I noticed MSD has two performance replacement spark coils now:
MSD 8226 - $49.99 100:1 turn ratio .68 ohm primary resistance 4800 ohm secondary resistance 44,000 max voltage spark duration 300us peak current 220mA
MSD 5526 - $37.99 85:1 turn ratio .45 ohm primary resistance 5500 ohm secondary resistance 48,000 max voltage spark duration 250us peak current 220mA
Edit: Looks like the 8226 is better because of the longer spark duration and the current. Depending on the ignition, the max voltage may never be reached anyways.
Edit: Autozone says the MSD 5526 voltage is 48000, while Summit says it is 42000. The MSD website does not have any info on the 5526. Manufacturer says 44000...
Edit: Streetfire (5526) IS manufactured in China, and some people says its a lot cheaper looking/feeling.
[This message has been edited by AustinH (edited 11-13-2014).]
Wow, not a clue. I think Gall757 might be right. I've been using the MSD 8226 for some time now with no problems. Got it on sale at O'reilly's for $24.99, I like it.
[This message has been edited by Ponnari (edited 11-12-2014).]
Actually the opposite. The coils vary on output by the turn ratio, more importantly, the more expensive coil has an advantage in an important area associated with the ability to ignite an air fuel mixture under adverse conditions like for instance a boosted application where misfire incidence increases with boost; spark duration, 300 us vs. 250 us for the cheaper coil. Contrary to what is often thought, current is what is needed to resolve a problem with spark blowout and that's why the plug gap is reduced as the initial remedy and why MSD coils alone almost never resolve the issue when used to replace stock coils that can't do the job. As the windings are increased to increase the voltage output, the available current output is going down at the same time. That's why the boost-a-spark module works, it increases the voltage going into the coil resulting in an increase in it's output without a reduction in current to the coil. Go with the greater spark duration which reduces the chance of misfire.
Think about it in terms of torque vs. horsepower
[This message has been edited by Joseph Upson (edited 11-12-2014).]
What is the unit of measure for spark duration?...... us...
Yes and it's significant, though small at the speed spark events occur, especially as rpm increases.
On the other hand, there is no benefit to having a performance coil or any coil that delivers voltage output above the stock coil if your ignition demands do not first exceed that of the OE equipment. The reason is because the coil, no matter how many thousands of volts it can deliver, will only deliver enough voltage as required to jump the spark gap. If it doesn't take 40K volts, your coil will never generate it.
[This message has been edited by Joseph Upson (edited 11-12-2014).]
I noticed MSD has two performance replacement spark coils now:
MSD 8226 - $49.99 100:1 turn ratio .68 ohm primary resistance 4800 ohm secondary resistance 44,000 max voltage spark duration 300us
MSD 5526 - $37.99 85:1 turn ratio .45 ohm primary resistance 5500 ohm secondary resistance 48,000 max voltage spark duration 250us
It seems obvious to me that the 5526 is the better superior choice for both cost and performance. Why is it so much cheaper? Is there some disadvantage to it that I'm missing?
Edit: Autozone says the MSD 5526 voltage is 48000, while Summit says it is 42000. The MSD website does not have any info on the 5526. Will look further into it.
Edit: Streetfire (5526) IS manufactured in China, and some people says its a lot cheaper looking/feeling. Nothing on performance.
I'd buy the MSD 8226 because that's what I used on my old 86GT. I remember the part number too.
Difference in price means something too. Summit lists that coil as the GM blaster coil.
If you're not running higher than stock compression,say 10:1, 11:1 etc pistons or forced induction, the stock coil will be fine. You should however replace all of the ignition related connectors. They are the number one cause of misdiagnosed coil failures.
If you're not running higher than stock compression,say 10:1, 11:1 etc pistons or forced induction, the stock coil will be fine. You should however replace all of the ignition related connectors. They are the number one cause of misdiagnosed coil failures.
Summit lists that coil as the GM blaster coil.
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/francis4
