Ok... I'm still pretty new at all this stuff, and I need some guidance here.

When would it be beneficial for me to upgrade to ... lets say a MSD ignition & coil?

Here are my questions:
1) Whats different between that & stock?
2) Why upgrade?
3) What will I gain?

I think you get the jist of my questions... thanks!

 

I've often wondered that same.

Seems like a lot of people upgrade but you never really here why.

 

For both forced Induction and nitrous applications the spark can be blown out due to high combustion pressures. Capacitive Discharge ignition systems provide a hotter spark that can stand up to the higher combustion pressures. Also many of these ignition systems come with added features that allow you to retard timing and set rev limiters.

 

I understand the upgrade for applications that you mentioned but I was specifically curious about the coil upgrade on basically stock engines.
I think 9 times out of 10 the coil upgrade to MSD or other is just because you can pick these coils up at your local parts store when getting the OEM coil isn't as convenient.