Ignition systems are considered wear items that need to be replaced at some point during a vehicle’s life cycle. If your vehicle is powered by one of GM’s Vortec powerplants and it’s time to service your ignition, it might be a good idea to move to an aftermarket system. An aftermarket ignition system will make your engine run better and improve overall performance.

The dwell inside the Vortec’s ignition module is what controls the saturation time of the coil. This dwell time is what the coil uses to produce the spark that fires the ignition. An upgraded module with increased dwell will crank out a spark that has increased intensity and it will last longer. This added jolt in the combustion chamber of the engine will help the engine’s throttle response, and how much low-end power it makes.

Now, you can go the safe route and just use OEM ignition parts as part of your maintenance route, or you can do what performance-minded people do and upgrade the system. Steve Davis from Performance Distributors talks about how the Vortec Firepower Ignition Kit can improve your engine’s performance.

“This kit is designed to improve performance and durability. The Dyna-Module has more electronic dwell time set into it compared to a stock module. The Screamin’ Demon Coil allows you to open up your plug gaps to .065″, this will aid in a more complete burn of the fuel in the cylinder. The coil, cap, and rotor all have brass terminals which improves conductivity. This kit includes a set of Live Wires that are low resistance and provide high-temperature protection.”

Performance Distributors wanted to get some real-world numbers using a Vortec-powered truck, so they installed one of its Vortec Firepower Ignition Kits on its shop truck. With the kit installed, the 1997 Chevrolet that’s powered by a 454 cubic-inch mill lowered its 0-60 time by an average of .96 seconds. If you’re interested in learning more about this kit, click right here.