'202' coils

[Gary B.]

Can anyone elaborate in detail on the differences between the original 1115202 coils and the newer replacement 1115202 coils? I understand that the newer replacement 202 coils are stenciled rather than embossed? Do the original coils not have any white stenciled letters or numbers on the sides? Do the tops of both coils look the same or are there differences there as well?

Thanks,

Gary

[Jack H.]

Re: '202' coils

You're presuming there are only two versions of 202 coil (early late). Not so. There were running changes over time and several nice articles can be found in back issues of Restorer magazine (or search via computer if you have the Restorer CD ROM version).

Originals (have to define time frame as 202 was used for a number of years in Corvette and passenger car/truck appln's), will have Delco Remy in script on Bakelite tower of coil with '202 12V' embossed in the metal can/body (wacked from the inside so outer surface bears a raised font). Early units had 'shoulders' adjacent to the outboard terminal lugs to prevent electrical contacts from spinning when nuts were torqued AND had two tiny holes next to the mounting bolts to be compatible with earlier contact strain relief hardware that provided anti-spin 'tits' to mate in the holes.

Later coils eliminated the holes next to the contact posts, but maintained the outer case deboss and Bakelite tower DR ID. Even later service spare versions began to lose the Bakelite DR script on the top tower along with elimination of the '202 12V' case deboss (silk screen).

[Gary B.]

Thanks Jack; two '202' follow-up question

Jack,

Thanks very much for the wonderful and clear history of the different 202 coil configurations. Do you know which of the three versions you describe would be approproprate for a '66 L79 car (I'm assuming version 1 or 2) and do you know if one can still find NOS examples of versions 1 or 2?

Gary

[Jack H.]

Re: Thanks Jack; two '202' follow-up question

By '66 it's generally accepted that the can was steel with raised '202 12V', the tower was Bakelite with DR script, had shoulders around the mounting post studs and the holes for the wire clip strain relief anti-swivel pins had disappeared.

BUT, the world abounds with surprises and it wouldn't be the first time 'lost' stock of earlier inventory was discovered and put back on the line in sprinklings here/there. However, sans Judging Guide prose specifically allowing certain variations to be co-mingled based on VIN blocks, it becomes the owner's burden of proof regarding the correct originality of individual components that differ from current judging norms.

On whether or not correct original 202 coils still exist, how many do you want, at what price, and when? Contact me off line -- this is NOT a Hirohito's jock strap item you're looking for....

[Lou Lapham]

Re:One more alternate source for 202

Gary-Another alternative is to get a modern rebuild coil in the old style case and top.Goat Hill Classics,562-437-7664-goathil@aol.com cuts apart the old coil and puts in modern guts then laser welds the cases back together.I was going to look for a NOS 202 for my 66 until i saw these.A little more money but i think it's worth it. Lou