Ignition coils are crucial to any type of spark-ignition engine, ensuring that the engines start properly and safely. They convert the low voltage from a battery into the high voltage needed to ignite the engine’s spark plugs,
When you need ignition coils, you may face some confusion over the difference between OEM and aftermarket ignition coils. If an ignition coil is built to OEM specifications, does that make it an OEM ignition coil?
OEM Ignition Coils
OEM generally refers to products designed and manufactured by the same company that produced the component when the engine or vehicle was initially built. The idea is that choosing OEM ignition coils guarantees that you’re getting the exact specifications and quality standards required by your engine’s manufacturer. However, be aware that the “OEM” term is often misleading or difficult to document due to the original manufacturer’s use of multiple suppliers, changes during production, or updates after the initial production.
What Exactly is an Aftermarket Ignition Coil?
An aftermarket ignition coil is a component produced by a manufacturer other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). An ignition coil can be made to exact OEM specifications, but is still considered aftermarket. Aftermarket ignition coils, as well as other aftermarket parts, are designed to fit, function, and often improve upon factory specifications, and often offer a cost-effective alternative for repairing ignition systems or a performance upgrade for better spark energy and combustion.
There is a wide range of companies that manufacture aftermarket engine components. While many aftermarket manufacturers adhere to stringent quality standards to produce reliable components, some do not. Some aftermarket manufacturers rely on lower prices to entice customers to buy a product that may not meet the specifications set by the engine’s manufacturer. In other cases, aftermarket ignition coils may be built with higher performance or modified standards that can improve an engine’s performance.
Core Features of Aftermarket Ignition Coils
- Performance Upgrades: Many aftermarket coils are designed to provide a stronger, more consistent spark than OEM, potentially improving throttle response and fuel efficiency.
- Types: They come in various designs, including coil-on-plug (pencil coils), coil rails, and distributor-based systems.
- Cost and Availability: Often cheaper than OEM, they provide an affordable solution for fixing misfires.
- Quality Variations: Quality varies widely; while some, like DENSO www.densoautoparts.com/denso-expands-its-aftermarket-line-of-ignition-coils, offer reliable replacements, others may fail prematurely or cause misfires.
- Fitment: They are typically designed as direct replacements for factory units.
Looking for a partner to make aftermarket ignition coils? Contact Custom Magnetics
Due to the numerous aftermarket ignition coils available, and the difficulty of confirming that an OEM ignition coil is genuinely OEM, deciding between OEM and aftermarket can be confusing. Basically, it comes down to finding a manufacturer you can trust to manufacture a high-performing ignition coil that:
- meets all the specifications of the OEM part
- uses the right materials for that specific type of coil
- has strict quality control and the appropriate certifications
At Custom Magnetics, Inc. We design and produce ignition coils built to specific OEM requirements; as well as coils for aftermarket and replacement needs that meet OEM specifications. Our custom ignition coils are engineered to customer specifications as well as OEM specifications. We understand that ignition coils are essential to the proper functioning of internal combustion engines for a variety of applications.
The industries we serve include automotive, small engine, and industrial equipment manufacturers, and we provide custom-engineered magnetic components rather than just off-the-shelf products. Operating since 1974 and ISO 9001-certified, Custom Magnetics Inc is ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR certified and compliant with several major industry standards such as UL, CSA, and TUV. With us, you can be sure that you’re getting the best ignition coils out there.
