OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

[CFreed11]

So I'm gonna be redoing my ignition system (coil packs, custom plug wires, plugs) and was wondering why most people suggest OE replacement coil packs instead of aftermarket? I was planning on going all MSD, but am going back and forth on the coil packs. Opinions?

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

Gm coils are great. They are efficient and extremely reliable. There is very little to be gained by going to MSD and seem to be more prone to issues. Not saying they are bad, just not worth the extra money. Quite frankly, unless you are having coil issues, there is absolutely no reason to replace the factory coils at all, even with GM replacements.

[crazytrain65]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

I've always heard OE is the way to go, I think MSD's have a tendency to fail, but I have no experience myself. I've only replace mine from some junkyard oem pullouts and never had problems ;) I do have msd wire though, just the streetfire cut-to-length ones. And I'd go with ngk tr55 plugs, a lot of people run them and like them including myself.

[Pewter02Camaro]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

I had two of the orignal coil packs on my car go bad about 3 months apart. I replaced them with MSD's, havent had a problem since. That was years ago.

[ssms5411]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

I always thought OEM were the best but it seems MSD fixed their problems with their coils so it looks like its a toss up on which to get, my stock coils have been good for 70,000 miles so I can't complain about OEM coils.

[Pewter02Camaro]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

I always thought OEM were the best but it seems MSD fixed their problems with their coils so it looks like its a toss up on which to get, my stock coils have been good for 70,000 miles so I can't complain about OEM coils.

Yeah it seems like either you have real good luck with factory coils or you have really bad luck. Doesnt make a whole lot of sense does it. Oh well i just considermyself one of the unlucky ones as far as stock coils are comcerned.

[CFreed11]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

So based on what you guys have said so far, and this thread from SixShooter a couple of months ago, it sounds like a decision of how much money you want to spend? I would have liked to keep with the MSD theme, but stock coils would be cheaper if there is little to no performance/reliability to be had by going aftermarket.

[thebeewantsboost]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

i'm not sure if there is any gain even with a stronger coil unless you need a stronger coil.... (forced induction-blow out) or decided to gap your plugs bigger.
you'll have better performance, just getting new coils if you'rs are worn though.

[enzia35]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

If you have money, go for it. I'm using ebay ones...

[CFreed11]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

I think I've come to the decision to stick with OEM coils. I'll still need to go with the MSD 8.5mm wires custom cut to work with my headers, but with there being no significant benefit to run aftermarket coils, it looks like it's just a waste of money in a way. Thanks guys, I appreciate all the helpful feedback!

[wddoan]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

Rockauto.com has coils ranging from $15 to $43, any significant reason not to buy the cheap ones?

[ScottieDont]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

Aside from the coils is there any reason to go with an aftermarket ICM, like a Delphi? Mine is going bad, or at least that is the next step in the diagnosis. And does the Coil Interface Block and anything? I'm used to working older chevys and i had a great MSD set up on a 383, just not sure if there is any advantaged to using them on my bird.

[ssms5411]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

Stock are very good, no need to upgrade unless you want to spend the extra for them.

[ScottieDont]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

Thanks. So no need for the Interface block either?

[ssms5411]

Re: OEM vs Aftermarket coil packs

Thanks. So no need for the Interface block either?

No need for it.