Ignition modules
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 649
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From: San Rafael, CA
Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L TPI (L98)
Transmission: 700RJunk
Ignition modules
I did a tuneup on my GTA and replaced the stock module (might as well when i have the cap off) with an accel module. Right after, I had a hard-start problem and a tach problem (it blanked at 3500-4000). I did some trouble shooting and i put the 'ole Delco one back in and the problem is no more. Obviously the stock modules aren't that good either and i'd still like to put a better unit in there...is there anyother aftermarket module out there that is actually worth it, or are their "gains" of the in-your-head variety?
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,746
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From: Tucson, AZ
Car: 1991 Z-28
Engine: Can you say stroke?!?!
Transmission: 700-r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
From what I've seen, and heard here, the aftermarket units are no better than the ones you can get at the local parts house.(pepboys, checkers, autozone, etc) If you want to upgrade, maybe look into getting an aftermarket ignition. I've heard the MSD unit bypasses using the module all together. I could be wrong but that's what I've heard.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,111
Likes: 53
From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 Firebird S/E
Engine: 406Ci Vortec SBC
Transmission: TH-350/3500stall
Axle/Gears: 7.5" Auburn 4.10 Posi-Traction
The MSD coil and module are the best HEI upgrade stuff
there is. You'll see the most benefit from replacing the stock coil
with the MSD. The stock GM modules are a big improvment over the origional 1975/80 modules, but the MSD module is still way better. Most improvement will be above 5000 rpm.
Be sure to replace the center pin in the cap when replacing the coil. The stock pin will overheat. With the increased voltage
and energy of the MSD coil and module, the quality of the rotor, cap and wires becomes more critical to ensuring the spark reaches the plug instead of shorting to a ground point. I'd say that's where your problem lies.
there is. You'll see the most benefit from replacing the stock coil
with the MSD. The stock GM modules are a big improvment over the origional 1975/80 modules, but the MSD module is still way better. Most improvement will be above 5000 rpm.
Be sure to replace the center pin in the cap when replacing the coil. The stock pin will overheat. With the increased voltage
and energy of the MSD coil and module, the quality of the rotor, cap and wires becomes more critical to ensuring the spark reaches the plug instead of shorting to a ground point. I'd say that's where your problem lies.
Last edited by F-BIRD'88; Jan 14, 2002 at 12:24 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,047
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From: Prince George, BC, Canada
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L Supercharged
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 3.70
Does anyone have a part number on that MSD ignition module I can't seem to find it anyware. BTW my Accel module died two after 5000 miles of use so I'am using the old one tell I can find a better one.
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,301
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From: Panama City Beach,Florida
Car: 1989 Camaro
Engine: 406
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
MSD HEI Coil part # MSD-8225 $60.99
MSD HEI High Energy Module part # MSD-8364 $65.99
This is by far the best upgrade for an HEI ignition system.
MSD HEI High Energy Module part # MSD-8364 $65.99
This is by far the best upgrade for an HEI ignition system.
Cool Tony you live in my home town. Hows Mr.PG doing 
At the end of this summer Im coming up there to visit my family.
Maybe we can get together and have a race.
88 GTA L98
vs
89 GTA
Should be a good race!

At the end of this summer Im coming up there to visit my family.
Maybe we can get together and have a race.
88 GTA L98
vs
89 GTA
Should be a good race!
Last edited by 89_RS_Mike; Jan 17, 2002 at 03:00 AM.
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Supreme Member
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 2
From: Prince George, BC, Canada
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L Supercharged
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 3.70
Mr PG is standing tall and proud LOL!
Sounds like fun E-Mail me when your about to leave.
Sounds like fun E-Mail me when your about to leave.
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