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I just got my ignition coil and it say that it needs a resistor but from all write-ups i have read, they give the option to use a factory coil from an electronic dizzy 12a. so i bought one on rock-auto for a late model 85 gsl with the 1.1 4Bbl assuming id get the best one if there is any difference at all. And it says it needs a resistor on the side of the coil. Nowhere in the write up does it state i need to add a resistor anywhere. this has me confused.
do i need a resistor or can i just remove the ballast resistors?
i am trying to remove all of the wiring from the car that is no longer needed. basically so i can deep clean everything, i have already de-pinned the X-01 down to only what i need and loomed it. thanks to Jeezus for his write-up. only issue i had was i dont have the same alternator wiring, i think because external regulator, so i hope since i just left the wiring from the alt alone it will be fine. i removed everything from the X-01 except for sensors.
can i remove the relays by the headlights and remove the wires from the source? it says i can just tie it back but can i trace wires and de-pin them at the source?
here is the factory ballast resistors on the points ignition for the 12a. not really sure what wires to splice. i only have 3 resistors http://www.mazspeed.com/ignitionswap.htm <-- per this guide i should have 4. Unless that one on the right with the 4 connections is "2" any help would be awesome
this is the coil i got from rockauto. got it from the 85 1.1 4Bbl section. this is the coil.
thanks for the help.
Murray
Last edited by Devon Murray; 05-02-19 at 03:46 AM.
It's odd that the '85' coil says it needs a ballast resistor. All electronic ignition systems on the first gens did not have them to my knowledge - usually ballast resistors are used on points systems. Wiring should be pretty straight forward (I'm assuming the guide you're following details this) and you shouldn't have to mess with the alt/regulator for what I can tell. What relays by the headlights; the ones for the motors? If so, how come you're looking to disconnect those?
Oh, and I can't claim to know a whole lot about the 79's ignition set-up, although I have an '80 that I did the FB dizzy swap on.
It's odd that the '85' coil says it needs a ballast resistor. All electronic ignition systems on the first gens did not have them to my knowledge - usually ballast resistors are used on points systems. Wiring should be pretty straight forward (I'm assuming the guide you're following details this) and you shouldn't have to mess with the alt/regulator for what I can tell. What relays by the headlights; the ones for the motors? If so, how come you're looking to disconnect those?
It is quite odd indeed. i was pretty sad face when i opened the box. i double triple checked my order even after receiving it and i didnt order it wrong. I am just going to get a universal coil from local parts store and make sure they give me one that is a true 12v coil.
that sweet as for the alternator. im going to be shortening that harness after looking at it some more.
And as for the relays by the headlights. there are two and they are apparently for giving full 12v to the coils during starting but they arent used after that. the write-up states to just disconnect them and tie every thing back and out of the way. i would like to trace the wires to the source and depin them. the wring in my sa is very brittle even with 50k miles. i want to eliminate as much as i can to stop[ any chance of shorts in their tracks before they leave me stranded. i plan to begin daily driving the car(summertime) this year. hopefully this month.
Before you buy yet another coil,measure the primary and secondary resistance of your new coil and post results here. The coil may be fine to use as you intend.
To measure primary resistance...ohmmeter on 200 ohm scale and touch each primary terminal with test leads-record reading.
Secondary resistance,2k ohm scale,put one test lead on + primary post and other in high tension tower of coil down to terminal in bottom and record readings.
Post results here.
Thank you for your reply GSLSEforme. I will test it on saturday. Got a buddy coming to help me with a couple things.
And to Benjamin4456 I got the ballast resistor wiring figured out after taking a closer look at the Haynes. I found the wires i was looking for. So i am all set for the electronic dizzy this weekend. I'll let you know what i find out about the coil on saturday. i believe i read if its below 3ohm it needs a resistor and if its over 4ohm its a legit 12v coil. I don't mind getting a new coil just hate doing the whole return shipping thing so ill probably just sit on the coil till the cows come home.
05-02-19, 03:21 AM
Upgrading 79 points to electronic dizzy questions
