cntchds

So now I'm thinking ignition coil and emblems. Figure that could possibly help fuel consumption since the one on there looks like it's been there as long as the car has been. :P Anyone have suggestions on which to get?

StangMahn

I always hear good things about MSD, though I'd guess they're pretty expensive

edumspeed

Nah, I got mine for $45 at the local Pep Boys. Direct bolt-on. People say that the MSD TFI coil makes noise, but I have one since I bought the car on April 13th, 07, with no problems. A key to that is that I put the black plastic cover that is around the primary winding on the stock one to the MSD to isolate the noise. A buddy of mine has one on his 90 vert without that cover and you can hear the current running on it. I should not tell you that you have to be extra carefull with that when diagnossing spark, they hit pretty hard.

cntchds

I guess maybe I should keep the stocker just in case I need to diagnose spark... I'll have to look up the MSD unit to see how much it costs these days. Can you tell any power increase/economy improvements after install?

cntchds

Also, would buying a used unit be a bad idea, or is that fine for this type of thing? I found one on the cheap on a local forum, but wanted to pose the question here first. Thanks.

edumspeed

The only noticeable thing i found was that the car started a little faster. I put it because I plan on adding an MSD 6AL later down the road. That would be a noticeable addition.

edumspeed

Buying used electronic stuff it's a gamble. It may work or not at all. I personally don't buy used electronic parts unless it's a real bargain (free or almost free) or in case of an emergency.

hi5.0

Personally not so keen on MSD stuff other than the ignition wire sets and the boxes. I've heard from people who do have their components that it stands for "Might Suddenly Die". I had a brand new coil that looked sloppily assembled and made lots of electronic noise - switched to Accel, noise gone. One guy had a brand new billet distributor that didn't work at all right out of the box - defective, so ended up getting a used one which worked. Go figure.

cntchds

My dad talked me out of the coil, and now I'm looking into headlights and bulbs. Any suggestions for aftermarket pieces? I have seen very few aftermarket headlights that look good, and I have no idea where to look for bulbs. Seems like a lot of people like SilverStar? I think that's what they were called at least.

hi5.0

Not sure of any particular brands or laws in your area concerning vehicle lighting. If you can, go for the clear headlight sets or maybe some smoked lenses. Not sure how you feel about projector-type housings - IMO, can tend to be ricey. Silverstars - heard they don't last too long. The Ultras are supposedly longer lasting. Haven't seen any GE Nighthawk bulbs recently - similar, but cheaper. I'd say stay away from the higher-wattage stuff because it may tax your wiring. Or go for the HID conversion.

future9er24

Smoked is the way to go

cntchds

Smoked probably wouldn't help the fact that my headlights are so dim right now anyway... Maybe the Blue Oval Industries ones, that are black housing, not tinted lenses.

future9er24

with some good bulbs im sure it would be fine

MY headlights are smoked, and I have no problem with THEM

lowblustang00

I recently went with smoked headlamps and I love em'. As to the silver stars, I have had some for about 2 yrs without any problems

edumspeed

My Protege has had them for three years, no problem. The important thing about replacing halogen bulbs is that you don't touch the glass, and since you don't know if the person who packaged them in the box followed that rule, clean them with alcohol BEFORE installing them. I always do that to new bulbs and has worked pretty well for me.

cntchds

Interesting. Why is that?

Should I expect to pay 40 bucks for good bulbs, or is that like really high end stuff?

Thanks guys.

edumspeed

If human oil or any other oily residue is on the glass bulb it will overheat it past it's limit and burn the hell out of it. I always clean them just in case.
I paid $40 for the pair. You'll notice the difference once you have them. Very white light indeed. The only downside is that you'll have to get used to the white lighting on the road, specially on the rain, but if you have fog lights, you'll be ok on rainy days. I can sure tell you that they are worth it since I wear eyeglasses.

StangMahn

sounds like I might have to give the silverstars a chance soon, $40 would be worth it to see if I'd be able to see better. since i changed the lights, my lowbeams seem better, so I may wait a little while. might have to do that at the same time I put fog lamps on

edumspeed

And remember, NEVER put white bulbs on fog lights cuz you won't see a thing on fog for obvious reasons.

95_5.0@16

Uh pete what happened to getting springs lol