ignition coil

[DMC81]

Is the coil on a Delorean just a standard 12v coil that I can pick up at a local parts store like for a small block?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Most people find the OEM coil is the best to use. It was designed for the values of our resistors for optimal performance. Most any coil will run the engine if thats all you care about. You need a coil with about the same primary resistance to keep coil current 5 or 6 amps. If you run to much current it will over heat. To little current and you get low spark energy.

[sdg3205]

You can't beat our Bosch units at $36 bucks.

[DMC3165]

Direct replacement, available at just about any local parts store.

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

[Spittybug]

Or do what several of us have done with no problems: http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/coils/40000_volt.aspx and ditch the ballast resistors. Makes for a nice clean fire wall.

[Dangermouse]

What do those sell for? (their website is acting weird on my phone)

[Spittybug]

~$45.

[DniveK]

Are you using the 1.5 ohm or 3 ohm version?

[Spittybug]

1.5 ohm, Chrome body. Had it for a few years now. No problems.

I was looking to see if I had a good picture of the engine bay without the ballast resistors and with all of my mods and I actually don't. I'll work on that. I got rid of the light switch too and replaced it with a simple toggle mounted right in the side of the light itself. No brainer to help clean things up.

[David T]

You can use any coil that is made to use an EXTERNAL resistor. Some coils have a ballast resistor built in, you cannot use them. If you choose to use a "high performance" coil it may have too low an internal resistance and may cause damage to the ignition ECU. Why are you replacing the coil? Isn't it giving you a nice, fat, blue spark?
David Teitelbaum

[Domi]

So, what's the main difference between the Bosch, Pertronix and MSD we can find on John's website?
http://www.specialtauto.com/delorean-parts/engine-tuneup.html
And finaly, what is the best to use?

[DMC81]

You can use any coil that is made to use an EXTERNAL resistor. Some coils have a ballast resistor built in, you cannot use them. If you choose to use a "high performance" coil it may have too low an internal resistance and may cause damage to the ignition ECU. Why are you replacing the coil? Isn't it giving you a nice, fat, blue spark?
David Teitelbaum

I need to get alot done to my Delorean but the other day I went out to start it and it has NO spark at all so I assume its the coil but I still need to go check and make sure its getting power it's self.

[DMCMW Dave]

I need to get alot done to my Delorean but the other day I went out to start it and it has NO spark at all so I assume its the coil but I still need to go check and make sure its getting power it's self.

I would be surprised. I have yet to find a car with a coil bad enough to make it not run. They just dont seem to fail like that. More likely the ballast resistor wiring/connectors or connections to the coil itself.

[stevedmc]

Or do what several of us have done with no problems: http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/coils/40000_volt.aspx and ditch the ballast resistors. Makes for a nice clean fire wall.

I'm not trying to start a debate, but yeah. Many of us are running HEI coils such as Pertronix and MSD. You can bypass your ballst resistor (or rewire it) and run a wider spark plug gap.

The only draw back is your distributor cap and rotor will wear out faster.

[David T]

One of the most common causes of a "No Spark" problem is corroded terminals on the ballast resistors. They are made of steel and rust. Remove the connectors one-at-a-time and clean them so they are shiny. If that doesn't work you may have a bad impulse coil. Do not just replace parts in the vain hope you will replace a bad part. All too often you will be replacing good parts until you stumble onto a bad one. I would leave the coil alone for now. The less you disturb the better till you fix the problem.
David Teitelbaum

[DMCMW Dave]

They are made of steel and rust.

It only seems that way. They are made of steel. The rust comes later.

[deloumis]

It only seems that way. They are made of steel. The rust comes later.

Lol, good one..

[DMC81]

One of the most common causes of a "No Spark" problem is corroded terminals on the ballast resistors. They are made of steel and rust. Remove the connectors one-at-a-time and clean them so they are shiny. If that doesn't work you may have a bad impulse coil. Do not just replace parts in the vain hope you will replace a bad part. All too often you will be replacing good parts until you stumble onto a bad one. I would leave the coil alone for now. The less you disturb the better till you fix the problem.
David Teitelbaum

Thanks David, It's funny I always thought I knew alot about these cars until I got one...lol

[mluder]

I picked up the Bosch replacement at CarQuest yesterday... To bad it looks different (I know - stupid but I liked the original look).

Can't wait to install it along with my new spark plugs.

Cheers.
Steve