Installing MSD blaster coil
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Central, PA
Installing MSD blaster coil
I just ordered a MSD blaster II coil (PN 8202) for my 79 Ford f150. I haven't installed a coil before but thought it was pretty straight forward unitl I read some posts on here. Right now everything with my ignition is stock duraspark.
My question are:
1. I read here that you might have to cut wires when installing.
Is this true? I was under the impression that you simply remove the old coil, install the new one and hook up the 2 wires.
2. Can I mount the coil in the same bracket and position as the old one? Someone on here said that if the coil is oil filled you have to install it vertically? My old coil is positoned more horizontal.
3. Will it hurt anything if I don't widen the my spark plug gap from .44 after installing the coil or is this something that I should definately do?
Thanks,
Hank
My question are:
1. I read here that you might have to cut wires when installing.
Is this true? I was under the impression that you simply remove the old coil, install the new one and hook up the 2 wires.
2. Can I mount the coil in the same bracket and position as the old one? Someone on here said that if the coil is oil filled you have to install it vertically? My old coil is positoned more horizontal.
3. Will it hurt anything if I don't widen the my spark plug gap from .44 after installing the coil or is this something that I should definately do?
Thanks,
Hank
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
The coil should be a fairly easy swap.......the duraspark has only one wire connected to the coil on the - terminal.
The coil + terminal may have one or two wires on it, one wire from the ignition relay "I" terminal and the other from the ignition switch. If it has one wire there is a splice that connects the two wires together before the coil.
I seem to recall that the MSD coil is meant to run with the full 12 volts so the cutting you refer to may be to bypass the resistor wire.
If that is the case it is not very difficult and if you need help let us know.
The new coil is probably meant to be install "standing up". Once again not to hard and I think the bracket comes with it.
The MSD coil is meant to give a stronger spark so opening up the gap will allow you to take advantage of the stronger spark. I cant recall the gap to use but I am sure someone here is running a similar system and knows the answer.
The coil + terminal may have one or two wires on it, one wire from the ignition relay "I" terminal and the other from the ignition switch. If it has one wire there is a splice that connects the two wires together before the coil.
I seem to recall that the MSD coil is meant to run with the full 12 volts so the cutting you refer to may be to bypass the resistor wire.
If that is the case it is not very difficult and if you need help let us know.
The new coil is probably meant to be install "standing up". Once again not to hard and I think the bracket comes with it.
The MSD coil is meant to give a stronger spark so opening up the gap will allow you to take advantage of the stronger spark. I cant recall the gap to use but I am sure someone here is running a similar system and knows the answer.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
Sparky, I am pretty sure you need the ballast resistor with the MSD coil. That is how I hooked mine up. I prefer to mount vertical but I have one that is horizontal. You don't have to open the plug gap up Hank. If you do, I would not go much above .045. The bigger the gap the more stress on your plug wires and cap. Crossfire is bad stuff.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Central, PA
Installing MSD coil
Thanks guys for the info. Bare with me here I'm pretty new to doing much mechanically but like to learn and save some money at the same time.
Mike, your right the installation instructions say to use a ballast resistor if installing on a stock distributor. Forgive my ignorance but what is a ballast resistor and can I get one at Advance Auto where I bought the coil? Cost?
Sparky, can you explain anymore about the wiring? Your right the it does use 12 volts so where do I want to cut the wire?
The coil didn't come with a bracket and since they recommend installing vertically, do I have to find another location to install the coil? Will I have problems if I just install it where the old coil is in a horizontal postion? I was wondering because I saw that Mike had installed an msd horizontally.
Thanks again for the help,
Hank
Mike, your right the installation instructions say to use a ballast resistor if installing on a stock distributor. Forgive my ignorance but what is a ballast resistor and can I get one at Advance Auto where I bought the coil? Cost?
Sparky, can you explain anymore about the wiring? Your right the it does use 12 volts so where do I want to cut the wire?
The coil didn't come with a bracket and since they recommend installing vertically, do I have to find another location to install the coil? Will I have problems if I just install it where the old coil is in a horizontal postion? I was wondering because I saw that Mike had installed an msd horizontally.
Thanks again for the help,
Hank
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
The ballast resistor is built into your trucks wiring so you do not need one......which has me confused does the new coil need a ballast resistor, which drops the voltage to 8-9 volts, or does it need the full 12 volts 
Could you move the old bracket to a new spot and turn it so you can mount the coil vertically?
Could you move the old bracket to a new spot and turn it so you can mount the coil vertically?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
Hank, the ballast resistor is a special wire that is between your ignition switch and the coil. If it ever goes open, you can replace it with an actual resistor that mopar used to use.
I like to mount the coil on the fender well to get it away from engine heat. Of course you have to use a longer coil wire. A stock bracket should fit the MSD coil.
I don't have the instructions handy Sparky but am pretty sure it needs the ballast like Hank said.
I like to mount the coil on the fender well to get it away from engine heat. Of course you have to use a longer coil wire. A stock bracket should fit the MSD coil.
I don't have the instructions handy Sparky but am pretty sure it needs the ballast like Hank said.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
