I have a pretty much completely stock 1970 F100 with a 302. I was wondering about using a high-voltage coil with a standard non-electronic ignition. I don't want to go to electronic ignition for several paranoid reasons which can not be rationalized. The truck runs pretty well as it is with no major problems currently. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Ken

 

You can do it, HP coils have around longer than electronic ignition.

 

I run a Excel Super coil on my 428 with stock ignition, I run a resistor on the lead going to the Dist. Before I put on the resistor it would burn pionts about every 6 months, but I have been running the same Excel now sence 1975.

 

Hi Bertha,

I thought the wire going to the coil was a special resistance wire and it didn't need a resistor (mine does not have one that I could find). Is your wiring original?

 

Voltage jumps the gap, current makes a hot fat spark, don't get sucked in on some "super coil" with 65 KV output. Why limit your ignition with points and resistor or ballast, get a electronic system that doesn't require a ballast or resistor ignition wire. Your one step up from a model T buzz coil.
.....=o&o>.....

 

the coil won't do squat!!! the points are the limiting factor. these "high power coils" really don't do much unless used with a new ignition system.

 

I'm sorry, but that doesn't make any sense at all. All points or an electronic ignition do is tell the coil when to fire by breaking contact with it's ground. A stock coil has about 35K volts, a HP coil has a fair amount more, (number depending on what you buy). In no way is a set of points going to limit the amount of volts a coil puts out.
So if you install for instance an Accel Superstock rated at 42K volts it will fire at 42k volts, your points will not reduce it to stock voltage.

 

Current makes heat like with a welder, higher secondary current will make a larger spark kernal. Multiply secondary current by the number turns ratio of the coil and you'll have primary current which is limited by what the points can handle in maximum current for long points life. This is why the ballast or coil ignition resistance wire. As far as a 42KV coil having 42KV output this is true, same as a 4" fire hose necked down to a garden hose, you'll have the same pressure (voltage) but flow (current) is reduced. "Old school" then you should be running on solid rubber tires to prevent any possible flat tire in your future, hear of the word "progress" not to hammer on your thinking.
.....=o&o>.....

 

Yes, the wiring is stock, it is a 64 Galaxie. I put the resistor on it a long time ago. I also am a bit old school and run points in all 3 of my trucks and the Galaxie.

 

A high voltage coil will work with points but they will burn out faster due to the greater energy that they are switching.

 

Not necessarily true, you can have a high resistance primary coil which draws a low current and have a high windings ratio that produces a 65KV secondary.
This would let the points live a long life, high secondary voltage with a thin weak spark but then your happy as you have a high secondary voltage coil because the manufacture said so. Money well wasted but then manufactures have good writers to explain why their super high voltage not current coil is the best.
I have a Accel "the original super coil" collecting dust the last 20 years on the shelf, used less than 5 seconds from new puts out over 50KV, a **** poor skinny spark hence 5 second use. Bottom line suckers make manufactures rich.
.....=o&o>.....

 

But the stock or 42K volts doesn't go through the points, the points only get the 12, (or less if resistored) volts irregardless of what coil you have installed.
Perhaps this a question of the higher volt coils drawing more amps and burning the points through this draw?
Either way, points are cheap and easy, I wouldn't worry about it unless you end up changing them more often then you like.
Solid rubber tires? No thanks, they suck on Bobcats and forklifts. Let the Chivy drivers try 'em on their rigs.

 

Bobcats can beat you up and hurt you if they have a chance, I used one with a drill attachment for three months. Climb a curb with a JLG st speed, what a thrill at night I didn't see hang on, don't ask. Crossing a bridge with a 555 Ford and the bridge collapses, fell 22' as the 3 ton road sign was replaced with 20 ton sign.
.....=o&o>.....

 

Cr*p! Heavy equipment doesn't fly very well!

 

The wings are too short and they land hard without a bounce.
We were setting vaults on a job site and my partner had the boom and load high on the Pitman and swings the load around to the side with the leg up, Mr. Pitman said no way and layed down on his side, oops.
Same Pitman in the winter stuck in 3' of mud, hell use the boom to pull it out but the helper ties around a fire plug, nice job pulled the hydrant out of the ground, Pitman stuck and a pretty red truck shows up.
.....=o&o>.....