What does a "CD type coil" mean. I see this on a lot of ignition boxes. -89IRO

 

CD coils are for use with Capacitive Discharge ignition systems, like an MSD 6 series, as opposed to Inductive Discharge systems like stock HEI or points systems, or an aftermarket unit like the MSD 5.

 

So since I've got an '89 IROC-Z 350 TPI, the only ignition stuff I can get are the boxes and coils that say to use with "CD type" coils/boxes? O.K., that sounds easy enough. Oh and if I wanted to use say an MSD 6AL box or an Accel 300+ ignition, I can't put the box in place of my electronic spark control (the thing in back of the driver side valve cover, mounted to the firewall) right? The aftermarket ignition box is an "add on?" Not a replacement. Well can you tell me if I've got this ignition thing sorted out? Thanks! -89IRO

 

Factory ignition is Inductive Discharge, so you couldn't use CD-only coils with it.

 

Then why do I see guys with third gen camaros with an MSD 6AL box mounted to the firewall? So you're saying I couldn't use an MSD 6AL box or an Accel 300+ ignition? -89IRO

 

O.K., I did a little more research on all this. I like the Accel 250+ igniton (inductive) but it isn't C.A.R.B. legal (I live in CA), so that is out of the picture. Then I looked to MSD. The only two inductive and legal boxes they make for me is the "stacker ignition" and "blaster ignition." Do you know anything about these boxes? Opions? -89IRO

 

You could use an MSD 6 if you want, it works with stock or stock-type coils. The problem is that some high-end aftermarket coils are designed specifically for CD or ID systems. Using the wrong type of coil can damage the electronics.

 

Usually you can use one of the "boxes" with your existing coil. Most aftermarket coils will work with these boxes, but some aftermarket coils are made specifically for CD systems, which means you can't use that coil with a bone stock ignition. You have to be running a box of some sort.

That's all that means. The ESC module controls your timing more or less according to what the knock sensor is doing. It doesn't get replaced or messed with in any way.

The only reason you see MSDs mounted on the firewall is because that's just another place to mount it. You can mount it wherever you want to, really. I have mine tucked between the charcoal canister and the cruise servo.

You seem to be confused here. These boxes are basically installed in line between the coil and the rest of the ignition system. Where the distributor and ESC would control the coil before, it's now the distributor and ESC controlling the MSD, which then multiplies the spark and charges and fires the coil directly instead of through induction.

 

I guess we know who's keyboard's on nitrous...? You beat me by a full tenth Apeiron.

 

O.K., I think I may be gettin it here. So it would be useless for me to put in an msd gm blaster coil since it is CD right? In order for me to use the MSD blaster coil, I would have to also use a CD type box- they both work together. I am assuming my stock coil is Inductive- am I right? Tell me if I've got it right now. Man, $200 for a damn box! Do I really need the rev control? If not, I could just go with the 6A for $150. And the only thing with the msd box it that it is so big. Where am I going to mount it? I mean I don't feel like ripping the hell out of my firewall to mount it but I also want a clean look since I keep my engine compartment fairly detailed. -89IRO

 

Is the MSD GM Blaster coil CD or ID? How about my stock coil? If my stock coil is ID, how can I run an MSD box which is CD with it? -89IRO

 

Apeiron- Above you say that stock ignitoin is Inductive, and you say I couldn't use a CD coil with it, but are you saying I could use a CD coil as long as I've got the CD box? -89IRO

 

Being able to type up to 110 wpm comes in handy at times.

Yes, you could use a CD coil if you had a CD box. The best thing would be to contact the manufacturer and see what kind of coil they reccommend.

 

I think I am just going to go with the MSD 6AL and the gm blaster coil. I'll top that off with msd cap/rotor and wires. But if I wanted to I could just install the blaster coil right? Because no where does it say that it is strictly for CD ignition. Thanks guys. -89IRO

 

Okay, lets try this again.

Your stock ignition system as it sits is ID. The coil itself is just that, a coil. It's charged inductively stock.

When you add an MSD, this bypasses the normal "charging" method and directly powers the coil with capacitors. This makes your system CD type. Same coil, same result, different means.

Now you put the MSD Blaster coil into the picture. The Blaster coil is a replacement for your existing coil. Nothing more, nothing less. It has a little better output and probably better insulation. But no real design changes.

The other coils that you're looking at: the CD only types? Those are different design and can only be used if you're currently using a CD system of some sort. You can't use one with your stock system unless you add a CD box. But you should be able to use any other coil with the CD box if you so desired.

I hope you're not expecting a performance gain from all this...

 

Thanks JZA- I said above I already understood it all now. Everything now (stock) is ID. If I went with the 6AL, I wouldn't have to use a new coil, but I probably would. But I think I've decided that I am not going to put in a box. It doesn't seem worth $200 for a pretty much stock engine. Plus, there isn't much room in my engine compartment. Would I be better of just going with the replacement blaster coil, msd cap/rotor/wires? Or will I not even notice a difference with the new coil? I mean it is only $40. If this would give me a little hotter spark, and I put in the msd cap/rotor/wires and AC platinum plugs, then I'm all for it. I'm not expecting any 10 HP here, but maybe a litte better fuel economy/better throttle response? -89IRO

 

If your coil is still the original that came with the car, or is getting on in age/getting some miles on it, then replacing the coil is part of a good tune up. Just replacing the coil/cap/wires/plugs will make a noticable difference in the idle quality and throttle response (assuming everything else is up to par). You won't "gain" any horsepower, but you very well might recover some horsepower lost through an inefficient ignition.

 

Yeah, I thought about that too. I am positive that I'm not going to use the msd box. The car has 200,000 miles on it, so like you said, I would probably benefit from new msd coil. The car has a lot of miles on it, but it has been babied all of its life and runs awsome. Do you know if the AC Delco cap/rotor is basically the same design and material as the msd? Because my mechanic uses all AC stuff (which I have on now) and it would be easier for me to just put AC stuff on instead of me ordering msd parts. If not, it isn't a big deal for me to order the stuff, since I want to also put K&Ns in too next tune up (the more parts I get, the less I feel guilty about paying shipping). And what do you think about plug wires? I've got AC 7mm on now and I think they are great, not one problem with them. Do I need msd wires? If so, universal or custom? Oh, and do you know if the msd helicore wires include the coil wire? -89IRO