Is the MSD ignition coil part no 8239 sold at the online performance shops, like summit racing, the same as the MSD coil (also part no 8239) sold at the Mini only performance shops? Same for the MSD wires (part no 32879).

Thanks,

--e

 

Not sure, but if you search a bit you will find most of the tuners & techs don't think much of the aftermarket so called performace coil packs.

 

Yep, save yer bucks.
Stock coil works just fine.

Jim

 

Thanks for the advice. My 02 mcs occasionally hesitates during heavy throttle around the 3.5 to 5k range. I don't know the exact cause but I'll be replacing spark plugs (inexpensive) and then look at replacing the coil packs and wires. MSD seems to be the better choice since they cost about 40% less than stock.

 

I had a miss / hesitation in the same rev range. Replaced the NGK plugs with Brisk brand plugs and the miss / hesitation went away.
Do a search on "Brisk" here for more good info.

Jim

 

The MSD is a better alternative. It has better electrical characteristics. The connections are of copper, much better than the aluminum on the OEM. No it will not show on a dyno, but that is not how electric parts are measured.

 

Yes, numbers are same,had both coil and wires on for 2 years absolutely no problems whatsoever.I can't honestly say any increase in performance however wires are way better than stock,especially because the don't pull apart when checking /changing plugs.
B.

 

"The connections are of copper, much better than the aluminum on the OEM."

Wrong! The MSD connections are brass, rather than the plated steel OEM.

For that reason, they won't rust like OEM (#3 usually first - closest to driver), and the coil won't degrade like stock as a result.

Don't waste your money on new wires, unless mice have been chewing on them - which happens surprisingly often.

 

Guess I needed to clarify more. The MSD wires are of a copper alloy, a quote from MSD:

The MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor Wire is "the" performance wire.Engineered from the inside out, the 8.5 offers everything you have everwanted in a wire; incredibly low resistance without electronic interference! In a single 12 inch length of Super Conductor Wire there is only 40 - 50 ohms of resistance! That is the lowest resistance of any helically wound wire. To accomplish this, we use a copper alloy conductor due to it's great voltage carrying capabilities. The low resistance results in less loss in spark energy so more reaches the spark plug.

And i'm pretty sure the OEM is a aluminum wire. Now the coil, yep they are brass

 

This past weekend, I changed out the fuel filter (not fun), did the Seafoam treatment, changed the oil and changed the spark plugs to NGK7E (formerly NGK6E).

No more hesitation so far. As long as it holds up, my stock coil pack/wires will stay.

As for compatibility of the MSD coil pack, I'll check with MSD directly.