Upgrading the stock distributor to performance, is it worth it?

[XtremeVette]

Iam wondering if its worth upgrading the ignition system of my 1990.

I have seen performanace distributors in Mid America and Ecklers that claim they double or give 50,000 volt sparks. Logic would suggest this would be better yes? or is this very misleading and is just snake oil as far as performance gains go?. I have two reasons for wanting to do it. I have somewhere in my ignition system something thats not quite right and prevents the car from starting. I twiddle with things then all of a sudden it fires up. Iam guessing its the small brittle wires that come out from under the distributor (they connect from the ignition module to the distributor). So by upgrading my distributor, I do believe Iam getting everything. New distributor, cap, rotor, upper coil and lower pickup coil, ignition module and the small wires.
Plus the advantage of more spark.

So does it sound worth it or should I just stick to what I have and see if I can't troubleshoot the wires.

Thanks
Just trying to understand the voltage thing with the HEI distributors.

Jeff

 

[Edmond]

Unless you're running high RPM, the stock system is fine. It doesn't take much spark to ignite gasoline and oxygen, the stock system does a fine job of doing that. But if the stock system is as old as the car, it should be changed. I would stick with the stock system, it won't give you an "increase" in performance but it will get you back to where you should be.

 

[grumpyvette]

swapping to a good msd distributor with the MATCHING COIL AND CONTROLLER..will generally give you a more consistant spark curve, stronger spark, and a noticably higher rev limit before the ignition becomes a limiting factor,and a multi-spark ignition below 3000rpm which tends to lower emmisssions and smooth the idle

its best to call and talk to the MSD techs for recommendations on your application, and you really need all three components to get the full advantage.

http://www.msdignition.com/ignition_6_6420.htm

http://www.msdignition.com/1coils.htm


theres nothing wrong with the stock HEI that can,t be corrected below about 4500rpm, but spin that engine to 6500 rpm and theres a very noticable improvement in the ignition strength and consistancy over that 4500rpms with the correctly matched MSD components

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I agree with the previous post---the Delco HEI system is excellent and reliable and parts are readily available and cheap, relatively speaking. I've tried the "super" ignition stuff on other cars, and it's all pure marketing gimmick unless you have a highly modified/high rpm engine.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Whoops, I should've said the first reply is the one I agree with! I tried one of MSD's "multi spark" systems, and it was wildly complicated to put in and didn't do a thing that I could detect. Again, IF you have a highly modified engine, maybe the aftermarket stuff is worth it. Otherwise, save your money and the complication.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[tigmaned]

the stock GM coil puts out 45,000 volts, not mush below the other ones out there.