{ENGINE} Ignition coil - options

[87grandmarquis]

I noticed that the plug connector on my ignition coil (looks like the end of a spark plug) is corroded and worn. It's so bad that the wire that plugs into it doesn't sit right and is loose.

My question is, what are my options for replacement? Is there some sort of upgrade I could do, or am I limited to stock?

I'll try and get a pic up later...

[Grand Marquis GT]

You can go to Advance Auto and buy a TFI Blaster coil, by MSD...

40 bucks.. Great coil, if I do say so myself (I run the canister version)

Justin runs one on his carb motor and loves it...

[Stu]

I used to have a MSD Blaster 6AL spark box with the Blaster 2 coil and a MSD Pro-billet distributor. I have since sold all that junk and am using the stock 14 year old Duraspark box, a stock reman distributor, and a stock coil. I have noticed ZERO difference from the two setups.

Save your money.

[Grand Marquis GT]

I notice a difference in drivability and startup with my 6AL.

Well worth the 225 I paid for it, IMO...

[phayzer5]

you didnt notice a damn difference cause your motor was stock. Go see how many actual race cars run a stock ignition

[85MercPark]

you didnt notice a damn difference cause your motor was stock. Go see how many actual race cars run a stock ignition

easy there boys, play nice :naughty:

[Stu]

you didnt notice a damn difference cause your motor was stock. Go see how many actual race cars run a stock ignition

P71Times2 has commented on this matter several times. Unless you're running 6k or above, you don't need the latest whiz-bang ignition components. Money well spent somewhere else, like suspension upgrades or a motor-build savings account!

[Stu]

you didnt notice a damn difference cause your motor was stock. Go see how many actual race cars run a stock ignition

Also, Tom's motor is stock. I have more modifications than him--carb, intake, headers. He noticed some differences, but stated a plus was startibility--why does his ignition need the help and my box doesn't? After sitting overnight, my stock POS engine and rattletrap Duraspark unit starts up strong with the first turn of the key.

[Grand Marquis GT]

Plus, im paving the way for more future mods

[DuceAnAHalf]

id really trust my motor to a stock ignition when there is a 100 shot of mitrous in it. all it would take is 1 cylinder to not fire for a cycle or two and you have a nice explosion. thats why i went with a MSD that and it uses a fraction of the wiring that the duraspark does.

[85crownHPP]

NAPA has a replacement connector for you, 5 bux!!!

[Lincolnmania]

i;m running a jegs tfi coil on my towncar.......accell, msd, also make a replacement coil......supposed to have a higher spark voltage, and cost about the same as a stock coil

[phayzer5]

you didnt notice a damn difference cause your motor was stock. Go see how many actual race cars run a stock ignition

Also, Tom's motor is stock. I have more modifications than him--carb, intake, headers. He noticed some differences, but stated a plus was startibility--why does his ignition need the help and my box doesn't? After sitting overnight, my stock POS engine and rattletrap Duraspark unit starts up strong with the first turn of the key.

Do you want this kind of instability betweek 4 and 6k, when racing (or using that rpm range)? Or would you rather have a smooth curve from 3-6k?

[gadget73]

My thoughts on this. If you have a stock motor and have no problems with it now, you do not need to spend a lot of money on aftermarket ignition especially if you don't run it hard. Stock parts are just fine for grocery getter highway cruiser type rides. If a better than stock coil exists for about the same price, go for it because it can't really hurt any, but I can't see the need to convert the ignition system over to something more expensive and aftermarket unless there is an actual need for it. If you race, have a highly modded engine, run NOS or anything where having good strong spark is important, then by all means toss that stock crap. Ignition systems only show thier weakness at high RPM anyway. Reduced charge time results in weaker spark when a hotter spark is actually needed. Electronic ignition is much better about this than breaker point stuff but its still an issue. Capactive discharge systems are great for high RPM because they don't get weaker at high RPM to the same degree.


87grandmarquis: I'd go stock, or one of the hotter TFI coils that Scott mentioned since they cost about the same.

[87grandmarquis]

Didn't mean to start such a ruckus...

My car is stock right now, and most likely it will stay pretty close to stock for a while. I don't plan on any hardcore racing. I can see how a high performance ignition system might be right for some, but for me I think an MSD coil will work fine. The main objective was a repair, and a small upgrade for minimal cost is a nice bonus.

Thanks for the input, everybody...