Thread: Sluggish after coil pack install

Hey I had a question someone asked me on cardomain. They posted in my guestbook because they have an issue with their GP. I told him join here but told him I'd throw the question up on here to see what everyone thinks.

"Hey man, got a question for ya. When you put the coil packs and wires on, did you have to change the gap of your plugs? I put the blaster coil packs and 8.5mm MSD wires and she feels like she's kinda sluggish. Not much, but can feel the difference. I also hav a K&N AIT, 3.4" SC pulley, and no mufflers. Any idea. "

It could be that the MSD coils(not sure if he was talking about those) are considered a downgrade from stock coils. They are equal to l36 coils.

Originally Posted by Preotic

It could be that the MSD coils(not sure if he was talking about those) are considered a downgrade from stock coils. They are equal to l36 coils.

I'm pretty sure GM uses the same coils for a lot of engines. The part number for the L67, L36, and LA1 coils are all the same...

From my understanding, the MSD Coil packs can sometimes not always get a good seating to create the electrical current needed. I know there was something on the other board about it and that something had to added, either washers or something to keep a good contact with the MSD Coil Pack.

I am sure someone else might have a bit more insight on that one than I do, but that was my understanding of the only real draw back between the MSD's and stock coil packs. And like Sabre said, GM used the same Coil packs for the 3800 NA and SC model engines. I can atest to that as that I have had both a GT and now my SC. They are the same. Different part #'s but still the same make up.

Originally Posted by GeddyLee

Different part #'s but still the same make up.

Yes, I should've clarified. The internals have the same part number and are the exact same part, but for some reason GM slates a different part number for each RPO of engines.

FWIW, I don't ever plan on changing my coils unless they give me issues. They're actually pretty good since GM did their homework designing them. A good ignition system promotes efficiency, fuel economy, and lower emissions, so it was in their interests. I've heard such mixed results with other brands of coils that it all seems gimmicky. I have yet to see repeatable improvements.

PRJ said the part numbers are different between the L67 and L36, and that the MSD were for the L36. I'll see if I can find his post with the exact specs.

Originally Posted by IndeedSS

PRJ said the part numbers are different between the L67 and L36, and that the MSD were for the L36. I'll see if I can find his post with the exact specs.

The part number from engine RPO to engine RPO is different, yes. But the same internal parts (and part number) for the coil packs applies to most GM V6s.

ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting

ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting

ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting

ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting

Coil packs - - 3800Pro.com Forum

Still looking for the specs Paul provided about the output differences.

ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting

ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting

ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting

What is most disappointing is the lack of an exact output number assigned to the L67 and L36 coils. I may email Paul to find out what the high voltage probe reveiled. I'll make a hypothesis and say that although a small differnence between the L36 and L67 coils, the more lightly modded car won't have an issue running either one. Links are posted just to provide a quick source for opinions. I have no experience one way or another with coils. I do run PRJ wires mainly because of the headers and IC when I had it installed.

Pontiac coils for the same year differnt engine GM-CAR-PARTS.COM

Impala 3.8 versus 3.8 s/c GM-CAR-PARTS.COM

I run the MSD coils and the PRJ 10.4mm wires and I had zero issues. I have heard very mixed opinions on the MSD coils. I know I have heard a lot of people say they dont like them. Maybe I got lucky with mine. Been in for over a year and no problems.
The guy who asked me the question is joining the forum. I told him I got a thread started for him. A lot of good info from everyone whenever a question is asked on here. This forum is great!

Welcome to the boards Badaz!

I am glad you got the problem figured out. What adjustment was made to the SC that caused the problem with the coil pack? I am curious to know.

Originally Posted by BADAZGTP

Problem solved. It turned out that awhile back, I made so adjustments to my SC and that affected the new coil packs. Put it back to the factory setting and she's pulling hard again. Thanks for everyones input and thanks to David99GTP for getting my question on here and letting me know about the Grand Prix Forums. Thanks again everyone.

Hey thanks, thats what we are here for. If someone on here doesnt know an answer to an issue I dont know who else could lol. Some great people on here.