I am wondering what your opinions, prefferences, experiences are with the different wire options out there (MSD, Accell, Taylor...)? And if anyone has ugraded coils (without other boxes etc..)with any possitive (or negative) results.

 

If you do a search on this forum, you will be able to find tons of info concerning this.

From what I've read, Taylor Wires seem to be the most popular. I just installed some in my Z, and they are great, with no problems.

I don't know much about coils. I left mine stock, and experience 0 problems. You can search and see what others have done.

 

One thing you might consider is putting a new set of stock wires in your car. I know it sounds ridiculous but would you honestly like to bother with coming up with new wire looms, I mean getting the wires around the alternator bracket is a bastard to begin with. I just dont know how much hp can be picked up from a bigger set of wires. Anyway, I got my stock Delphi/ac delco pieces for $68 shipped from GMpartsdirect.com

Adam

 

I would go with either Taylor or MSD plug wires. As far as ignition coils I would go with MSD or Accel.

 

I used Taylor wires and a Crane PS91 coil for 2+ years with 0 problems.

 

Thanks for the replies, I ordered the MSD wires and coil yesterday so I know what I'll be doing this weekend.

 

I have Magnecor wires and really like them. They have 100% silicone jackets. Made in Michigan too. They are a little more pricey than the others, but they have a lifetime warranty on them.

 

There have been reports (and I experienced it...) that upgrading to a hotter coil on 93-95 cars can have a negative effect on your ignition control module (attached to coil) or your opti. I'm not trying to scare you away from the upgrade. I'd do it and did. I just mention it for those experiencing problems after an upgrade. One of the more e-tech types might have a better idea what's up with this, but it's real...

 

TonyJ,
I did see a thread about the Opticrap that talked about your point and it did concern me. It said that the week point (failure mode) with all Opti's is with the high voltage handling/distribution portion. Common sence says that if it has a tendency to fail in this area (with or without moisture) then putting more voltage through it will increase the odds (35kv vs 40+kv). I have also seen a few (not many) threads that complained that their opti's crapped after the instalation of a ignition system (not specifically only a coil) but like you I will hope for the best and cry alot if it "craps out".
Thanks for the word of warning, I may call MSD about this just to get their take (assuming they know anything or will be honest about it).

 

i will never use anything except Taylor's.

 

About the problem with the ignition after instaling an aftermarket coil or wires, I did run into a problem. I pruchased a Jeg's Red Hot coil (49,000 volts-highest for the money), and when I installed it on my '95 the car would not start. At first I thought that I hade left something disconnected or broke something, but everything was fine. After a few tries, I was able to get the car to start by pushing the gas pedal a little bit. Right away, I knew something wasn't right, so while the car was running (crap throttle response btw), I could see the coil arching from the coil to the inductor on the coil (the thing that goes around the coil). I immediately pulled this off and let Jeg's know what was going on, and they told me to return the coil. I put the stock one back on and voila! 1 crank and she was purring like a kitten. I just exchanged the Jeg's coil thinking that it was bad, and the next one they sent (brand new mind you-Jeg's is awesome), I got the same thing. This time I simply returned it and stayed with the stock coil.

 

magencor wires here...

no problems at all!

 

I've used the aftermarket stuff, stock, and OEM equiv (the parts you get at Autozone, etc) parts over the years. I've honestly never seen a lick of difference. No burnt wires, no arching, no extra power, nothing.

My opinion - The majority of ignition problems people have are due to the installation and not the parts. This is with the obvious exception of parts known to be of questionable lifespan like the opti and MSD coils.

Get whatever makes you happy and make sure you do a clean install and you should be fine.

JMO.

 

I am running the accell 300+ ignition box, 300+ coil, and 300+ race wires. I have had this set up for a little over a year now and have not had a single problem on my 94.

 

jkipp84,

You made a refference to the reliability of MSD coils as being questionable, I have never heard this before. I'll do a search for further info but what do you know?