Ignition Coil Recommendation/Help

[mzavada]

I've searched around the forum, and need some help or recommendations on which coil I should go with.

Working on a tune up on my 81 SC: plugs/wires/cap/rotor, etc.

Currently have stock ignition setup, however would consider upgrading in the future.

That being said, can/should I go with something like a Flamethrower or MSD with my stock setup for now, with upgrading in mind?

Looking for help understanding pros/cons.

Thanks!

[Bob Kontak]

They are pretty basic coils. I have an MSD Blaster coil that is 12 years old but I do have the MSD box.

Set your plugs at factory gap. If you do upgrade to MSD/Permatune/other, don't go nuts on the gap even though they say 60 thousandths is do-able.

Lots to read if you search.

You want your car to run smoother? Replace the Lambda box relay under the passenger seat. That 1 inch cube thingie attached to the silver box. Get the Porsche / Bosch one. It's pushing 35 years old.

[timmy2]

MSD blaster II high vibration coil is what I have been running for 3 years with stock CDI box.

[emcon5]

Originally Posted by timmy2

MSD blaster II high vibration coil is what I have been running for 3 years with stock CDI box.

Been running a pair of them for about 8 years now. Direct replacement for the Bosch coil, and while not an "upgrade" they are a lot more reliable than the current crappy made-in-Brazil Bosch coil.

[wwest]

CDI systems should use a transformer type coil not the old style inductive type.

Simple and inexpensive upgrade.

[frosty2]

Hi wwest been thinking of upgrading my coil just to see if mine is getting tired its the original would this be a good upgrade for my 73t with the 2.4 and the 3 pin cdi box
And if so any idea of part number and we're to purchase.

Thanks
Mike

[wwest]

Coils don't get "tired" but if you looking for an excuse to spend some pocket change you could make a worse choice.

CDI systems can always benefit from use of the proper coil.

[emcon5]

Originally Posted by wwest

Coils don't get "tired" but if you looking for an excuse to spend some pocket change you could make a worse choice.

CDI systems can always benefit from use of the proper coil.

My original Bosch coil was pretty tired when the black stuff was oozing out of it.

The advantage of the MSD Blaster over that Accel Coil is mounting. The HD blaster fits in the factory location, and if you take the label off, looks like a Bosch black coil.

[frosty2]

Thanks, with either the MSD blaster or the ACCEL coil do you have to make any other changes or simply remove the old and replace with the new. Another reason for changing is to have a spare.

Thanks
Mike

[tirwin]

MSD is plug and play. With the Accel coil you will have to modify your mount somehow. The MSD coil is slightly taller than the Bosch so you may need to push it further down in the mount, particularly if you have an A/C condenser.

I think wwest used the Accel as an example. Normally you have a + and - ring terminal on the coil going to the CDI. I don't see how that would connect based on that picture. Not saying it couldn't work but it would require some investigation as to what would be necessary to make it work. Consider that if you wanted to leave it in the stock location you would likely need to mount it on it's side OR you would need to mount it near the fuse panel/CDI which would mean you would need to lengthen the wires.

[mzavada]

Thanks for all the recommendations. I was already leaning toward an MSD, however it looks like thats what'll I'll be adding to the shopping cart right away.

[frosty2]

Thanks tirwin looks like the MSD is the better choice for my application when wanting to use my old as a spare

[Charles Freeborn]

Did the Blaster upgrade too, as my original had a jb weld repair to one post , and it was oozing goo allover my distributor.
If you use it with a Bosch CDI be sure to get the one with the ballast resistor.
-C

[RSTarga]

partsklassic has a new kit that looks just like the original but with newer better comonents and looks stock. They have coils too.

[wwest]

Originally Posted by Charles Freeborn

Did the Blaster upgrade too, as my original had a jb weld repair to one post , and it was oozing goo allover my distributor.
If you use it with a Bosch CDI be sure to get the one with the ballast resistor.
-C

Ignition coil, ballast resistor? CDI, not Kettering?

Please explain..

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by RSTarga

partsklassic has a new kit that looks just like the original but with newer better comonents and looks stock. They have coils too.

+++++on that. Their ignition stuff looks great! The CDI box is awesome and looks OE.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by dicklague

+++++on that. Their ignition stuff looks great! The CDI box is awesome and looks OE.

Appears to be a PermaTune in an aluminum Bosch type casting with a potting
compound. Bosch CDI is a magnesium casting.

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by dicklague

+++++on that. Their ignition stuff looks great! The CDI box is awesome and looks OE.

I was looking at their stuff and their 6 Pin CDI Harness won't work well without modification on '78 and later cars as they didn't provide for the Safety switch wire that runs from the back of the Air flow switch, through the main harness and then through the CDI branch to come out with the red switched power wire at the white T connector.

You would need to take it all apart to install that wire. You have to take a section of the main harness apart to install the tach wire in the 14 pin connector. You would need to take theirs apart to install the safety switch wire.
Or, run without the pump cut out.

I let them know about the missing wire in their harness. (wiring color codes and wire type don't match either)

[porschetub]

Originally Posted by timmy2

I was looking at their stuff and their 6 Pin CDI Harness won't work well without modification on '78 and later cars as they didn't provide for the Safety switch wire that runs from the back of the Air flow switch, through the main harness and then through the CDI branch to come out with the red switched power wire at the white T connector.

You would need to take it all apart to install that wire. You have to take a section of the main harness apart to install the tach wire in the 14 pin connector. You would need to take theirs apart to install the safety switch wire.
Or, run without the pump cut out.

I let them know about the missing wire in their harness. (wiring color codes and wire type don't match either)

read this reply from someone that really knows,cheers.

[Charles Freeborn]

Originally Posted by wwest

Ignition coil, ballast resistor? CDI, not Kettering?

Please explain..

When using the Blaster Coil with the stock Bosch CDI you'll need to put a .08 ohm (included in the proper coil kit) in line. If you switch to a MSD unit the resistor can come out. I've got a MSD on the shelf just waiting for me to install when I've got the time to do a few other things "while I'm in there".
I'll snap a photo today and post.
-C