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

HEI Ignition Coils

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Old Oct 12, 2003 | 03:05 PM
  #1  
DESPERADO's Avatar
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Default HEI Ignition Coils

I've been thinking of changing my GM HEI coil in my 87 for an MSD or Accel performance coil.

Couple of questions first...

1. Is the GM coil the same as every other GM coil or is more powerful like the MSD and Accel are?

2. Has anyone noticed much difference going to the MSD coil? My L98 is mostly stock.
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Old Oct 12, 2003 | 03:46 PM
  #2  
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vinnies87
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (DESPERADO)

I just replaced with good stock coil, since my engine is mostly stock , except for some show parts....
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Old Oct 12, 2003 | 04:47 PM
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (DESPERADO)

Been wondering the same thing. Probably go with the MSD.
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Old Oct 12, 2003 | 10:06 PM
  #4  
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (DESPERADO)

Aftermarket coils using the stock ignition module are a waste of your money and effort! Stock coils are designed to work with the ignition module, who knows what was on the mind of the aftermarket coil designer? The energy in the spark is determined by 1/2 LI*2, so to get more spark energy, either primary current needs to be increased (shortening the life of the ignition module), or the primary inductance must be increased (decreasing the maximum rpm the spark system can supply maximum spark energy). The stock ignition system is optimum for switched primary systems and you will find no difference if you install an aftermarket coil.
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Old Oct 12, 2003 | 10:11 PM
  #5  
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severe-1
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (jfb)

Plus your tach wont work over 3000 rpm.

Now if you also install a MSD6AL or Digital 6... :thumbs:
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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 11:27 AM
  #6  
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (severe-1)

Put my vote in with JFB.

Unless major modifications to compression, air flow, RPM changes, there is no return on investment. The stock coil is well suited to stock/near stock applications.

dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 pseed shocks
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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 11:59 AM
  #7  
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (DESPERADO)

I run the HyperTech coil/cap/rotor combo, TPIS performance wires and AC Delco cut-back plugs gapped to .045" for an 8-10chp gain and solid spark to well over 5,000rpm.
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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 04:32 PM
  #8  
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (DESPERADO)

Hypertech coil, and Holley ignition module :thumbs: Works good for me :chevy
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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 04:50 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (DESPERADO)

I've been using the MSD Coil, the past couple of years. Works great. No problems.
Just my thoughts.
tony
:flag
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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 06:05 PM
  #10  
DESPERADO's Avatar
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Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils

OK I think I prefer MSD products over the Accel.

I once installed the Accel in to my modified Camaro and I noticed better rpm response (quicker wind-up)

But, no one seems to have answered part 1 of my original post... Is the vette coil the same as every other GM HEI coil in the way of output?
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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 06:20 PM
  #11  
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From: West Islip New York
Default Re: HEI Ignition Coils (DESPERADO)

But, no one seems to have answered part 1 of my original post... Is the vette coil the same as every other GM HEI coil in the way of output?
You want to know if the Corvette coil is the same or better than say the coil used in the Tahoe? While I can't say for sure, I image the coil used in the Corvette is the top shelf offering from GM. This means I would not substitute another GM coil for the Vette coil. To be sure, check out the p/n's for different applications and see what you come up with. Its good to have a friend in the parts department when you start doing this.

As everybody else has already said, there's really no reason to upgrade the ignition. From the factory, this stuff is as good as you'll ever need.
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