MSD coils - Junk?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
MSD coils - Junk?
Yes, I understand the stock coils are pretty darn good, but I like the way they look. 
I own a C5 and I've been looking at the LS1 version of the MSD coils, however, from my research they are complete junk, sometimes failing out of the box. Perhaps the LS2 version is more reliable?
Is anyone here running the MSD coils? Are they junk or what?
I own a C5 and I've been looking at the LS1 version of the MSD coils, however, from my research they are complete junk, sometimes failing out of the box. Perhaps the LS2 version is more reliable?
Is anyone here running the MSD coils? Are they junk or what?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Hudson WI
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
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I commented on the other post. MSD coils obtained a really bad rap when first introduced because of them burning out due to insufficient power. causing one of the 8 coils to stop working. this was explained to be the result of there not being enough power on the existing cicuit being that it was already shared by the injectors as well. I think MSD was finally made aware of this in 2010 when they came out with a plug and play harness for the LS. bt that time People had already made thier impressions of junk by these things. I became aware of this problem first hand and was able to scource a harness to test it out. The system worked fine. I have had these coils in a buddys car for almost 3 years now and I have them in my car for almost one year. no issues.
The OEM coild work just as well and some vouch that even better. I like the MSD for the Look. I dont know if the multispark helps if any on low rpm but non the less. they look nice in my car.
Here is the harness that must be purchased
http://www.msdperformance.com/Produc...l_Harness.aspx
The OEM coild work just as well and some vouch that even better. I like the MSD for the Look. I dont know if the multispark helps if any on low rpm but non the less. they look nice in my car.
Here is the harness that must be purchased
http://www.msdperformance.com/Produc...l_Harness.aspx
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
I commented on the other post. MSD coils obtained a really bad rap when first introduced because of them burning out due to insufficient power. causing one of the 8 coils to stop working. this was explained to be the result of there not being enough power on the existing cicuit being that it was already shared by the injectors as well. I think MSD was finally made aware of this in 2010 when they came out with a plug and play harness for the LS. bt that time People had already made thier impressions of junk by these things. I became aware of this problem first hand and was able to scource a harness to test it out. The system worked fine. I have had these coils in a buddys car for almost 3 years now and I have them in my car for almost one year. no issues.
The OEM coild work just as well and some vouch that even better. I like the MSD for the Look. I dont know if the multispark helps if any on low rpm but non the less. they look nice in my car.
Here is the harness that must be purchased
http://www.msdperformance.com/Produc...l_Harness.aspx
The OEM coild work just as well and some vouch that even better. I like the MSD for the Look. I dont know if the multispark helps if any on low rpm but non the less. they look nice in my car.
Here is the harness that must be purchased
http://www.msdperformance.com/Produc...l_Harness.aspx
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
Here's an interesting article that discusses the failure rate on the initial MSD coils and what MSD did to corrrect it:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-pn-82878.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-pn-82878.html
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 105
From: Southport North Carolina
$5 for 8 MSD Coils
Not MSDs, but they sure look good...
Had a guy come up to me at a cars and coffee and start telling me what junk MSD coils were. I said, you don't care for my MSDs? he said nope. I said look closely, they are stock coils...
Think I want some MSD stickers for these...
Had a guy come up to me at a cars and coffee and start telling me what junk MSD coils were. I said, you don't care for my MSDs? he said nope. I said look closely, they are stock coils...
Think I want some MSD stickers for these...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 105
From: Southport North Carolina
Here's an interesting article that discusses the failure rate on the initial MSD coils and what MSD did to corrrect it:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-pn-82878.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-pn-82878.html
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 34
Here's an interesting article that discusses the failure rate on the initial MSD coils and what MSD did to corrrect it:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-pn-82878.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-pn-82878.html
This is from the link:
"In a recent email discussion I had with Todd Ryden, a technical writer who specializes in ignition subjects and consults to MSD, I learned the reputation of the original versions of MSD's coils for LS-series engines was tainted because of problems MSD had with its first two suppliers."
To me, opinion/experience from the above technical writer is bias, since he is a consultant to MSD.
****
I first tried MSD coils, other than the LS series, in the early '80s and continued until late '90s for both car and motorcycle. They were all problematic. They were made in Mexico at that time. It appears to be a historical blame game for an ongoing issue.
I have zero confidence on their coil. Since the OEM coil is a proven performer, there is no need for me to be a MSD LS coil guinea pig.
