Inexpensive ignition coil option?

[Hockey fan]

I was reading through old posts last night and came across a thread where Roninlb and PWD72s were discussing a Beck/Arnley coil with a part number 178-8009 (for $31.00) that he picked up at a Napa store. He used it with his permatune and it seemed to work fine for him.

My question is whether this same coil would work as a backup/spare in my 73.5 T? I do have the permatune and would like to start putting together a few emergency spare parts. However with many needs for my car, a new Bosch just to have as a spare seems a little expensive. I would rather have the extra $75.00 or so to buy other bits.

What do you think? Might be a cheap way to go for a little roadside insurance.

Thanks - Jeff

[pwd72s]

Jeff, I'm hoping Ron weighs in on this...the box for the coil still sits in my garage. As far as I know, that coil got Ron from here back to New York, including runs all over the west coast. So yes, with a permatune, I think it would make a good spare. You might want to think of carrying a spare permatune as well, if that's you ignition choice. I'm sure you've read the comments here, with many guys now choosing to go MSD.

[Hockey fan]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the reply. I've read that the same coil was used from '72 on up to around '83 so I'll probably go ahead and pick up one as a spare. The permatune was installed by the previous owner just last summer when I bought the car so I'll probably stick with it for now. I've read the MSD threads but as long as the car needs many cosmetic items I can't justify buying the msd, the coil, tach adapter and plug wires.

Besides, it's just a "T" ha, ha....

Jeff

PS - I'll watch and see if Ron weighs in.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by pwd72s
I'm hoping Ron weighs in on this...the box for the coil still sits in my garage. As far as I know, that coil got Ron from here back to New York, including runs all over the west coast. So yes, with a permatune, I think it would make a good spare. You might want to think of carrying a spare permatune as well, if that's you ignition choice. I'm sure you've read the comments here, with many guys now choosing to go MSD.

Hi Guys...

yep.. that Beck coil saw over 10k miles.. I used it because of the possible Bosch Blue Coil problems.. it was in the NAPA book as a replacement.. and Beck has a good rep..

the Permatune is a good unit if your wireing is in good shape.. nothing lasts forever. so I think many Permatune problems are due to wire problems.. I just did an MSD because I hope the multiple sparks help keep carb. spark plugs clean. and I always keep a spare coil and CD box on board for my rides...........Ron

[Sam King]

I have a coil I bought for my car a while back. It is a Bosch-0221122008. It has never been used. If it will work for you I'll take $20 plus shipping.

[Hockey fan]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the Beck coil is a good "cheap" backup to throw in the trunk with the spare cd box.

Sam - what year 911 is the bosch coil you have made for? If it doesn't work for my car I'm sure someone else would snap it up as a spare.

Jeff

[Sam King]

I have a 79SC. I am not sure if it will work for you or not. Actually I am not sure if it will work for mine either.

I don't know how to check the part number.

[Hockey fan]

Sam - not sure about that part number either. I looked at the Bosch USA website but didn't find a way to search by part number. Maybe someone else will post who's familiar with that part number.

Where did you buy it at?

Jeff

[keitho64]

Jeff

I have a 2.2 with the perma tune ignition. I am running a $30 accel coil with no problems.

[dhoward]

I'm running the same $30 accel coil as Keith.
Did you say you did not have a ballast resistor, Keith?

[keitho64]

Dan,

No ballast resistor in mine. I just hooked it up with the factory wiring. I guess I should see if the stock 69 setup had a resistor in the circuit but I do not think so.

[chibone_914]

The later, replacement Permatune units can use the Bosch Blue coil without any hang ups, and at $29.00, a bargain.

[Hockey fan]

Keith - do you have the part number for the Accel coil? I had no luck tracking down the Beck coil yesterday. They (Napa) told me the part had been superceded... however the new part isn't even the right shape coil.

Chibone_914 - which bosch coil? When I look online for my 73 coil the bosch I see is about $110.00?

Thanks - Jeff

[alan911]

"Any quality ignition coil will work with the Perma-Tune, however some "high performance" coils may cause flash over in the distributor cap".

go here to find all about permatune. Some good stuff.

http://www.perma-tune.com/Technical%20Support/technical_support-1.htm

[keitho64]

Jeff

The Accel model number is 8140. You can find it at www.summitracing.com as part number ACC-8140 for 27.50. I am sure most Autozone's, CarQuest etc. should carry them. It is just called a Universal Coil from Accel. Mine is a 50,000volt model.

[Hockey fan]

Alan - thanks for the link. I have the Permatune coil but am looking for a "cheap" backup in case of emergency.

Keith - thanks for the part number. Looks like the way to go. No problems just bolting it straight in?

Jeff

[keitho64]

I bolted mine into the stock mount and used the factory wiring. Here is a picture I posted about engine decals, but you get the idea of how the coil is installed.

[Hockey fan]

Thanks Keith,

I'm out the door to pick up one locally for $31.00.

Jeff