Is there a way to check coils? I'm talking about the coil-on-plug variety. Can this be done with simple testing tools at a salvage yard before I buy?
Easy, quick answer...no. They can check close with a multimeter and be OK or not. Most of them off the late engines are as reliable as the "old fashioned" coils. Easiest thing is to pick up a set off an engine and run them. They don't go bad setting, water don't hurt them with no power, the engine ran when the car was wrecked so it is fairly safe to assume they were good.
Thanks Bill for the info. The guys at SVT Performance website are pretty much in agreement that the oem Motorcraft are the most reliable, and pretty much all of the aftermarket ones are short lived. Unfortunatly, Ford gets too much for buying thru a dealer...so I may just pick up a salvage yard set.