I've got a 1991 3.1L V6 camaro with 34k original miles. I want to replace the stock ignition coil with a better one but don't understand all the specs on various coils. I've seen volts, milliamps, and ohms of impedence used when describing a coil but don't understand it all. I just want the best coil that's compatable with my stock distributor that will help power my ACCEL cap and rotor, ACCEL 9mm wires, and Autolite double platinum plugs that I just installed.

 

I belive hypertech is most powerful
next would be msd
then accell.


Accells have known to get hot and burnup. So I would say stick with the other two.

 

I have the MSD Coil and I love it!

 

The thing tow do properly when running a higher voltage coil is to make sure to run low resistence performance wires with it.

The stock coil is 38,000volts
MSD is 48,000
Hypertech is 53,000.

Now if you try and run a Hypertech coil with average "performance" wires that are better than stock but still have a substantial resistence, it will cause that hotter voltage coil to not unload its juice each time and will create more heat internally and burn up faster. It will also kill the amount of voltage released as the resistance build heat into a coil so a 53,000 volt coil with say crappy wires may only be putting out 30,000 volts.

I run Taylor 10.4mm race wires with a ohm resistance of only 50ohms so the coil fully releases the 53,000 volt charge and doesn't break a sweat. I also sheild the coil underneath with heat tape so the exhaust does not further add heat from the underneath.

 

Also never leave you key in the on position without the motor running (aka- just playing the stereo). This will build heat into the coil and fry it in no time. I never leave my key on for more than about 30 secs without the motor running

If your battery and alt are not up to par, then a larger coil is not going to produce maximum output voltage either. I am also running a 140amp alt and the best diehard battery money can buy.

 

Go with MSD direct bolt on and works great. My old one fell off and was hangeing on my exhaust manafold and melted up i have no clue how long it was like that for but the car was still running fine. I replaced it just because all the plastic was melted on it.

 

Accell coil, 8mm wires, 5 years, no problems.

And its is best to mount the coil else where but the stock location. Mine is on the cowl.

 

Are you sure about that? I coulda sworn it builds up heat in the ignition module, but the coil was OK. The coil heats up too?

The milliamp output is the strength of the voltage.
The impedance #s are there b/c the less resistance, usually the easier that spark will be generated. Some of MSD's $100 coils are low impedance, high milliamp output- but they also heat up quick and aren't meant for street use.

Pretty much any aftermarket coil will do ya right. The toughest part for you will be trying to find a place to mount it, because I agree with the others- don't mount it in the stock location. In fact I left my stock coil where it was, as a "backup" in case I broke on the side of the road and wanted to try swapping back to my stock coil.

Of course... that stock coil of mine is probably worthless by now (8 years and well over 150,000 miles later)

 

Hey TomP thanks alot for the info that answers the questions I was wondering about.

 

Accel makes the BEST STUFF!
Note location
It's effective.
Yeah it's mounted upside down. No problem.
All other points very valid.
These cars need near perfect operation of electrical system for best performance.
I've used Accel stuff for over 15 years. One Accel coil application of mine has over 100,000 miles/over 10 years & still operates fine.
ACCEL MAKES THE BEST STUFF!

 

I got a accel super coil w/accel cap+rotor and 8.8mm accel wires

 

The accell cap and rotor are junk i had it on my car not even a month and it was all corroded.

 

Same thing happens here with the Accel cap/rotor... then I tried a stock AC/Delco cap- look what happened! http://www.geocities.com/tomp_3rdgen/burnt-cap.html So I'm back on Accel...

 

anyone know the rating of the crane PS-91 coil, I just ordered it for my car and wondering how it matches up to hypertech and msd...

 

I used to be a big fan of Accel and now I'm not. I had Accel everything ignition related including a 300+ multiple spark box. Now now of those ignition parts work or have burned out. Now everything is being switched over to MSD and works alot better.

I say go with MSD

 

I have had nothing but problems with MSD on my Vette when I used to race it regularly. I was sponsored by Centerforce who was a dealler of MSD products also and would give me MSD products on the Vette. Even though it was free, after about 2 years and nothing but unexpected failures fairly frequently, I pulled it all out and when back to the original Mallory triple bearing distributor and Accel coils.

Accel wires are crap though. I am diehard for Taylor wires and Firesleeves to protect the boots from exhaust heat.

There is nothing out there better than AC Delco factory parts. Some equal, but none better. AC Delco ignition modules are by far the very best you can buy over ANY aftermarket ignition modules. with that said, I run either AC delco cap and rotors or Accell cap and rotors, whichever is more convenient to get at the time I am in need.

There is also not a better long lasting workhorse sparkplug on the market that a standard original (meaning NON-platinum) Autolite sparkplug. Its the only thing that would run reliably in my Corvette, my truck, or the Camaro for over a years period with all three having very hot igniton coils.

Most cars will show an improvment with new small electrode, or even platinum small electrode plugs because the ignitions are generally aged and weak so the small electrode will fire stronger at first. Hence why most claim so called boosts in noticible improvement. If the ignition is in perfect shape, you will not notice any improvement from a new Autolite compared to any other- however, the autolite will last longer unless your ignition is weak and can not support the larger electrode. Fact is fact, smaller electrode plugs have a shorter lifespan. Pltinum sprkplugs can not withstand high volt aftermarket coils with GOOD low resistence racing wires, nor can platinum plugs withstand nitrous.

All of this info I speak is from person life experiences.

 

Let me know by email if ya wanna unload the Accel stuff. I'd be interested in it!
PS
Borg Warner makes a Series that has brass cap & rotor just like Accel. Pep Boys available & about $5 less! I have that on my Firebird now & no true difference it seems. I used to use Accel cap & rotor but upon the offer of the Borg Warner stuff for less, easy decision.