88 L98 - Ignition coil
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 225
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From: Fredericksburg Virginia
88 L98 - Ignition coil
Searched the archives and didn't see any suggestions for a HP ignition coil for a L98. Saw the hypertech one on Zip. You all suggest the Hypertech or something from MSD? Didn't really see how the hypertech would fit as the pic on ZIP is a little confusing.
Wadyathink?
Wadyathink?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: 88 L98 - Ignition coil (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
There is a limit to the stored energy in a spark coil of the OEM size being switched by a transistor . Aftermarket coils cannot suspend the laws of physics either, so if you want more energy in your spark, then you need to go to a capacitor discharge ignition which is what MSD is. Also, if you go that route, install the MSD spark coil. The GM coil and any aftermarket replacement was not designed for that kind of service and they won't last very long.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: 88 L98 - Ignition coil (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
MSD makes the best ignition products, but you should upgrade the whole system to go with it so you dont burn stuff out.
But on a stock engine, theres not alot of point of using something other than stock.
But on a stock engine, theres not alot of point of using something other than stock.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: 88 L98 - Ignition coil (jfb)
Aftermarket coils cannot suspend the laws of physics either, so if you want more energy in your spark, then you need to go to a capacitor discharge ignition which is what MSD is. Also, if you go that route, install the MSD spark coil. The GM coil and any aftermarket replacement was not designed for that kind of service and they won't last very long.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 901
Likes: 15
From: Punta Gorda, FL
Re: 88 L98 - Ignition coil (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
I have the Pertronix HEI coil and I really like it. However, it's purely psychological as there is no difference in the performance of the car. All you need is a stock coil.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: 88 L98 - Ignition coil (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
I have the MSD coil + cap + rotor. I dunno bout the 88's dist, but my 89 is screw down not "L" holder with springs. I had to modify the cap so I can use the screws. In the cap I have the MSD coil. The other night, the car wouldn't fire. It cranked, but wouldn't fire. I had no spark. So I took apart the cap/coil cover. I discovered the coil's ground screw had become real loose. Tightened it, and with no other changes, car fired right up. Just something to remember to check if you get the MSD setup and one day have no spark. But I love the MSD.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
If you upgrade your coil or anything else get the low resistance HEI bushing. :) I have an MSD-8225 coil in the car right now and the MSD-8412 low resistance bushing.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=9047
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=9047
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: 88 L98 - Ignition coil (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
The HyperTech setup has the advantage that it just bolts right up, though you will need to expand the rectangular opening in the ring that slips over the dist cap.
The real benefit of using this is realized with a good set of wires (TPIS for stock look or MSD SuperConductor for lowest resistance) and cut-back spark plugs with the gap opened up to .045".
BTW, are you planning to mod your 35th for performance?
The real benefit of using this is realized with a good set of wires (TPIS for stock look or MSD SuperConductor for lowest resistance) and cut-back spark plugs with the gap opened up to .045".
BTW, are you planning to mod your 35th for performance?
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