Input voltage to ignition coil
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
Input voltage to ignition coil
On my '71, the coil is powered by a resistor wire from the ignition switch. Running voltage making it to the coil is only 9.4VDC. I have a pertronix conversion, so points are no longer an issue.
I'm wondering if I can replace the resistor with a straight wire and get full voltage going to the coil without burning something up? It's an aftermarket ACCEL coil. So it should be up to it right?
In theory, it makes sense that if the coil gets more power, it will throw out more power, resulting in stronger, hotter spark. Which, on paper, means better MPG, more power, better throttle response, easier starting, and no downsides. But what about in reality?
Will putting 14 volts to the coil burn it up?
Will the gains really be that big?
Has anyone done this before?
I might rig up an experiment where I hot wire the coil to the battery and see what happens.
I'm wondering if I can replace the resistor with a straight wire and get full voltage going to the coil without burning something up? It's an aftermarket ACCEL coil. So it should be up to it right?
In theory, it makes sense that if the coil gets more power, it will throw out more power, resulting in stronger, hotter spark. Which, on paper, means better MPG, more power, better throttle response, easier starting, and no downsides. But what about in reality?
Will putting 14 volts to the coil burn it up?
Will the gains really be that big?
Has anyone done this before?
I might rig up an experiment where I hot wire the coil to the battery and see what happens.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
If your new coil is designed for no external resistor, then yes, bypassing the resistive wire is proper procedure. The Pertronix module in distributor requires full battery voltage, not powered through the resistive fire. Results may vary, but a high output coil can allow you to open up spark plug gap to .040/.045 resulting in a slightly larger/hotter spark. While improved starting and possibly a "slight" mileage increase may be noticed, don't expect huge gains.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 19
From: Central Wisconsin
While you are testing this make sure you don't leave your ignition on for more than a minute or two… the Pertronix deals are known to fail if the power to them is left on without the engine running… I found out the hard way.
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