Ignition Coils

What Types of Ignition Coils Are There?

There are four main types of ignition coils, and the right one depends on how your ignition system delivers spark. Older and carbureted engines typically use a single coil feeding a distributor, while most modern vehicles put a coil on each plug. Here's how the styles in our performance ignition parts lineup break down:

• Canister coils are traditional high-energy coils that feed a distributor on older street cars and race cars.
• HEI coils mount under the HEI distributor cap, so you don't need a coil-to-distributor wire.
• Coil packs fire the cylinders on distributorless (DIS) systems, with no distributor at all.
• Coil-on-plug units sit atop each spark plug and are the most common setup on modern vehicles.

If you're pairing a canister coil or HEI coil with a distributor, check our distributors and components to match your setup. For a closer look at how each system works, read our guide to performance ignition basics.

How Do You Choose the Right Performance Ignition Coil?

Choose a performance ignition coil by matching it to your ignition type, engine size, and how you use your car. Bigger-displacement engines need more spark energy, so a higher-output coil makes more sense on a big-inch build than on a mild small block. Circle track engines also need coils that can withstand prolonged heat lap after lap.

Once you know your ignition type, compare coils by output and construction. MSD Ignition offers the Blaster series high-vibration coil, the Street Fire canister coil, and the HVC-2 series. Its lineup also includes the Pro Power coil, the 6EFI coil, and the Smart Coil. PerTronix Flame-Thrower coils include the Flame-Thrower III, the E-Core HEI coil, and the E-Core HC coil rated at 60,000 volts.

You'll also find coils from Mallory, so you can compare options across brands. Start with the ignition type your engine runs, then narrow by output.

When Should You Upgrade to Aftermarket Ignition Coils?

Upgrade to aftermarket ignition coils when your stock coil can't keep up with your build or starts losing performance. As you add displacement and power, your engine needs more spark energy, and a tired or undersized coil can leave power on the table. If you're already dealing with misfires or rough running, review the signs of a bad ignition coil before you buy.

On many modern engines, a replacement ignition coil upgrade is a direct swap. Accel Super Coil sets cover Ford 4.6L and 5.4L 4V engines and others, along with the SuperStock coil. Match the coil to your exact engine before you order so the connectors and mounting line up. A coil built for your specific application saves you troubleshooting time later.

Planning to add an ignition box? Browse our ignition boxes and confirm the coil you choose is compatible.

What Coil Accessories and Mounting Brackets Do You Need?

You need accessories that mount your coil securely, protect it from heat and vibration, and connect it cleanly to the rest of your ignition. Mounting brackets and relocation brackets let you place coils where they fit and stay away from heat. If you're swapping coil styles, a dedicated bracket saves you from fabricating your own.

The Moroso coil mounting bracket, for example, lets you run GM LS2 and later coils on a Big Block Chevy. Billet coil brackets offer another clean mounting option for your build. Coil covers help dress up the engine bay on exposed setups, giving your build a finished look.

On a distributor-based system, the coil wire carries spark from a canister coil to the distributor cap. Pair it with quality spark plug wires and accessories so every connection stays tight and clean.

How Do Ignition Coils Fit Into Your Ignition System?

Ignition coils sit between your battery and your spark plugs, stepping up voltage so each plug can fire. On a distributor-based system, the coil sends spark through the distributor and plug wires. On a coil-on-plug system, each coil fires its own plug directly, with no distributor or plug wires in between.

Because the coil and plugs work as a team, inspect your plugs whenever you swap coils. If they're worn, pick up fresh spark plugs so your new coils start on a clean slate. Before you start any coil replacement, disconnect the negative battery terminal.

If you'd rather upgrade the whole system at once, ignition kits bundle matched components so you're not guessing at compatibility. That approach works well on new builds and engine swaps. It also simplifies ordering, since you're buying one package instead of sourcing each part.