system? I have an 88 with 120K on the clock and it has the stock coil, cap, rotor and module. Is there anything to be gained by going with a hypertech system putting out 53K at the coil?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by Skrud13
Not to hijack the thread, but what about the rest of the system? I have an 88 with 120K on the clock and it has the stock coil, cap, rotor and module. Is there anything to be gained by going with a hypertech system putting out 53K at the coil?
Ive tried alot of aftermarket stuff years back,tried the hypertech coil system and in the end,stayed with the stock parts.The stock ones fit right,work right,and theres never a mod to do or perform.I saw or felt no difference with the hypertech system.If anything,it made it harder to put some wires on top there.The square coil cover was too big.
Stupid if you ask me.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by Skrud13
Not to hijack the thread, but what about the rest of the system? I have an 88 with 120K on the clock and it has the stock coil, cap, rotor and module. Is there anything to be gained by going with a hypertech system putting out 53K at the coil?
Ive tried alot of aftermarket stuff years back,tried the hypertech coil system and in the end,stayed with the stock parts.The stock ones fit right,work right,and theres never a mod to do or perform.I saw or felt no difference with the hypertech system.If anything,it made it harder to put some wires on top there.The square coil cover was too big.
Stupid if you ask me.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 702
Likes: 2
From: Conyers Ga
Be careful with aftermarket coils. There are some that will totally mess up your tach readings. I used an MSD coil and under hard acceleration, my tach reading would actually drop. Put the delco back in and all is right with the world....
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
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Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by nyernga1
Be careful with aftermarket coils. There are some that will totally mess up your tach readings. I used an MSD coil and under hard acceleration, my tach reading would actually drop. Put the delco back in and all is right with the world....
Also,bad spark plug wires can do that too,or if you have a digi dash and the wires are bad.
Another example,may not applies to the Vette but same symptoms,a guy I knew years ago had an 87 Z24 with the digi dash.The mechanic that did the tune up,left the plug wires sit loosely right on back of the alternator.This was a 2.8 FWD engine.The digi dash readings went nuts.I fixed this for him by moving the wires out of the way and covering them with a large loom.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by nyernga1
Be careful with aftermarket coils. There are some that will totally mess up your tach readings. I used an MSD coil and under hard acceleration, my tach reading would actually drop. Put the delco back in and all is right with the world....
Same coil, same problem here. Leave it stock, aftermarket stuff wont add any power.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 702
Likes: 2
From: Conyers Ga
Originally Posted by Bill's86Coupe
I believe that can happen when theres too much interference,whats the word,radio,or electromagnetic?I forget the term they use.
Also,bad spark plug wires can do that too,or if you have a digi dash and the wires are bad.
Another example,may not applies to the Vette but same symptoms,a guy I knew years ago had an 87 Z24 with the digi dash.The mechanic that did the tune up,left the plug wires sit loosely right on back of the alternator.This was a 2.8 FWD engine.The digi dash readings went nuts.I fixed this for him by moving the wires out of the way and covering them with a large loom.
Also,bad spark plug wires can do that too,or if you have a digi dash and the wires are bad.
Another example,may not applies to the Vette but same symptoms,a guy I knew years ago had an 87 Z24 with the digi dash.The mechanic that did the tune up,left the plug wires sit loosely right on back of the alternator.This was a 2.8 FWD engine.The digi dash readings went nuts.I fixed this for him by moving the wires out of the way and covering them with a large loom.
Upon closer inspection of the instructions that came with the MSD coil, they specifically state that this condition is possible with certain ingition systems. But yes......radio interference, bad tach filter et al could cause the same thing.
