Ignition coil

[DMC3165]

I have a quick ignition question. Last year I had a tune up done but opted not to replace the coil because I was told it's ok. However it is kinda old (at least 13 yrs) and I'd like to replace it just for peace of mind. Aside from the vendor units are there any others we can use on our cars? How bout prices (if anyone knows any)? I am running a stock ignition setup.

[jawn101]

I have a quick ignition question. Last year I had a tune up done but opted not to replace the coil because I was told it's ok. However it is kinda old (at least 13 yrs) and I'd like to replace it just for peace of mind. Aside from the vendor units are there any others we can use on our cars? How bout prices (if anyone knows any)? I am running a stock ignition setup.

The one I got from Hervey was an off the shelf Pertronix Flame Thrower. Exact model# escapes me but I don't think it's anything special.

Personally I'd stick with the Bosch though. I don't think there's anything wrong with the one I got from Special T, and I too just wanted a new one... but my general rule of thumb is that if a Bosch part exists, it's the superior choice. I've yet to regret that....

EDIT: pretty sure it was this one. http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/coils/40000_volt.aspx - it's only like $6 less than the Bosch from Houston

[WelmoedJ]

The one I got from Hervey was an off the shelf Pertronix Flame Thrower. Exact model# escapes me but I don't think it's anything special.
John's Flame Thrower you've purchased probably is the 40kV type.
This one provides more "spunk" but you should use the MSD 8.5mm spark plug cables with is not to get trouble wth the standard spark plug wires!
You even can make the resistor pack use half of its resistance at all times providing a bit more Volts into the spark circuit.


Personally I'd stick with the Bosch though. I don't think there's anything wrong with the one I got from Special T, and I too just wanted a new one... but my general rule of thumb is that if a Bosch part exists, it's the superior choice. I've yet to regret that....
If you stick with stock spark plug wires the Bosch coil (18kV) is the way to go.
The Bosch coil is NOT superior to the Flame Thrower.


EDIT: pretty sure it was this one. http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/coils/40000_volt.aspx - it's only like $6 less than the Bosch from Houston
Reliability comes at a price. However since Bosch is European stuff, the Pertronix parts can be a bit cheaper. No quality issues there however.

I've been running the Pertronix/MSD combination over 6 year on several D's without problems or regret.

[vwdmc16]

Ive always supported the German Bosch parts but recently Im with MSD. I installed a Blaster II coil and removed the ignition ballast, this netted me a dyno proven 14 WHP and ive had zero drawbacks to the increased ignition voltage. Your results may vary.

[jawn101]

And I did neglect to say I'm using the upgraded silicone plug wires from Hervey as well It all came together in his tune-up kit. Didn't mean to imply I'm in any way displeased with the setup, just that in general I like the Bosch stuff :)

Hey, the Pertronix coil looks really cool. Ultimately the prices are about the same so you can choose the replacement option that fits your setup.

[stevedmc]

Ive always supported the German Bosch parts but recently Im with MSD. I installed a Blaster II coil and removed the ignition ballast, this netted me a dyno proven 14 WHP and ive had zero drawbacks to the increased ignition voltage. Your results may vary.

Did you increase your spark plug gap?

[Elvis]

Hey, the Pertronix coil looks really cool.


Something similar must this guy have thought, too :-P


8931

[vwdmc16]

Did you increase your spark plug gap?

I did, to .040 but lets not get Bill Robertson going on about plug gaps again:shhh:

[stevedmc]

I did, to .040 but lets not get Bill Robertson going on about plug gaps again:shhh:

I doubt Bill will say anything since he isn't active on this forum anymore. That is basically why I have assumed the roll of mini Bill.

Anyway, thats pretty impressive that you have dyno evidence that your upgraded ignition increased your HP.

[jawn101]

Anyway, thats pretty impressive that you have dyno evidence that your upgraded ignition increased your HP.

that's because he's a pretty impressive guy. :)

[vwdmc16]

Gee thanks Jon, But yes I was also surprised that I gained that much power, so I ran the car again in case there was a glitch but it was verified.

[lazabby]

Anyone running an MSD coil without ballast resistors? The discussion came up with a friend who removed the ballast resistor and installed an MSD coil. The coil overheated and blew up.

[stevedmc]

Anyone running an MSD coil without ballast resistors? The discussion came up with a friend who removed the ballast resistor and installed an MSD coil. The coil overheated and blew up.

It sounds like Wolff is. I'm still running my ballast resistor, but it is rewired to give the ignition coil more voltage.

[Farrar]

I ... removed the ignition ballast ...

Sorry this is so late, but I just got around to reading this thread. What did you replace the ballast resistor with? Did you just delete it entirely?

Edit: Oops, I hadn't read this page yet. Anyway, I am still curious. :) Thanks!

[AdmiralSenn]

Ive always supported the German Bosch parts but recently Im with MSD. I installed a Blaster II coil and removed the ignition ballast, this netted me a dyno proven 14 WHP and ive had zero drawbacks to the increased ignition voltage. Your results may vary.

Are these posted anywhere? We had a big to-do about this several times; I'd love to see the numbers.

[Ron]

We had a big to-do about this several times; I'd love to see the numbers.LOL..we sure did!
FWIW- I changed a clutch-pak in my transmission and gained over 70 WHP...:rolleyes:

[DMC3165]

Hey all, I just picked this up today. It's what the parts crossover list calls for. Is it correct/useable?


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[vwdmc16]

Yes, i removed the resistor completely and now the wires that went in and out of the resistor are connected directly to each other, I now have a full 12v going into the coil+

[lazabby]

Yes, i removed the resistor completely and now the wires that went in and out of the resistor are connected directly to each other, I now have a full 12v going into the coil+

Be careful. What I found out is that some makers have built in ballast resistors. A few coils do not need resistors. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to find out whether their coil needs resistors or not. If it does, then removing the resistor can cause damage to the coil.

[DMC5180]

I would also be concerned about what it will do to the Resistor in the rotor. Still it's interesting to see the effects of spark on HP. Do you have the Dyno Scans to post?