I've read a few times about the possibility of upgrading to a newer, or different type ignition coil system. I've heard the two systems referret to as type I, or Magnavox, and Type II, or Delco. Is this a good thing to do? What is the advantage of the Type II system? Am I able to visually see the difference between the two? Will I notice any improvements in fuel economy or performance? Also, what year did they go to the Type II? I was going to go to the junkyard today anyway, I might check it out if I can find one for cheap enough.

If anyone can give me the skinny on this upgrade in ... the next two hours or so, that would be great.

The only reason to get a different ignition system is for a hotter spark. You can upgrade the coils as the first step, then go for the whole shebang, and get the ignition control module later on if you are serious. MSD makes a nice one.

Type on has one big coil pack, type two has three coil pack. Coil packs are where you spark wires connect. Changing between the two doesn't seem to be worth it, Don (Jr's3800) had to switch back.

Yeah, I wasn't thinking of going aftermarket or anything, just junkyarding for an updated OEM unit. At this point, I think I'll skip it, unless they're dirt cheap. If anyone else has opinions or experience with it though, please let me know. I was thinking that i'd get a spare anyway, at least for troubleshooting purposes, and that if the type II worked, it would be fun to try. Would the '92 and up cars be a type II? Were they mixed through the years?

JRs3800 liked the way it idled with the Type 2, but it was a defective unit. He had to switch back because of that

If you get a type 2, you're able to get new coils from MSD and such.

New wires and plugs are always nice on an engine too

It sounds like something i'd like to try out. I'll be going back to the junkyard again sometime in the next month. I priced it out last time, and it looks like they can be had for $25.00, at the most, depending on what type of ignition they classify it as.

What exactly am I looking for in a donor car? Is it just on the newer 3800'*? I see that on the older 3.8'*, with the coil on the firewall side of the engine, the coil unit looks like a type II. Is that the same thing as the newer units? I just don't want to get the wrong unit. :?

To be safe, get a setup from a 93 or newer. Some of the 92'* are ok, too. My local wreckers all want close to 100 bucks for type 2 ICM with three coils. But they gaurantee them for 30 days. Plenty of time to ferret out any problems, and very easy to swap.

Save your old unit just in case.

Thanks Will, I'll do as you say and go for a newer unit. My junkyard also gaurantees for 30 days, actually! I do have to go out and find one myself though. Not that I mind really. I love the thrill of the hunt!

Collect a shopping list for other members if you're up to it

I'll warn you, most wreckers pull the engines and transmissions before the car hits the back lot. You may have to ask up front. My wrecker (actually a member here) pulls the ICM/Coil assemblies and puts them in the back room.

That'* actually a really good idea. While I don't have much free cash to work with, if anyone was looking for some rare, inexpensive piece of Bonneville, I could at least look for that.

I've been to this junkyard a few times. They keep engines, coils, everything, right in the cars. I actually saw a Type II coil last time I was there, but didn't feel informed enough to spring for it.

So, if anyone is desperately seeking an obscure, hard to find bonneville part, let me know. I hope to head back out there on monday the 8th to return a core and get some parts for another car.