coil wiring
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
coil wiring
I know the stock wiring for the coil on my 72 (stock points ignition) has two positive wires. One from the starting circuit (full 12 volts) that is energized when cranking the engine, and another reduced voltage lead from a resistor wire when the key is in "run" position. (I think that is correct, right?). Anyway, I have an aftermarket coil with a ballast resistor mounted to it. Does that ballast resistor "take the place" of the resistor wire on the stock set up? Also, will running 12 volts full time fry the points? Will it cause them to fail immediately or will it be a gradual degradation of performance? Thanks for your input and patience (I nearly failed EE in school)
temvette72
temvette72
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 821
Likes: 42
From: Spring, Texas
I just went through something similar with my 74. Are you sure its a resistor on the coil or just a noise suppressor? Since your car already has a resistor wire you wouldn't want to add more resistance to the run side of the circuit. I would connect it just like your old coil, use the same wires as before and try it without the thing on the coil connected then maybe try it with it connected and see what happens. My car had a different type coil when I got it, it had a noise suppressor attached that went to (+) side of the coil. My new coil didn't have one, so I didn't worry about it. I do think you risk premature point wear with the full current without a resistor in the run circuit. You get that full current from the starter solenoid on start only, then in the run position you have the reduced volt/current, but you already know that. Ignition is so much fun to play with.
