My ICM finally died. I had an upgraded "Hi-Performance" Dyno Mod module for the last six years.

Are these Hi-performance module advertising hype or worth the money? You can get the Accel for $48-$50 depending on the source, the Dyno Mod for around $80.00 and aftermarket "stock" thru Napa/Autozone/etc for about $30.

There isn't much on modules in the search archives. Either they work or don't. No information on improvements/hinderances to the ignition system. Any of you have practical experience in this area and advice. It isn't the money, if you think about it. Six years out of a $80 part is $13.33 per year verses the less expensive part $5.00 per year. I spend more on fuel filters each year to insure clean fuel to the injectors!

 

Looks like you have all the ignition parts to go with it.
Here is the one I go with. It fits in the cap and there is no obvious high voltage warnings.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Be sure you have a good cap. The cap that originally comes with the pertronix setup is the napa gold series.
You also have to disconnect the battery so your ecm will learn the new module.

 

I have to assume that you have the incorrect link to Summit, this pictures a coil not the module. I think you are referring to the Petronix "Flame Thrower Module" which sells for about $40.00.

If you are using this module, do you think it is better than stock?

 

Sorry, You are right, I am using an accel module. And yes there is definately a difference between stock and a high performance coil for a high performance engine.

 

P.T.Barnum was right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ignition module is a transistor switch that pulses the primary of the spark coil. Now please explain to me how an aftermarket transistor switch can turn on with lower resistance than a stock transistor switch!

Ans. It can't, but it can put money into the coffers of aftermarket companies that convince through advertising and product name that their ignition module makes for, "hotter", sparks. BOVINE EXCREMENT!

 

Thank the retail God's that there are aftermarket coffers to fill. If you think GM is the almighty & only correct parts then you are as lost as I am.
GM parts direct charges $45 for an equivalent oem.

 

jfb, if I understand you correctly, this is a switch only on/off. And the transister can't be tweeked for lower resistance, therefore a $30 module should operate the same as a "HI-Performance" $80 module. You wouldn't see any difference in your ability to tune the engine positive or negative between the two modules.

Thank you for your input.

 

Hi John, I personally doubt that there is any difference between an Accel, MSD or other aftermarket ICM, at least as far as performance goes. I do know that there are differences as far as QC goes in the manufacturing process. If I were you I would spend my $$$ on a genuine AC Delco/GM part. Some of the aftermarket brands such as Accel or MSD will advertise that their ICM increase dwell time which in essence increases coil saturation time which in theory increases output voltage.

The idea is to create a hotter spark. If that is a valid point then it will increase coil output somewhat, and that is based on what the coil can put out in the first place. A stock HEI GM coil is capable of just a tad over 50kv of open circuit voltage. And that was rated in 1975 when HEI was first introduced by GM using stock components.

There are slightly better coils out there as compared to a stock GM unit. Pertronix does make an excellent coil for the $$$ spent as does MSD. But at 50kv open circuit voltage for stock rating I doubt that an aftermarket unit making say 60kv would do much better. The reason is that it only requires <25kv to jump the plug gap at most any engine load and RPM. So basically even with a stock coil you have better than 50% left in its capacity.

The only other reason to get a aftermarket coil is for its better dielectric properties of its insulation. That alone is worth its weight in gold, because if you can't put the spark where it belongs then the coil is useless. A stock GM coil is also an excellent coil, especially for a street car in both a economy and a performance standpoint.

 

and thank God i'm not lost and understand the stock HEI components will more than cover most anyone's needs, including many modified engines