C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

why upgrade the stock ignition system?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:26 PM
  #1  
slickfx3's Avatar
slickfx3
Thread Starter
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
Default why upgrade the stock ignition system?

is it for higher rpm's?

lower e.t.'s?

is leaving it alone after a stroking the motor gonna be a problem?
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:33 PM
  #2  
Swift_Striker's Avatar
Swift_Striker
Drifting
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 20
From: Ontario
Default

not an expert in the subject but it's definately for higher RPMs. stock distributor has a hard time getting to 6k rpm if I remember correctly.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 11:05 PM
  #3  
Mr. Peabody's Avatar
Mr. Peabody
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Default

I'm sure the mechanics & racers will chime in but I thought it was because the coil can't build up a powerful enough charge quickly enough to jump the gap more than 6000 rpm.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2008 | 12:20 AM
  #4  
whalepirot's Avatar
whalepirot
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 120
From: AZ
Default

Originally Posted by slickfx3
is it for higher rpm's?
is leaving it alone after a stroking the motor gonna be a problem?
The consensus from my Corvette experts is the HEI is fine to 7000 rpm. You may need more spark energy if you run boost.

My engine pulls strong and hard to fuel shutoff at 6300 with a stock HEI. Chances are that your intake or the strength of the rotating parts will limit RPM before the HEI does.

Last edited by whalepirot; Dec 20, 2008 at 12:22 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2008 | 12:42 AM
  #5  
pearlvett's Avatar
pearlvett
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Bulverde TX
Default

Depends on year model. My '85 you need to install the new wiring harness to get ride of the old style capacitor and put in an Accel or Holly style ign. module to increase the RPM to 9000 if your motor can take it.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To why upgrade the stock ignition system?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:10 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE