94 Corsica would like some adjustments

Hello all, I am new to this thread. You guys are good, I love reading what everyone has put down. Very informative.

Here is my prob, I just had an idea the other day to SUP up my Corsey.

It is actually a 93, but all the parts I buy for it is for a 94, Whats up with this?

I would like to change out the AT to a 5 speed MT and change the motor out to a bigger one. I have a 3800 series engine from a '98 Pontiac Grand Prix, think I could get that to work, but then I know I would have to find a tranny for that motor. I love MT's

The motor does not really need to be changed out, I have been searching for some performance chips out there, and I am not sure which way to go. So many brands, so many forums, everybody recommends something else.

I also love speed, thinking about adding an MSD ignition system to it, oversized wires, and better plugs. This car now has over 143k miles on it, and it still runs like the day it came off the lot. It just glides. I love this car so much.

What do you guys think about the changes and additions. I am sorta new to this kinda stuff. I have always done my own car work for myself. Don't trust mechanics. So whatever I do, I will find a friend that has a shop somewhere with all necc. tools for me.

Any ideas would be much appriciated.

Thanx,
JacK

Ok, I have done a little bit more research, and I think I am just going to switch the engine out with one of the same, add a performance chip and a really small Ignition booster.

thinking about adding an MSD ignition system to it If you can find msd coil packs for it let me know. The ignition system on these things sucks. They use a minimal, wasted spark ignition system (think thats what it was called). Each coil pack powers two plugs. When a pack is given the signal to spark it sends electricity through TWO wires at the SAME time. One of these wires goes to the piston that is on the power stroke, (lets say number one for reference) the other goes to another cylinder which would be just at the end of its exhaust stroke. The spark down one wire makes the engine keep running, the other is wasted. Hence, wasted spark. Now, its also uses the minimal amount of spark possible to make the cylinder fire. This makes it impossible to use platinum plugs with stock ignition components. Platinum plugs need more electricity to make spark. The ignition components on the corsica and its relatives dont deliver enough electricity for platinum plugs. So they will cause it to misfire like crazy. The newer engines they changed the ignition setup some and it works much better. If you can find high output coils and run platinum plugs on it you'll proly get a decent gain in hp.

Ya I think I contacted MSD directly and got some part numbers from them of what I need.

DIS 4 ignition controller part number 6215, 3 8224 GM coil packs, and 3 8870 coil interface modules.

These are for a '94 Model. I think it can be used on on the 94 and up though. I am not sure.

He also told me to shop locally for these parts cause MSD direct purchase would be way to high. So find a distributor in your area.

I did a little bit of research on these part numbers at the MSd site and found out some really good things about them. I think this combination will add exactly what I want out of that engine. but I am still going to add a chip for fuel and air.

Hope this helps.