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| What is the difference in ECUs (Page 2/3) |
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cvxjet
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JUN 28, 07:28 PM
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I don't know if this is viable source- Summit Racing shows a cheaper and a more expensive AC/Delco ICM...Each as "More than ten available"....You might call and check it out.
https://www.summitracing.co...n%20control%20module
I would definitely go with the expensive version. I keep one of them and a small tube of Artic Silver conductive paste in a padded box in the front compartment (Along with tools to change it out)[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 06-28-2023).]
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82-T/A [At Work]
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JUN 28, 07:57 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by fredtoast:
Coil does not control spark duration does it, does it?
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The Ignition Control Module does that.
A stock coil is unable to produce the voltage needed to adequately provide power at the higher rpms. At say, 5,000+ rpms, the power being produced from the coil to the spark plug is significantly less than the power produced to the spark plug at 1,000 rpms. A more powerful ignition coil will ALSO have a reduction in voltage at higher rpms, but the lower power output in the higher rpms in a high-output coil is still higher than the lower output at higher rpms than a stock ignition coil.
There's been numerous tests on this (came up recently in another thread) and while it won't "increase horsepower," your engine will perform more efficiently and at full power in the higher rpms.
Car companies new this was a problem, and this is why a lot of performance cars at the time had dual ignition coils. It's why the industry eventually went to DIS ignition (with coil banks) and then went to COP ignition (Coil On Plug).
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Vintage-Nut
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JUN 28, 08:08 PM
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Cliff Pennock:
Can you please re-title this thread from "What is the difference in ECUs"
To
"What is the difference in ICMs"
The thread is about Ignition Control Modules and the OP made a mistake in the title.....
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Patrick
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JUN 28, 08:14 PM
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Vintage-Nut
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JUN 28, 09:59 PM
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ACDelco GM Original Equipment Ignition Control Module for '87 V6
GM GENUINE D1984A (10482831 / 19179580)
$83 @ RockAuto
https://www.rockauto.com/en...9152&pt=7172&jsn=869
Of course you can spend $57 more @ Summit if you want.
Many members recommend the use of GM or AC/Delco ignition modules and you can search the PFF of their experiences with 'aftermarket' modules.
The choice is yours, but you have been warned....... 
EDIT: IMO - Buy the genuine ignition module screws too (GM / ACDelco 10469668)[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 06-28-2023).]
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fredtoast
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JUN 29, 08:17 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
The Ignition Control Module does that.
A stock coil is unable to produce the voltage needed to adequately provide power at the higher rpms. At say, 5,000+ rpms, the power being produced from the coil to the spark plug is significantly less than the power produced to the spark plug at 1,000 rpms. A more powerful ignition coil will ALSO have a reduction in voltage at higher rpms, but the lower power output in the higher rpms in a high-output coil is still higher than the lower output at higher rpms than a stock ignition coil.
There's been numerous tests on this (came up recently in another thread) and while it won't "increase horsepower," your engine will perform more efficiently and at full power in the higher rpms.
Car companies new this was a problem, and this is why a lot of performance cars at the time had dual ignition coils. It's why the industry eventually went to DIS ignition (with coil banks) and then went to COP ignition (Coil On Plug).
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If I go to higher voltage coil can I increase the gaps in the plugs to make a "bigger" spark?
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fredtoast
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JUN 29, 08:20 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Vintage-Nut:
you can search the PFF of their experiences with 'aftermarket' modules.
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I have. I know most people say the quality is higher. I was just wondering about the difference is specifications.
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82-T/A [At Work]
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JUN 29, 08:34 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by fredtoast:
If I go to higher voltage coil can I increase the gaps in the plugs to make a "bigger" spark? |
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I don't want to say "yes," because the answer is really, "depends."
On the Fiero's V6... particularly a stock one, you may see a SLIGHT increase in performance with a hotter coil by gapping it slightly larger. But it really doesn't make too much of a difference, and you end up in the same situation where your coil is now having to work harder (which you just fixed by going to a hotter coil). In modified engines, particularly ones with significantly increased compression, it will actually hurt performance.
What you're basically trying to do with a wider gap is increase the surface area of the flame to the combustion material in the chamber. You can do this just as easily by going with a different set of spark plugs that have a different arc pattern. It's been a long time since I've changed out plugs. I basically took a decade hiatus of doing anything serious with cars while I followed my career. But I seem to recall there's several different spark plug companies out there which make plugs that attempt to increase the spark surface area while not putting unnecessary burden on the coil.
On Platinum vs Steel... I prefer steel plugs. The conductivity of the steel is just infinitely better than Platinum, or I should say the electrical resistance is far less in steel than Platinum. Only reason to go to platinum is because they tend to last longer. You can get a longer life out of them without having to change. But in a fun car where you don't drive it every single day, and instead want to get the most power out of it... go with steel.
Best thing I can recommend to answer your question though... for improved performance, engine efficiency, and better emissions for a more complete burn, go with a higher capacity ignition coil and an MSD ignition box like a 6EFI. I've used the 6AL in other cars, never in a Fiero... but I recently bought one to install when I get the chance. I think the MSD box (6EFI is the one you want that will be plug and play for the Fiero) is about $200 bucks.
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Vintage-Nut
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JUN 29, 10:33 AM
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The stock ignition coil delivers 30k volts which is adequate in normal driving conditions.
(I believe the OEM coil ceiling is around 4k RPMs and after that, the spark gets weak.)
Higher voltage ignition coils can deliver 45-50k volts at higher RPMs however has other advantages as 82-T/A [At Work] said.
I bought a 50k volt coil (Pertronix D3002 Flame-Thrower) on a '88 and using Platinum Spark Plugs for the greatest lifespan at the stock gap.
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sleek fiero
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JUN 29, 08:50 PM
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Hi Todd Platinum is actually a slightly better conductor than steel and is much more corrosion resistant That is the main reason the spark plugs on almost all new vehicles are either platinum or iridium rather than steel. According to the plug manufactures the give a more reliable and consistent spark. sleek
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Damn, I'm glad my