Which coil is better for my Dodge ignition upgrade?

[Lonesome7.3]

Back when I started researching the HEI upgrade I read the Ford coil is a better choice than the GM coil. I picked up several of each from the salvage yard along with all the wiring, connectors and bracketry. I plan to get it all mocked up and running with the junk yard parts then replace with new. Right now I am stuck on which coil to use. I like how the GM coil and HEI assembly fits together with no mods as one unit. If I am to ditch the GM coil in favor of the Ford coil I just want a better understand as to why.
Also, which one of the wires should I use as the 12V ignition wire? I was planning on using the one running to the coil. But the wire running to the ballast is also hot when the ignition is on. I am just wondering if one is better to use than the other.
The coil in the pictures with the female coil wire connector is the GM.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

I would like to think that if you were planning on "upgrading" the ignition coil, I would be looking at MSD ignition coils or other options.

I would like to think that a mopar/Dodge ignition coil would work better than a GM/Ford, just for the sake of application.

I don't know if something like this would work.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Every article I have read about this conversion states something a little different about which coil is best to use. I have notice the Ford coil seems to be preferred but I have not seen why. i prefer to use off the shelf parts so I can swing into any parts store for replacements.

 

[OldCracker29]

I would like to think that if you were planning on "upgrading" the ignition coil, I would be looking at MSD ignition coils or other options.

I would like to think that a mopar/Dodge ignition coil would work better than a GM/Ford, just for the sake of application.

I don't know if something like this would work.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Later on when I swap out the stock 318 I may go with a complete MSD ignition.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Yeah, the only reason why some people claim that Ford ignition and coil components are good is because there is some biased opinion stacked behind it. AC delco and OEM ignition/coil components are the best for GM, I wouldn't suggest it be the best option for any other brand application. If I had a Ford that I was tuning up, I'd be using Ford parts. Not that they are better for any reason just because it would be best for a Ford vehicle.

Just like you said, there's not really any reason why some think the Ford ignition components would be better, it's just a personal opinion.

Is it hard to find Mopar parts for this engine?

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I no longer think is ways of Ford or GM parts. It would seem to me a hand full of companies makes the parts for all the OEM's. I remember there being something specific about the for coil though and now I cannot find the information.

It is not that MOPAR stuff is hard to find. I am just getting rid of the problematic ignition components from that era. The HEI conversion is a simple and budget friendly way to do that until I get into the engine swap and total electrical replacement.