Coil with External Resistor

[gcorsar]

I was swapping my points distributor with an electronic system and when I pulled out the old coil I noticed it had an external resistor. The coil, Blue Streak model UC-12X, was marked, "use with external resistor". So that explained why the external resistor was there. Another PO modification I'm sure.

My question is, what should I do for the new electronic system? Bypass the external resistor? Keep it in line?

[vandor]

Need to know which electronic system you are using. Most give specs as to what the coil's resistance should be.

[gcorsar]

I may not know how to answer that completely, but the coil is a Magnet Mirelli AEI 200A. I haven't seen any other markings on either the distributor or coil heat sink. Is there some other place to check for system identification markings?

[majicwrench]

In the good ole days most coils were marked 6v or 12v. A 6v coil required a resistor. A 12v coil was designed to run on full 12v. Other than that general statement I can't help you.
Keith

[vandor]

>I may not know how to answer that completely,

You don't know what system you were swapping in place of the point? That is a bit strange. Where did you get it from? Common systems are Crane (black finned box), Pertronix (no box, 2 wires from distributor hook to coil), stock Fiat electronic ignition (thick white wire from distributor goes to module siting behind coil).
A picture would help.

[gcorsar]

@vandor: sorry, didn't quite know what you were looking for to identify the system. it's a stock fiat system, thick white wire from the distributor. i'm replacing a stock fiat dual points distributor. i think the answer is that the external resistor isn't needed with electronic ignition bc the resistor was used to reduce point wear. i just wanted to make sure before i hosed up the electronic system... fiats do have some odd wiring at times...

[vandor]

Good, that's a great system. If you want a great coil the MSD Blaster2 coil works great with the Fiat electronic ignition.