[greg_moreira]

Just got it done after work today. I used the MSD external coil HEI dust cover(PN 8401)

it does come with the necessary wiring,and Its all plug and play, so if you had to go back....you can without any re-wiring.

I ended up using the Crane PS60 oil filled coil. I read some real good reviews about both performance and reliability. Plus, after confirming on here with the rep from crane, and another source in house that these coils are in fact 100% produced in the USA.....I figured this was a good opportunity to support both USA made goods, and a company thats been through hard times but still trying to produce the same quality products as always for us.

Initial impressions are good. It starts easier than ever. Idle quality is better, and it actually seems to smell a little cleaner.

Tomorrow will be the test. I actually warmed the motor up before changing out the ignition parts. My carb is chokeless(holley HP), and it doesnt like to idle right off the bat when the motor is cold. Once it has just a little heat in it...it starts and idles easy. I figured if I made a mistake wiring, or if anything at all was wrong, Id know right away. Since I warmed it a little...it was either gonna start right up after the swap, or it wouldnt. It definitely started right up. Once its warm it usually needs to roll 2 or 3 times on the starter before firing. Now...soon as the starter hits it starts. I can reach in through the window and just touch the key, which is nice. We'll see what its like in cooler weather with the motor cold tomorrow though. I expect good things from what Ive seen though.

FYI Im not using an ignition box. Im just using an original GM 990 module to fire the coil. So...a box isnt needed for this setup.

 

[69 Malibu]

looking forward to hearing your results, I'm planning on doing the same thing if there is any gain to be had.

 

[greg_moreira]

I'll keep you posted.

Unfortunately....I wont be able to report any power gains(whether they are there or not).

This car has only seen street time since Ive finished it right before last winter. On street tires....it doesnt exactly have enough traction to note any seat of the pants improvement. So unless it shreds the tires in unusually violent fashion, I doubt I'll be able to confirm or deny a power improvement. Even at high rpm...as long as Ive used a good module, I havent had issues with a stock HEI coil going over 6000rpm. It probably did extend how far it could run though.

Having it start easier and idle a little better is worth it to me just for those benefits alone, but I do expect it to be more capable overall if you were to run it through the ringer.

Cheap and easy way to add some kick to a simple, reliable ignition system. FYI just in case you had considered a recurve....I also used the MSD weights and center. They provide around 20-22 degrees of mechanical advance.

 

[greg_moreira]

Todd, I just wanted to report back and let you know its working out well so far. Its easier to start in all conditions. Cold start is good and it maintains a good idle quality much sooner. Since Im without a choke I always had to feather the throttle for 20 or 30 seconds to build enough heat to get it to idle under its own power. But now....yeah it can idle on its own real quick.

And once its warmed up....I can reach in through the window and start it without even touching the gas! It starts faster than my fuel injected daily driver. Soon as I hear the starter click....she fires. Im lovin that!


And of course...I had to road test it. I made a few first and second gear blasts and all seemed well. Your guess is as good as mine as to whether its making any additional power though... Ive got plenty of stall speed(4000), and a ton of gear(5.13's for now), so its quite a handful when playing on the street. I cant really gauge any seat of the pants improvement, but so far no negatives to report.

 

[69 Malibu]

cool, thanks for the update.