327/300 Ignition Coil

[Bruce Boatner]

I plan on replacing the coil on my 1964 327/300. I do not plan on having the car judged anytime soon, so appearance is not an issue. Will I be able to find a suitable replacement at the local auto parts store, or is a "special" coil required? If an auto parts model is viable, any particular part number(s) I should ask for?

I've seen different coils listed in the various corvette specialty parts catalogs for big bucks, but was hoping the high cost is related more to proper appearance vs. functionality.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

[Duke W.]

Re: 327/300 Ignition Coil

Any "generic" coil for a 12 volt breaker point ignition system equipped with an approximate 1.8 ohm ballast should work electically.

The Borg-Warner E30 is listed as replacing the OE 087 coil and the later 202 coil. From the photograph in my B-W Buyer's Guide, it looks like the OE coil.

NAPA should also have this identical coil, but I don't know the P/N.

Duke

[John H.]

Re: 327/300 Ignition Coil

A common generic replacement sold by most auto parts stores is the "Standard" model UC-12; states right on it, "Use with external ballast resistor".

[Joe L.]

Re: 327/300 Ignition Coil

Bruce-----

The high cost of many Corvette ignition coils is ENTIRELY due to appearance and configuration; it has absolutely NOTHING to do with functionality.

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: 327/300 Ignition Coil

Hmmmm...wonder if my existing coil is original. Other than referring to the JG which I do not have, what should I look for to see if my coil is original?

[Joe L.]

Re: 327/300 Ignition Coil

Bruce-----

Look for the "Delco Remy" in raised script on the top of the coil. Also, the "can" section of the coil should have "12V" and "202" in raised letters.

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: 327/300 Ignition Coil

Joe,

Thanks for your help. My coil definitely has the "Delco-Remy" script on top. Will look for "12V" and "202" on the can tonight, but I would be surprised if it's not there. My car intermittedly misses at higher RPM's, and I suspect the coil might be a factor. The coil seems to be a more likely culprit if it is indeed original.

Wonder how much I could get for an original 1964 327/300 coil?

[Duke W.]

Re: 327/300 Ignition Coil

Your original coil was a "087". The "202" was installed beginning in '65 and became the service replacement for previous single point systems, so it's fairy common.

If your ignition is breaking up at high revs the first thing to look for is point bounce. This can be checked by attaching a dwell meter and revving the engine to 5000, or better yet, use some test lead extensions and watch it in the car while driving it like you're mad at it! If the dwell drops more than 2 degrees there is a problem in the dist. such as exess end play or a wobbly breaker plate.

The 19-23 oz. points should work up to about 5500 - good enough for a base or L-75 engine. For SHP/FI engines use the 28-32 oz. point set.

Duke