Ignition Coil for a 1972 SB
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 22
From: Old Greenwich CT
Ignition Coil for a 1972 SB
I have some issues starting the car. Need to crank it a few times before it catches. All of my fuel line issues are resolved. I am thinking of replacing the coil. I saw that Corvette Central sells a high energy coil (by Flame-Thrower). Anybody have any experience w/ this or can tell me if this would cause any issues. I do not care about correct NCRS parts.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 2
From: Melrose Florida
If the car runs, the coil is generally good. A higher output coil won't make much difference. Do you still have the points-type distributor? A good old tune up (points, condenser, plugs, wires, cap, rotor), setting the timing and dwell, and you should start right up.
Also, make sure you have 2 wires coming to the coil + side: 1 from the ignition switch (resistance wire), and one from the starter solenoid.
Often the starter solenoid wire is missing, and this will make both hot and cold starting much more difficult, even with everything else good.
Steve
Also, make sure you have 2 wires coming to the coil + side: 1 from the ignition switch (resistance wire), and one from the starter solenoid.
Often the starter solenoid wire is missing, and this will make both hot and cold starting much more difficult, even with everything else good.
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Originally Posted by halfmoontrail
If the car runs, the coil is generally good. A higher output coil won't make much difference. Do you still have the points-type distributor? A good old tune up (points, condenser, plugs, wires, cap, rotor), setting the timing and dwell, and you should start right up.
Also, make sure you have 2 wires coming to the coil + side: 1 from the ignition switch (resistance wire), and one from the starter solenoid.
Often the starter solenoid wire is missing, and this will make both hot and cold starting much more difficult, even with everything else good.
Steve
Also, make sure you have 2 wires coming to the coil + side: 1 from the ignition switch (resistance wire), and one from the starter solenoid.
Often the starter solenoid wire is missing, and this will make both hot and cold starting much more difficult, even with everything else good.
Steve
100%
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 22
From: Old Greenwich CT
Thanks guys. I am having the car tuned and my mechanic will work on the points. Does it make sense to replace the coil anyway? Just placing an order w/ a 10% discount and want to get everyting I may need.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
I just replaced a flamethrower coil with an AC Delco coil. The AC Delco is part # U505 or GM# 12337166. It is made in Mexico, which I am not thrilled about, and it was $45, not cheap, but I have been chasing down a problem very similar to the one described in the linked thread. I haven't had a chance to test it yet (requires drag strip or deserted onramp testing).
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=754638
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=754638
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 22
From: Old Greenwich CT
Thanks! I have been fighting stalling problems which were traced to a bad filter in the Q-Jet. When the mechanic looked at my ignition, he thought it would be worthwhile to change the coil and tune the points. Since this car sat for 12 years, I think I will change the coil anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Does it start when you let go of the key and the ignition switch goes to the "run" mode? Had that problem with my 71' and traced it to a bad solenoid as it wasn't giving the coil 12V during start. Replaced the solenoid and now it fires right up. Just a thought.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
