Ignition Coil

[Ranger16]

Like most, I keep a spare ballast resistor and a spare ECU in the trunk. I want to add a coil to the spare "just in case" parts. Do I need a special coil for use with the pointless orange box ECU. O'Reilly shows "With Single Points", "With Single Points; Chrysler; High Performance", and several others with no recommendation. They have quite a selection and price range. I always thought a coil was a coil.

 

[twecomm]

If it helps, when I installed Mopar electronic ignition on my stock single points 66 Charger 383, I retained my original coil. All works perfectly and it has the orange box.

 

[Tori]

You need to make sure which ever one you buy is designed for external resistor, and made to be mounted in the orientation you have it configured. (vertical or horizontal)

I can tell you O'Reilly # E39P is an external resistor, vertical mount type

 

[moparjohnny]

You need to make sure which ever one you buy is designed for external resistor, and made to be mounted in the orientation you have it configured. (vertical or horizontal)

I can tell you O'Reilly # E39P is an external resistor, vertical mount type

can you specify a vertical or horizontal coil,what is difference between the two coils as far as function?

 

[Tori]

No difference in how they function, orientation only relates to how the coil cools itself. I believe our cars were originally set up with a coil that mounted vertically.

 

[Ranger16]

Mine is mounted horizontally on the manifold. Never realized that was a consideration. Glad I asked.

I also noticed most where "oil filled" and at least one was "epoxy filled". I'm guessing the fill is for cooling?

 

[Tori]

Yes, the filling is for cooling.

 

[Ranger16]

You need to make sure which ever one you buy is designed for external resistor, and made to be mounted in the orientation you have it configured. (vertical or horizontal)

I can tell you O'Reilly # E39P is an external resistor, vertical mount type

Now that I think of it, I don't think I can recall ever seeing a listing for vertical or horizontal mounting.

P.S.
I don't know why, but if you look that part up on the O'Reilly site it says "Does Not Fit 1969 Road Runner".

 

[Tori]

For what it's worth, that coil is for a 1978 Dodge anything V8. That was so i could get the coil that matched the electronic ignition we use on these cars. (didn't you say you have electronic ignition?)

 

[Ranger16]

Yes, the orange box.
Oh I see what you are getting at. Electronic ignition uses a different coil than a breaker point ignition? So maybe I should look for a coil for a '72 or '73?

EDIT:
Just did a little research. Parts geek shows the same coil for all Road Runners ('68 - '75), regardless of engine.
http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...kwNCh2o4gHOEAYYBCABEgJyMPD_BwE&ad=47584901292

 

[oldbee]

I'm with 'ranger', never previously heard about vertical versus horiz. before. I would think epoxy fill wouldn't matter about orientation?

 

[GetX'd]

I've heard that coils should be mounted in a horizontal position. Can't remember where I got that instruction. That being said I've always mounted mine in a vertical position. I once had an Acell coil blow up on me many years ago. It was one of those box shaped coils. I had it mounted on the inside fender ledge. That was way back in the day when you Jerry rigged everything.....

 

[Tori]

Now that I think of it, I don't think I can recall ever seeing a listing for vertical or horizontal mounting.

They don't show that info because coils are listed vehicle specific.

 

[Tori]

Back when i bought the O'Reilly coil, i called their tech line and spoke with someone to get the details on how that coil was supposed to be mounted. I can only relate what they told me. I would think if it didn't matter, he would have said so.

There's also this....
https://moparforums.com/forums/f62/horizontal-vertical-coil-2244/

 

[oldbee]

GetX sounds like the old "supercoil", ran myself in same location(vertical) as you did; never a problem myself.

 

[RJRENTON]

Yes, the filling is for cooling.

Gentlemen,
The purpose of the oil in an oil filled coil is to provide a di-electric or insulating media for the high voltage winding. Most dielectric or insulating oil are rated at so many kilovolts per centimeter. When the coil is manufactured, the oil is added to also promote cooling media for the primary winding. Epoxy filled coils are used in high vibration service plus the epoxy also promotes a heat transfer media for cooling. The winding insulation is usually a formvar coating on the wire of both the primary and secondary windings. The epoxy insulating system is superior and therefore the coil will cost more. Higher spark voltage needs the best insulation available.....brand names not withstanding.
This is just my opinion of course.
Bob Renton

oil