replacing coil worth it?

[rommaster2]

Ok well i'm just trying to find cheap ways to make my falcon run the best (get best mileage too) that it can for instance i've already timed it to about 12 or 13 (didnt use a timing light since i had already timed it with one, just seat of the pants feel) and have it idling successfully at 500rpms when warm. So my question is would replacing the canister style ignition coil be worth it? I'm using the 40 year old original one, works great still, i'm just wondering if i'm missing out on efficiency and power due to the coil maybe being under powered.

Also i was wondering if the pertronix flamethrower coils are any good? Just wondering cause i have a pertronix ignitor 1 in my loadomatic right now.

Eventually i plan on upgrading to a DUI but for now i have other stuff that needs to be done (tranny, suspension, disc brakes, rear end) so that is a ways off (at least a few months).

So yeah would it be worth it in your guys opinion to buy a new coil?

 

[pedal2themetal45]

for instance i've already timed it to about 12 or 13 (didnt use a timing light since i had already timed it with one, just seat of the pants feel)
So yeah would it be worth it in your guys opinion to buy a new coil?

PUT A LIGHT ON IT... YOU CAN'T GUESS 12 OR 13 deg. BY FEEL
and yes the hotter the spark the better the fuel well burn..
tim

 

[rommaster2]

well my by feel was that i retarded the timing a little bit (it had been at 14 when i checked it before like a month or two ago) cause i wanted to see if it helped at all. Drove it around the block, felt a little smoother then before but obviously less power, so i went back and advanced it, drove it around, no pinging, and more power still with a smooth idle and good enough for my idle to stay the same

 

[Anonymous]

Put a vacuum gauge on it and adjust for highest steady vacuum at idle. You should get between 16-23. The higher the better.

 

[ludwig]

18 at minumum unless you have a hot cam.

 

[LaGrasta]

I like a hot coil, but I also like saving money whenever possible. Try getting a generic hot coil from JCWhitney.
I'm running a chrome 50,000v coil from them for the last 4 years with my Pertronix I set-up.

 

[fmartin_gila]

When I installed my Pertronix, I used their Coil with, figured that to be the best chance of compatability. Open the Plug Gap to .045. Has been running with the setup for 4 years now with zero problems.
Fred

 

[ludwig]

Open the Plug Gap to .045.

I run .055 a la Scheldal with zero problems as well. Also have the 50k coil. It is a great improvement. Starts right up even on cold days or after standing a while.

 

[LaGrasta]

Open the Plug Gap to .045.

I run .055 a la Scheldal with zero problems as well. Also have the 50k coil. It is a great improvement. Starts right up even on cold days or after standing a while.

I have to recheck mine, not sure if I'm at 45 or 50. I never heard of 55.

 

[fordconvert]

I think somewhere on MSD's site there is a few pages that explain about plug gaps. They give a basic chart I think based on compression. Some of the late 70's HEI Oldsmobiles were in 80s for gaps IIRC but I guess the head design had a lot to do with it.

Are you still running points? If you are running points I dont think you are going to gain anything changing the coil. Most of the limitations of a points style system are due to the points themselves. If you start changing coils you may end up burning up points and having other issues.

If you are working on a budget (and not running points) how about picking up a TFI coil from a junkyard?

 

[LaGrasta]

You already have Pertronix, spend $20 for the hotter coil and regap at least .045. You won't be dissapointed.

 

[ludwig]

Word.

 

[Lazy JW]

... I'm using the 40 year old original one, works great still, i'm just wondering if i'm missing out on efficiency and power due to the coil maybe being under powered...

Definitely get a new, hotter coil. Check out www.gofastforless.com for some good, basic reading on improving ignitions for cheap.
Joe