Here's what I posted last time this question came up.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by SergntMac
It's not a "coil on plug" upgrade, rather an improvement to what used to be called a spark plug wire, and I am sure y'all understand the importance of a healthy spark plug wire. Here's a pic of what comes in the box, there are more pics in my gallery.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/galle...cat=500&page=1 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9985&cat=500&page=1)
The OEM connector is (IMHO) very similar to a spring from a ball point pen, just larger. The Granatelli kit is a section of braided wire with a solid core and sturdy fasteners at each end. The OEM coil is used, but you get new (and genuine) FMC high temp silicone boots too.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/galle...cat=500&page=1 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9987&cat=500&page=1)
Install time is just a few minutes less than changing spark plugs. Remove the coil pack assembly, and remove the boot from the coil pack. There's a possibility of damage to the OEM boot due to assembly adhesives, but this is why you get new boots, so, change them. Once the boot is off, remove the OEM wire and notice how flimsy it is in removal. Most likely you'll destroy it when pulling it off, but some of you may have no problem at all, which makes me question this high voltage connection to begin with.
Twist it counter-clockwise while gently pulling, it should come off okay. Replace with the Granatelli upgrade connector and install a fresh boot. Connecting it to the spark plug can be a tad frustrating, a bit of hunting for the reassurijng "click", but once it clicks into place you'll know it. BTW, no radio resistance noted.
The performance here, is in a "zero ohm" resistance to the power of the coil pack. Whether it be 50 volts, or, 500 volts, the OEM connector presents resistance to the flow of this power, and the spark suffers a loss of energy. Again, this is the same situation as y'all will find with conventional spark plug wires, if we had them.
Is it worth it? Can I point to any specific gauge, or, dyno chart and say "look here"? No. But, most of us should understand from our collective experience, that a bad spark plug wire can raise hell, while hiding itself in deep cover.
I have done some testing at the race track, but it doesn't look like I'll get time to do the live data logging on a dyno that I planned. At the track, I was able to do a number of passes where my MM was in relatively similar condition, i.e. street tires, street tune, street fuel, and so on. But these passes occured on different days, and are not "back to back". My performance improved from 12.4x through 12.3x and down to 12.218/113.02 MPH.
Is this improvement all from this Granatelli mod? No, I can't say that. But, I believe this mod has it's bang for the buck, and if you have ever had any spark plug wire mysteries, here's the solution.
BTW, our friend Wes Chain at Innovative Interceptors has these kits in stock, please patronize an MM.Net sponsor?
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That was my original point of view on this mod, and that's about all I can say about it today.
It's a fairly straightforward mod, no great science behind it. Reduce resistance and you improve the flow. Basic electrical plumbing, eh?
Like MarauderJack has posted, so many small and pestering problems that haunted my MM and gave it it's very own "personality" have dried up. Cold starts are quicker, the engine just lights up on the key. Not that I'm one to sit still for a warm-up period, driving through the 7 minute warm up loop is a lot less jerky and unreasonable. Both cold and hot idle is much smoother, as well as my throttle tip in. The whole car just drives smoother throughout the RPMs. There is no doubt in my mind, that this mod works, and is worth the money. Like FordNut, I'm considering the full upgrade. Both of us are at the upper extremes of power production and I may further benefit from upgrading my coils too. But, I took this mod a step at a time, and like Metroplex says, the OEM coils may be sufficient, if given half a chance to get their voltage out.
This upgrade does that. IMHO, it works. Make your own list of tiny things you wish would would go away, then see what does go away?