[RBruce]

How long can one expect the original coils to last? Mine are 29 years old, and I'm wondering if they are contributing to some rough running. I had a recent tuneup with new plugs, and have upgraded the ignition wires with Magnacor 7mm wires. Would MSD Blaster 2 coils with ballast be acceptable replacements? I'm looking for price/reliability vs originality. TIA.
--RBruce

 

[RBruce]

I just read the tech specs on the MSD Blaster 2 coil. There was a warning not to mount it horizontally due to the possibility that the cooling oil would not cover the windings completely. The coils in my GT4 are mounted horizontally. Could they be damaged by the horizontal mounting. Or, are they of a different construction to prevent the problem? The ID on the current coils is BZR201A. Thanks for any assistance. --RBruce

 

[Pete04222]

The stock coils are quite weak even before they start to go bad. Crane Cams has some great stuff that fits the Ferrari. I am assuming that you still have the stock ignition points set-up? The Crane Cams PS-20 coil is the direct replacement that you want. You will have to utilize the ballast resistor that is on the stock coils but you will get a hotter and more reliable spark.

On my car, I had the low speed points set die on me and I replaced the points with the Crane Cams Fireball XR-3000 ignition, the PS-60 coils (allowed me to get rid of the ballast resistor) and the same magnacor wires you bought. The entire ignition swap out, including plug wires, was around $500 (that's just for parts, I did the work myself).

Here's the link to the PS-20: http://www.cranecams.com/index.php?show=browseParts&lvl=4&prt=162

On a side note - Weren't the folks at Magnacor just great to deal with? I was very happy with their knowledge of the Ferrari and the willingness to help me out with custom coil wires at no extra charge.

 

[Pete04222]

Bruce,
Here's the link to my post about changing over the ignition, I think you'll find it interesting reading.
http://www.ferrariforum.net/forum/v...ys=0&postorder=asc&highlight=ignition&start=0

If you are concerned about originality, then you should retain your points and go with the PS-20 coils. If you are more concerned about driveability and reliability, consider the set up I went with. My car is no longer "original" for Concours judging but practically, I doubt the ignition swap over will have any effect on the car's value. If anything, I could probably argue the car's value up.

 

[Pete04222]

Here's a few pics

 

[RBruce]

Thanks for the information. However, I am still asking for advice on a low-cost replacement coil. MSD has a model called Blaster 2 which appears to be an equivalent coil. Any thoughts? Thanks. --RBruce

 

[Pete04222]

RBruce,
I gave you advice on a low cost replacement. The PS-20 coil, which will work with your stock ignition, is $27.69 from Summit Racing. When you say you are still looking for a low cost replacement coil how low do you want to go? The PS-20 is $2 cheaper than the Blaster 2.

In all of your posts on this subject you have mentioned the MSD coils. I'm thinking that you have done a lot of reading and are convinced that you need the MSD coils for your car. Go ahead and get them. Let us know how they work for you.

 

[RBruce]

Hummmmm...

Looks like I skipped over your first response a bit too fast, and focused on the entire ignition replacement. I will order a pair of the PS-20s tomorrow. Thanks again for the advice, and please excuse the oversight. --RBruce

 

[Pete04222]

RBruce,
No problem. The more I think about it though, the points may be what is causing your rough running. Just to keep in the back of your mind, you have to pull the distributors to change the points, the XR700 electronic ignition system costs the same as a new set of points.