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Ignition Upgrade Recommendations?

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Old 04-25-2012, 08:21 PM
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Default Ignition Upgrade Recommendations?

I recently replaced plug wires & iridium plugs, Engine still shakes slightly and feels like the ignition could be improved. No engine lights or misfires.
For those familiar with the Delco Coil packs and the ICM for the 97 Park Ave, please tell me if there is an (upgrade) better than the 3 Delco coil set up ?? any links or photos of newer coils??
Is the ICM below coil pack? Illustrations /links appreciated. ICM upgrade available there as well?? Thanks Folks!
Here is a photo of my current stock set up w/3800
Attached Thumbnails Ignition Upgrade Recommendations?-buick1997coilpacks.jpg  
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Old 04-25-2012, 10:22 PM
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The ICM is the flat plate the three coils mount to. In my opinion, as long as your Delco coil packs are performing to spec they are as good as anything else. I am not aware of an upgrade to the ICM. You might want to check the idle position sensor and the MAF. Problems with the ignition coils or ICM are more likely to give you high performance issues rather than idle problems.
Old 04-26-2012, 06:47 AM
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the oem setup is good. yours looks original though. you see any corrosion on the terminals?
Old 04-26-2012, 07:06 AM
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I agree. Stay with the OEM setup. I heard the MSD coils fail sooner than OEM'*.
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Old 04-26-2012, 07:17 AM
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Ya I am pretty sure it is all original. All clean, no corrosion at terminals.
On the other topic of idle, if the idle pos sensor was bad, it would throw a code correct?
No codes for that on this car and the MAF was recently replaced.
Possibly I should consider getting the Emission system professionally cleaned.
That would be the injectors & Throttle body serviced/cleaned next.
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Old 04-26-2012, 07:29 AM
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I'm not sure if the PCM can detect an open circuit in the IAC. Usually the common issue is carbon buildup inside that prevents it from closing all the way. Another indication would be the engine not starting, in which you press on the accelerator a little bit to open up the throttle plate. This will allow the engine to start.
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Old 04-26-2012, 07:51 AM
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Instead of paying someone to "professionally clean" the emission system, you can do it yourself with a can of Seafoam. Pour half a can into a full gas tank, and suck the other half into the intake system using a vacuum hose (off the brake booster is a common choice) until the engine stalls, let it soak for 15 or 20 minutes, then restart the car. Be prepared for a lot of smoke coming out the exhaust.

Let us know if you want more details on how to do this, but it is a very simple procedure and can be quite effective.
Old 04-26-2012, 10:37 AM
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You can always buy a can of CRC Throttle Body Cleaner and give it a go, I use that and their MAF Cleaner to keep my rides happy. As far as the coil packs go, I'd stick with AC Delco. Still have the original ones on the GP (171,xxx miles) and just replaced the original ones on the Park Avenue (88,xxx miles) last year.
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