Ignition Coil - any Performance gains???

Rockrz · Post by **Rockrz** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:56 pm

Are there any noticable and/or worth while performance gains
by using performance ignition modules for the 4.3L?

If there are, anybody know what brand
(and part number) works best?

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:53 pm

Are you referring to the ignition module specifically? Or a capacitive discharge controller (ignition box)?

I have not seen aftermarket ignition modules used on our trucks.

Rockrz · Post by **Rockrz** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:11 pm

I was thinking of the coil I guess you'd call it where the
ignition wire from the dist cap connect to.

I'm hearing from other sources that the stock ignition
setup is pretty stout as is, so if there's aren't any
power gains to speak of then I'll leave it stock.

I have thought about this several times
but just now remembered to post the question

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:28 pm

Stock is pretty good. They do weaken with age. There are a few aftermarket replacements available at the same or even less cost than a stock replacement. They offer better output too.
Performance gains may not be very noticeable, but every little bit helps.
Not sure I would invest in it as a performance gain, but when replacement time comes I would upgrade.

Rockrz · Post by **Rockrz** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 6:12 am

I always like to change many of my electronic parts
before they crap out on me and leave me stranded,
so when do you think is a good time to consider
replacing this?

My truck is an '03 with about 86k on it now.

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 11:29 am

There is no actual mileage when a coil will fail or should be replaced. There are plenty of vehicles still around these days that are 40+ years old and still using the factory coil.

When and if your coil does fail or if you just want a more efficient higher output coil, the Accel coil is the best replacement available right now. The factory coil is rated @ 38k volts, the MSD coil 40k volts, and the Accel coil is 48k volts.

Steve

Rockrz · Post by **Rockrz** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 11:32 am

killian96ss wrote:the Accel coil is the best replacement available right now

Would you happen to know the
part number for the Accel coil?

And, wouldn't the same part mumber apply to
all 4.3L V6 engines from late 90s forward?

crew cab sonoma · Post by **crew cab sonoma** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:14 pm

maximum rated voltage output is one of the least important
aspects to consider for a new coil...

for a 5000 rpm 6 cyl., its hard to improve on the stock coil...

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 9:13 pm

Rockrz wrote:Would you happen to know the
part number for the Accel coil?

And, wouldn't the same part mumber apply to
all 4.3L V6 engines from late 90s forward?

The Accel part # for 96 and later S10's is 140024.

Here is one @ Summit Racing.

95 and earlier S10's use a different coil with 2 connectors instead of 1.

crew cab sonoma wrote:maximum rated voltage output is one of the least important
aspects to consider for a new coil...

for a 5000 rpm 6 cyl., its hard to improve on the stock coil...

Aftermarket coils are more efficient due to their higher turns ratios, lower resistance, higher milliamp output, faster rise time, and they offer higher voltage "which is important" if you like faster starts, smoother idle, improved throttle response, and better high rpm performance.

Steve

crew cab sonoma · Post by **crew cab sonoma** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 7:24 pm

the coil will only produce the ammount of voltage absolutely
necessary to to do the job, regardless of what the coil is capable of.
and the truth is, that the stock coil never has to approach its maximum
voltage potential. not during startup, cruise, or at WOT at 5000 rpm.
and certainly not at idle...

sorry about the delayed reply, i just happened back across this thread.