When it comes to extracting every last bit of performance from your engine, the ignition system plays a pivotal role. A high-performance coil is a fundamental upgrade for anyone looking to improve throttle response, fuel efficiency, and overall power. Accel’s line of Super Coils has been a trusted name for decades, offering reliable sparks that make a noticeable difference in how your vehicle runs.
Whether you’re building a weekend cruiser, a dedicated race car, or simply want your daily driver to perform at its best, there’s an Accel Super Coil engineered for your needs. This roundup breaks down ten of their top options, from direct plug-in replacements to universal performance models, helping you find the perfect component to complete your ignition upgrade and get your engine running stronger.
Our Recommended Accel Super Coils
- ACCEL 140003 SuperCoil Ignition Coil
- ACCEL 140032-8 SuperCoil Ignition Coil – 8-Pack
- ACCEL 140001 SuperCoil Ignition Coil – Street -Strip
- ACCEL 140407 Super Coil-Electronic
- ACCEL 140033-8 SuperCoil Ignition Coil – Yellow – 8-Pack
- ACCEL 8140C Performance Universal SuperStock Chrome Coil
- ACCEL Performance Universal SuperStock Coil , Yellow
- ACCEL 8145C Super Stock Electronic Ignition Coil Chrome
- ACCEL GM HEI Remote Mount Super Coil , Yellow
- Accel Super Coil 8146
ACCEL 140003 SuperCoil Ignition Coil
This red and yellow Super Coil is a straightforward performance upgrade that delivers a significant spark energy increase of 10-15% over many stock units. It functions as a direct plug-in replacement, ensuring a perfect OE fit for a hassle-free installation with no modifications required.
The coil utilizes Advanced Bobbin Technology to maintain precise resistance and turn ratios, which is fundamental for generating a strong, consistent spark. This results in improved combustion, which can lead to better throttle response and more reliable engine operation, especially under load.
ACCEL 140032-8 SuperCoil Ignition Coil – 8-Pack
This 8-pack is the ideal solution for V8 engines or anyone needing to replace a full set of coils. Each coil in the set is built with specialized silicone magnetic steel cores and precision windings to deliver improved performance spark for a noticeable gain in engine smoothness and power.
Durability is a key feature, as the housings are molded from a high di-electric strength material and filled with a specialized high-temperature epoxy. This construction resists shock, vibration, and harsh engine chemicals, ensuring long-term reliability. Like other models, they are direct plug-in replacements for a perfect OE fit.
ACCEL 140001 SuperCoil Ignition Coil – Street -Strip
Designed for both street and strip use, this oil-filled coil is built for superior cooling, which helps maintain consistent performance during extended periods of high engine load. It generates a powerful 45,000 volts and is engineered for a faster rise time and longer spark duration for more complete combustion.
The design includes an extra tall tan alkyd tower and an integral voltage damper. This important feature works to eliminate flashover to the primary terminals, a common cause of misfires in high-performance applications, ensuring the spark energy goes exactly where it’s needed.
ACCEL 140407 Super Coil-Electronic
This electronic Super Coil provides a substantial performance boost, offering up to 45 percent more peak voltage than many original equipment manufacturer coils. It is specially engineered for fast rise time, extended spark duration, and maximum spark energy.
This coil is an ideal choice for 12-volt points triggered ignition systems. The increased voltage and energy output help ensure a strong, reliable spark, which can lead to quicker starts and improved engine performance, especially in older vehicles with point-style distributors.
ACCEL 140033-8 SuperCoil Ignition Coil – Yellow – 8-Pack
Another excellent 8-pack option, these yellow Super Coils are built with the same high-quality standards. The specialized silicone magnetic steel cores and precision windings work together to maintain proper resistance and turn ratios for a consistent, high-energy spark across all cylinders.
The robust construction includes a high di-electric strength housing filled with a high-temperature epoxy. This makes the coils highly resistant to thermal breakdown, shock, and vibration, providing dependable performance. They are direct plug-in replacements for a simple installation process.
ACCEL 8140C Performance Universal SuperStock Chrome Point High Energy Coil
This universal chrome oil-filled canister coil offers a classic look with modern performance. It is capable of a 42,000 volt maximum output, providing a strong spark for a variety of applications. With a primary resistance of 1.4 ohms and secondary resistance of 9.2 kilo ohms, it is well-suited for many point-style ignition systems.
The round chrome design is not only for appearance but also houses the oil-filled cooling system that helps manage heat. This is a versatile coil that can be a great upgrade for older vehicles or custom projects where a universal fit is required.
ACCEL Performance Universal SuperStock Coil , Yellow
This yellow universal coil shares the same high-performance specifications as its chrome counterpart, with a 42,000 volt maximum output. It is another oil-filled canister coil designed for universal applications, making it a flexible choice for various engine swaps and custom installations.
With a primary resistance of 1.4 ohms and secondary resistance of 9.2 kilo ohms, it is engineered to work with standard point ignition systems. The bright yellow finish makes it stand out in an engine bay, offering both function and a sporty style.
ACCEL 8145C Super Stock Electronic Ignition Coil Chrome
Engineered to improve high rpm power, this chrome coil is known for delivering quicker starts and instant throttle response. It is an ideal component for both import and domestic vehicles that use oil-filled coils, offering a broad range of compatibility.
A key benefit of this coil is its ability to boost performance in both points style and breakerless electronic ignition systems. This versatility makes it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to upgrade their ignition without changing the entire system.
ACCEL GM HEI Remote Mount Super Coil , Yellow
This yellow coil is a direct performance replacement specifically for 1984 to 1995 GM engines equipped with an HEI distributor. It features optimized low resistance and high turns ratio windings designed to produce a more powerful spark than the original factory coil.
At its core is an M36 high silicone magnetic steel E-core, which is engineered for higher energy output and more voltage. This design translates to improved combustion efficiency and reliable performance for a wide range of GM V6 and V8 engines from that era.
Accel Super Coil 8146
The Accel Super Coil 8146 is another member of the renowned Super Coil family, designed to provide a high-energy spark for enhanced engine performance. While specific technical details for this model are best confirmed by the manufacturer, it is built to Accel’s high standards for reliability and power output.
As with other coils in the lineup, it is engineered to replace stock units and provide a stronger, more consistent spark. This can lead to benefits such as improved throttle response, better fuel combustion, and smoother engine operation across the rpm range.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in an Accel Super Coil
So, you’re thinking about getting an Accel Super Coil to give your engine a bit more pep. I’ve been down this road myself, and let me tell you, not all coils are created equal. It’s easy to just grab the first one you see, but taking a few minutes to figure out what you really need can save you a headache and some cash. The goal is to get that enhanced engine power you’re after, not just a shiny new part that doesn’t do much.
First things first, you need to know what kind of ignition system your car has. This is the big one. Are you running a traditional points-style distributor, or do you have a more modern electronic ignition? Accel makes Super Coils for both, but they are different animals. Putting a coil designed for an electronic ignition into an old points system can actually fry your points in a hurry. I learned that the hard way on my first project car. Check your vehicle’s manual or do a quick search online to confirm your system type before you even start shopping.
Next up is the primary resistance. This sounds super technical, but it’s just about how much electrical resistance the coil has. For most street-driven cars, you want a coil with higher primary resistance (usually around 1.5 ohms). This works well with your stock ignition wiring. A coil with very low resistance (like 0.6 ohms) can produce a hotter spark, but it also draws a lot more current. This can overheat and burn out your factory ignition module or ballast resistor. Unless you’ve upgraded your entire ignition system, stick with a coil that matches your stock setup’s expectations.
Then, consider the physical size and mounting. The classic Accel Super Coil is that iconic, tall chrome can. It looks fantastic on an old V8, but it might not fit under the hood of your modern compact car because of its height. Accel also makes shorter, epoxy-filled coils that are often a better fit for tighter engine bays. Make sure you measure your available space and check the coil’s dimensions. Also, look at how it mounts—does it use a bracket or does it bolt down directly? You don’t want it bouncing around under the hood.
Finally, think about your actual goals. Are you just replacing a worn-out coil, or are you building a performance engine? If you’re staying mostly stock, a standard Accel Super Coil will be a great upgrade over a tired factory unit. But if you’re running higher compression or a turbocharger, you might want to look at their even more powerful offerings, like the Super Coil Yellow. Matching the coil to your engine’s needs ensures you get that crisp throttle response and reliable power you’re looking for. A good review of Accel Super Coil for enhanced engine power will often break down which models are best for different applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an Accel Super Coil alone give me a lot more horsepower?
This is probably the most common question I get. The honest answer is: don’t expect a massive jump on a stock engine. If your original coil was old and weak, replacing it with a new Super Coil will restore lost power and make the engine run smoother. You might feel a slightly better throttle response, but we’re talking single-digit horsepower gains in most cases. The real benefit is a stronger, more reliable spark that helps with combustion efficiency, especially at higher RPMs. It’s a supporting mod that makes other upgrades work better.
Can I install an Accel Super Coil myself?
Absolutely. This is one of the more beginner-friendly performance upgrades. It usually involves disconnecting the battery, labeling and unplugging the few wires connected to your old coil (often just a positive and a negative), unscrewing the mounting bracket, and then reversing the process with the new one. The key is to take a picture with your phone before you start so you know exactly where everything goes. Just make sure you get the right coil for your ignition type, as I mentioned in the buying guide.
Do I need to upgrade my spark plugs and wires too?
It’s a really good idea. Think of your ignition system as a team. A Super Coil is like adding a star quarterback, but if your receivers (the spark plugs and wires) can’t handle the pass, you won’t see the full benefit. Old, worn-out spark plug wires can leak voltage, and the wrong type of spark plug might not be able to handle the hotter spark efficiently. For the best results, I always pair a new coil with a fresh set of quality spark plug wires and the correct heat range of spark plugs.
What’s the difference between an oil-filled and an epoxy-filled coil?
The classic Accel Super Coil is usually oil-filled. The oil inside acts as an insulator and coolant. They work great but can potentially leak if damaged. Epoxy-filled coils are more modern. The coil windings are encased in a solid epoxy resin, making them more durable, resistant to vibration, and less prone to leaking. For a daily driver or a car that sees a lot of bumps, an epoxy-filled coil is often the more reliable choice, even if the oil-filled one looks cooler.
Why does my engine run worse after installing a new Super Coil?
This is frustrating, but it happens. The most likely culprit is incorrect wiring. Double-check that the positive and negative wires are on the correct terminals. Another common issue is using a low-resistance coil on a system that isn’t designed for it, causing problems with the ignition module. Also, make sure all the connections are tight and that the coil is properly grounded through its mounting bracket. If everything checks out, the problem might be elsewhere, and the new coil just made an underlying issue more apparent.
Are these coils good for high-performance or racing applications?
Yes, Accel Super Coils are a solid choice for performance use. Their ability to produce a high-voltage, hot spark is crucial when you’re running higher compression ratios, forced induction, or a nitrous system. A strong spark ensures the fuel-air mixture ignites reliably under high cylinder pressure, preventing misfires. For all-out racing, many people look at a full review of Accel Super Coil for enhanced engine power and often choose their race-spec models, but the standard Super Coils are more than capable for most street performance builds.