Ignition coil upgrade advice

varmitexpress · November 28, 2009, 12:31 PM

Sent: 4/26/2003

Howdy All,

I need some info on aftermarket iignition coils. I know that a few of you have put on aftermarket coils and I was wonder if you think that it has helped out ? Which ones have you used (MSD,MALLORY,ETC) Thanks for the help.

VarmitExpress

Oz · November 28, 2009, 12:31 PM

Sent: 4/26/2003

I've talked to some motorheads at work who have performance vehicles and the top consensus seems to be MSD. I'll be watching the responses too as I will be looking to upgrade (someday)

Colin · November 28, 2009, 12:32 PM

Sent: 4/26/2003

When I was overhauling my ignition, every mechanic and even the tech support people at Chrysler that I spoke to agreed that the Chrysler ignition coils during the 70's produced much less voltage than the Ford and GM systems for similar engines, and the Chrysler ignition systems in general were very under-powered. Also, the coils were too small, lacked cooling capacity and were poorly positioned too close to the engine.

Everyone agreed that it would be worth it to get a performance coil, so I think it will be a good use of your money. I was told that the best kind to get were the large box-shaped coils that have to be mounted along the side of the engine. They have much higher voltage, more coolant, and mounting them outside the engine area keeps them much cooler. I heard good things about MSD but I bought a Mallory because the manager at the Checkers store gave me 25% off. I mounted mine next to the distributor along the side of the doghouse opening.

Since I put in the new coil my 413 runs much better and has much more power, but with all the other things I did (including rebuilding the engine), it's hard to know how much credit I can give to the coil. I think it was a good investment. One warning: I was also told that the higher voltage can wear out your rotor and cap much more quickly and possibly cause arching between the contacts. I haven't had any problems yet, but someday I'm going to get around to getting the heavy-duty cap and rotor that were recommended to me.

C.

Oz · November 28, 2009, 12:33 PM

Sent: 1/26/2006

When I started my ignition upgrades, I noticed the PO had installed this HUGE, yellow coil. I don't recall the brand name anymore, but at the time I looked it up in Summit's on-line catalog. The thing put out 60,000 volts, twice OEM! No wonder it was so huge. It was so big, in fact, that the stock air cleaner couldn't rest flush on the carb! How silly is that? This was obviously for a racing application.

So, I opted for an MSD Blaster 2 coil, which raises the voltage to a more reasonable 45,000 volts. Coupling that to NGK plugs with a set of MSD Super Conductor wires definitely put a shot in the engine's performance vein!

The_Handier_Man1 · November 28, 2009, 12:33 PM

Sent: 10/25/2006

I was thinking of replacing my old coil and found an MSD Blaster 2 on sale. Anyone have info on this coil before I install it? I am not having any problems with the stock pointless set up in my '73 440 just replacing the old coil. I have read the "Ignition coil upgrade advice" from the message boards and think this might be a good thing to do, Les

Elandan2 · November 28, 2009, 12:34 PM

Sent: 10/25/2006

Hi Les, I have one of those "big yellow coils" in my MH. It is an Accel Super Coil. It is rated at 45K volts. I installed it in the wheel well on the passenger side with a splash shield to protect it from any spray. It has performed flawlessly and I have never had problems with it getting wet, even driving through downpours. Whatever type of coil you choose, ensure that it is rated for lower RPM. Many racing coils are designed for use at higher revs i.e. above 4500. If you use them at low RPM constantly, they may overheat and be ruined. R

Oz · November 28, 2009, 12:34 PM

Sent: 10/25/2006

Right Rick, I did see my yellow coil later in Summit and it too was an Accel. I've had the Blaster 2 coil for two years and it has also performed flawlessly. And, it mounts in the same place as OEM so the only difference sounds like to me is where you prefer to mount your coil.

Slantsixness · November 28, 2009, 12:35 PM

Sent: 11/12/2006

I use the Blaster 2 coil in the factory location. It's rated higher than the stock coil, mounts in the original location (and space is a premium under the dog box folks.

I've had bad luck with the accel super coils. the big yellow ones. They don't like heat, and indeed, they don't like low RPM's, and tend to crack, lose spark and die on long trips (this is from a standpoint of " Mopar muscle cars" not Trucks or Motorhomes, the coil is not designed for low rev / hi torque truck or RV use!. Besides that, where are you going to mount one in a motorhome, where it's not directly subjected to heat, as the manual says not to?!

If you can find one, the old Mallory Coils (redish orange) are exactly the same as the Blaster2 and the Super Blue (I forget who that was, bluebird or federated? I don't remember...) coils from yesteryears... all were manufactured better than the stock coils.... Stay away from Chrome coils... the just look nice, but have significantly less heat resistance and ground conductivity.

Keep one important thing in mind: USE A BALLAST RESISTOR! Just becasue it's not there doesn't mean you don't need it, especially if you're still running points.

Ok... enough of me on the soap box.

Tom

enigma960080 · November 28, 2009, 12:36 PM

Sent: 3/19/2007

Another little piece of advice....
Find out what kind of coil yout rig has and CARRY A SPARE!!!!
I came back for a 4 day stay at our nearby favorite campground. about half way through the return trip, my rig misfired 1 time, one time only. then 5 miles later, it misfired again. At that time, it started to misfire under a load, but would run fine at idle or light load. I got anoter 5 or 6 miles down the road before it started backfiring. I was able to pull off the highway into a walmart/samsclub parking lot. Of course, the nearest parts store was miles away.
After installing a replacment cap, rotor and coil, problem solved.
If you are not carrying a spare coil, DO SO NOW!!!!!
The heat under the doghouse destroys ignition parts. If you have not changed your ignition parts, go for the best quality parts on the market. The aluminum inserts in the cheap caps are not the answer for any vehicle with a doghouse. Spend the money!!! it will save you in the end.

LonghouseIndian · November 28, 2009, 12:37 PM

I am installing an MSD Blaster 2 HVC (epoxy potting) coil on my pointless ignition. Do I need to use a 0.8 ohm ballast resistor in addition to the factory dual resistor? There was also a condensor on the stock coil. Is this necessary to have on an electronic ignition? Thanks for your help...

Oz · November 28, 2009, 12:38 PM

The MSD Blaster 2 coil I installed was designed for use with stock components. I didn't change any of mine and everything has been just peachy. I also have electronic ignition system.

I do recommend that you get the 8202 rather than the 8253. The 8253 is designed for high RPM applications. The 8202 mounts in the stock location and is the recommended upgrade. It only costs $35 through Summit vs. $173 for the 8253 (as an example).

LonghouseIndian · December 03, 2009, 12:46 PM

Sorry, it is the Blaster High Vibration coil #8222. I believe it is identical to the 8202 but epoxy filled rather than oil. I bought it to mount in the stock location as it is not recommended (by MSD) to mount an oil-filled canister horizontally (the original leaked). I also highly recommend Summit for parts like this and am purchasing Super Conductor wires in black #31313.

Oz · December 03, 2009, 05:24 PM

Gel would be better, yes, but the oil ones work just as well (a leaking coil is very rare) and cost $10 less, so it's a matter of preference for saving ten bucks or having the added benefit of the gel fill. Summit and JEGS are both good sources and are listed in the Resources Section of the Members' Area.