The truck ignition coil upgrade
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Sommer86 (11-09-2020)
04-12-2014, 05:38 PM
#91
The only 6mm "standoffs" I could find was threaded rod couplings which were way too long. I cut them to 1/2 inch lengths. The wide/flat head screws were also too long and I cut them to 5/16 inch. They worked out well as they had a #3 Phillips drive. Each one got a drop of red thread locker making them and the standoffs pretty much permanent.
Moving the brackets down on the valve covers eliminates any interference issues with the fuel rails.
Moving the brackets down on the valve covers eliminates any interference issues with the fuel rails.
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SweetJohnny (07-22-2023)
04-13-2014, 01:50 AM
#92
I have a set of the Newer style LS2/LS3 coils and brackets and valve covers, all complete with coil valve cover harness too, They came off a low milage 07 LS2 Vette , I wanted to replace my stock LS1 coils on my 01 SS, I would swap out the valve covers too since everythink is all together on the covers already. I think the LS2 coil harness will plug right into the cars main plug, But not sure if the coils would be wired right, i heard something about maybe other coils besides The LS1/LS6 coil using a older F-body ECM would not work right, But im not 100% sure, I would love to put them on the newer style coils look much nicer and are a very clean look
04-13-2014, 12:31 PM
#95
Tests were performed by Mega Squirt. The truck coils with the heatsinks (which is what this entire thread is about) were the only ignition coils that showed a higher output in joules. It's also noted that these coils are capable of better dwell but the PCM must be programmed to take advantage of it.
All other coils have similar (lower) output & performance regardless of year or engine they came on.
These truck coils can produce a hotter and longer lasting spark when compared to other coils. It's a very popular upgrade with the FI crowd.
All other coils have similar (lower) output & performance regardless of year or engine they came on.
These truck coils can produce a hotter and longer lasting spark when compared to other coils. It's a very popular upgrade with the FI crowd.
05-21-2014, 09:10 PM
#97
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[QUOTE=Paul Bell;12985321]The truck ignition coil upgrade: I have a 5.3 truck engine and not sure if it has the coils you refer to. I assume if it does not the upgrade would improve the 5.3.
Thanks Perry67
Thanks Perry67
05-21-2014, 09:19 PM
#98
Hey Perry, welcome to LS1tech!
The "better" coils are the truck coils that have an exposed aluminum heat sink on the top end. Shown in this post:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/17514054-post27.html
The "better" coils are the truck coils that have an exposed aluminum heat sink on the top end. Shown in this post:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/17514054-post27.html
06-15-2014, 11:20 AM
#99
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The truck ignition coil upgrade:
Swapping these coils into a LS1 equipped engine in a Camaro/Firebird has shown improvements in horsepower and torque. The same improvements should be seen in a Corvette or even a GTO. Some car owners who’ve done this swap have also reported better throttle response, engine smoothness and fuel economy. A few have done back to back dyno pulls to document the results. Power improvement results can vary from an increase high of 9 rwhp/18 rwtq to a low of 6 rwhp/2 rwtq. One shop showed no improvements at all. Obviously, results will vary and may be affected by other modifications done to the vehicle or the engine’s overall condition. Turbo shops have been using these coils for a few years, it’s even noted in the excellent publication "How To Build High-Performance Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s" (you do have a copy of this book, right?)
Swapping these coils into a LS1 equipped engine in a Camaro/Firebird has shown improvements in horsepower and torque. The same improvements should be seen in a Corvette or even a GTO. Some car owners who’ve done this swap have also reported better throttle response, engine smoothness and fuel economy. A few have done back to back dyno pulls to document the results. Power improvement results can vary from an increase high of 9 rwhp/18 rwtq to a low of 6 rwhp/2 rwtq. One shop showed no improvements at all. Obviously, results will vary and may be affected by other modifications done to the vehicle or the engine’s overall condition. Turbo shops have been using these coils for a few years, it’s even noted in the excellent publication "How To Build High-Performance Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s" (you do have a copy of this book, right?)
"In fact, the stock coils have been known to handle over 1000-hp turbo applications with no problem. They've gotten a bum rap from the blower and turbo crowd as many claim the coils struggle to handle high-RPM, big number power. Actually, the problem is not the coils, but with the spark dwell timing.
On boosted engines, the dwell needs to be lengthened at higher RPM but kept near stock levels at low RPM to avoid overheating the coils."
He does say "may engine builders believe the round truck coils perform better in high-horsepower applications than the other two coils," but … sounds like maybe he doesn't believe this himself?
I'm admittedly a noob, and I certainly am looking for advice on coils, wires and plugs for my currently stock, but soon to be bolt-on upgraded LS1. Sounds like from the book that's being quoted as the reference for this that the coils aren't worth the effort.
Anybody have dyno numbers that show an improvement for a non-boosted engine? Or is there another motivating factor like reliability?
06-15-2014, 01:36 PM
#100
Welcome to LS1tech!
Results on the dyno vary from more power to less power so it's your call. More power or not, my engine seemed to run a bit smoother after the swap and a tune for them. I would still do the swap today if I got another LS car without these coils.
Nobody should expect more power from this swap but they are the better of all the coils used by GM.
Results on the dyno vary from more power to less power so it's your call. More power or not, my engine seemed to run a bit smoother after the swap and a tune for them. I would still do the swap today if I got another LS car without these coils.
Nobody should expect more power from this swap but they are the better of all the coils used by GM.