Are ignition upgrades really worth it? Do they have any increase in HP or torque over stock?

 

i just put on a MSD blaster coil in my iroc and i have barely driven it since but it seems to accelerate better and seems to rev higher...i put in a AFPR at the same time so i couldnt tell u exactly what kind of difference it made but since the coil was only 40 nucks, it seems worth it

 

Just stick with the basics. New wires, cap and rotor.

 

I agree with Mark A. Shields.

 

Look into the Accel ignition control module. It smooths out the top-end considerably. It's about $50 from Summit. If I did it all over again I would've only bought that and not the coil and wires. Tune up parts (cap, rotor) are a must.

 

Where is my ignition control module? Is it under the distributor? I can't seem to find it.

 

It's in the distributor cap under the rotor. It's the thing with all the wires connected to it.

 

A good 45-50000 volt coil will make a noticeable difference for you.

I put in the Proform coil and it does smooth the engine out, and will fire about anything you feed it

The module is under the distributor cap. It has wires going in each end so you can't mistake it.

 

Apparently the Accel module is not the best match to the MSD coil.
Some people have had trouble with that combination.

The MSD HEI module is a match for their Coil and is well recommended.

I'm running the MSD coil and the stock module. Seems to work pretty good.

The Matching MSD HEI Module is on my shopping list.

 

if you're stock, like you are, and you have a good tune up and not a bunch of old parts you won't see much if any preformance increase.

 

Does MSD make a 7-pin module? The only one I can find is 4-pin for non-computer controlled distributors.

 

I like my new MSD ignition I just installed on my truck this weekend. But I don't have experience to campare with others.
It did do what I hoped, so far.

Quick starts, steady idle, Quicker smother reving into high end (where TBI lags), improvement in acelleration (more notibly higher end) Im waitting to see if I pick up some MPG (maybe if I use that overdrive thingy next to the ***** Out setting).
Seriously, when crusing and "street" driving I use much less throttlle to maitain speed.

Plus: Abililty to add easy theft "deterant" switch you can hide just about any where.
Easy Tach connection. My truck has no Tach, so a plus for me.

What its worth to you depends on how much you are willing to dish out?
This is what I just bought For my truck, and what I paid at Kraigen Auto:

MSD Ignition 6A box- $135.84------Best price I've seen
MSD GM Blaster ext/coil- $42.74-----Fair
MSD to GM wiring harness- $26.59-----?
MSD Dist. Cap- $18.99----little over
MSD Rotor- $6.59----Too much
MSD 8.5mm direct fit- $58.99----Fair-----$96 at Pep Boys!!!!

Total- $289.74 +tax

Look for best prices, I jumped at the 6A box, but could have saved more on the rest.

6A Ignition and Blaster coil a must, core of added performance.
Harness just makes like easy, and easy to return to stock.
High quality wire and plugs are a must with this set up to avoid problems like electrical interfirence to ECM and radio static.
I just went with MSD wires for to keep it simple.
Any good spark plug will do. Platinim plugs may not be recomended (not really sure why, but I've had no problems with mine so far). Copper core plugs a recomended, I think these have better performance with the MSD ignition than the Platinums, but have a shorter operating life.
Cap, and rotor a smart thing to do If you have any boubts about condition of the current set. Any quality replacement would probably work as good.

Final Verdict:
I definatly like my new set up. But it may only be worth it (get more benifit) if you already have added mods like cool air intake, Cat-back exhause, headers, Chip; because these first simple mods really build apon each other.
Or if you are getting crappy millage and not running like it used to.
Sure a simple tune up may help that, but this was like ten tune ups at once
Some say it is only worth it for more highly tuned motor. I felt clear benifts already, and have not driven long enogh to see MPG gain. I can can enjoy this now, and be ready for the next big step, head and header.

My $.02 is free

 

I did the Accel coil and wires, new cap, rotor, and plugs. The only things I noticed were a little better throttle response and better high rpm power.
For me it was worth it.

 

If you've got a stock car the only reason you'd notice an improvement in performance is if your old parts are wearing out. That said, I noticed a huge difference switching over to msd ignition(not the box). I have yet to figure out which ignition modules I like, since my msd one lasted less than a year.