Ignition wiring question?

I have searched, yet to find a clear answer on here. I switched my 50 Chevy to 12 volts with a rebel wire kit. It has a stock 216 in it. I have a new 12 volt coil that says right on the side of it to "use no external resistor". Do I need to change my points? Can I run them the way they are with the 12 volt coil? I may be overthinking this, just want to do it right. Thanks.

 

Its been awhile since I messed with this stuff but if I remember correctly you still have to reduce the voltage between the coil and the points otherwise your points wont last long as the increased voltage causes a much bigger arc when points are separating

 

Should I just get a different coil with a resistor and run the points I have now?

 

points do take less than 12 full volts. maybe 6-8 volts. so you need either the correct coil and a resistor or you can upgrade to petronix or msd.

 

Found this on a google search, just looking for another opinion.


For units requiring extra duty a 12 volt coil is recommended. It provides a better turns ratio than an original 6 volt coil, as well it is suited for use in a 12 volt environment. If it is a standard coil found on most domestic vehicles you will need to utilize a ballast resistor (most OEM use coils are rated for 8volts). Some aftermarket performance coils operate with no ballast resistor, as well as a handfull of OEM coils. Obviously, using a true 12volt coil will eliminate the need for a ballast resistor. The original points are more than suitable for 12v operation. If you compare the points, the 6 volt units are more robustly constructed.

 

The coil you have has an internal ballast, it will drop the voltage to your points the same as a ballast resistor and a stock-type 12-volt coil. The points you have will work fine.

 

Just use what you have. The resistor is built in already.

 

Providing that the coil you bought was for points systems, then these two gentleman are correct.

 

Thanks guys. Sometimes I overthing this stuff. I will hook it up, and check the negative side with my dvom and see if it is dropped to 6-8 volts. Don't know why I didn't think of it earlier.

 

OK, I had it running today. I measured 12.45 volts into the positive side of my coil and 12.40 on the negative side. Would you run it this way with a full 12 volts to the points, or would you buy another coil with a resistor and be done with it?

 

You can't really measure voltage drops on an internal resistor coil. If the points are open you'll read battery voltage on the negative side of the coil, with the points closed, you'll read 0 volts.

SO - switch your meter to read OHMS and read across the coil, one meter lead on the positive side, the other on the negative (remove the wires first). If the coil reads about 2 ohms or less, you'll need an external resistor, if it reads about 3 ohms or above, you're good to go.

 

Thanks, I did not know that. I work on new computerized ag equipment everyday for a living, and I am getting my **** kicked from a set of points. I love it!