231 Delco Remy Coil

[Mark S.]

I picked up several Corvette parts from a person that had a 66 big block TI. He said that he had problems with the ignition system; but found out it was distributor related. A 231 coil was in the parts that I received from him. Does someone have a picture of a repop 231 coil; or can tell me the difference between a repop and an original? I did see pictures of an original one that Dave Strickland was selling; and the one that I have looked very close to Dave's. Thanks! Mark

[Dave S.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

I picked up several Corvette parts from a person that had a 66 big block TI. He said that he had problems with the ignition system; but found out it was distributor related. A 231 coil was in the parts that I received from him. Does someone have a picture of a repop 231 coil; or can tell me the difference between a repop and an original? I did see pictures of an original one that Dave Strickland was selling; and the one that I have looked very close to Dave's. Thanks! Mark

Mark,
Identifyong an original Delco Coil vs. a repop. should be pretty straightforward. Repops I have seen have non magnetic studs and the DELCO REMY font is not very crisp on a repop. Just compare it to any original Delco Coil and you can easily tell the difference. Does your coil have a decal or remintants of one.?
If it was in a box of old parts that's a good sign as the repros haven't been around that long.( 10 years or less). Hope that helps

[Mark S.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

These are pictures from my 231 coil. Does it look to be an original? Also, this is the first time for me to post pictures. I hope that they are okay. Mark

[Dave S.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

Mark,
Good photos and a good job posting them. The decal is a reproduction but I'd say the coil is a real Delco Coil. Are the posts magnetic.?
i test them on a car. Run it to temperature, take it for a test drive and install the shielding. If the heat doesn't kill it then it's a good coil.

[Mark S.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

Dave: The posts are magnetic. Thank you very much for the help! Sincerely, Mark

[Gene M.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

Mark,
Good photos and a good job posting them. The decal is a reproduction but I'd say the coil is a real Delco Coil. Are the posts magnetic.?
i test them on a car. Run it to temperature, take it for a test drive and install the shielding. If the heat doesn't kill it then it's a good coil.

Hi Dave,
Would you happen to know the ohm reading resistance of the 231?

[Dave S.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

Hi Dave,
Would you happen to know the ohm reading resistance of the 231?

Gene,
I do not. All the various Delco coils that were made for TI and non TI cars must have meant something but I've never heard a good reason why that was done. I'm sure the reason exists but I've never heard it. From 64-71 when TI was offered I'll bet there were about 10 different coils installed in St. Louis but only one was serviced (#207). I have always thought that was strange.

[Mike B.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

Here's 2 shots of my buddy Mark Nagy's extra 231 coil. Nice original.

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

Gene,
I do not. All the various Delco coils that were made for TI and non TI cars must have meant something but I've never heard a good reason why that was done. I'm sure the reason exists but I've never heard it. From 64-71 when TI was offered I'll bet there were about 10 different coils installed in St. Louis but only one was serviced (#207). I have always thought that was strange.

I believe that the coils were shipped to St Louis with the mounting bracket. Thus the number on the PRODUCTION coil included the appropriate mounting bracket. The coil itself may, or may not, have been the same. I am sure that electrically the ones for TI were different than the ones for points ignition, but beyond that I am at a loss for an eplaination.

[Ken A.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

Why do you say the sticker is a repop?

[Dave S.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

Why do you say the sticker is a repop?

Ken,
Original stickers have a paper backing and the repro stickers do not. I don't see any thickness of paper backing in Mark's photo. Does that look like a sticker that is 52 years old.? Patina is part of determining age in my opinion.

[Mark S.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

I am guessing that the resistance for a TI coil should be close to 0.41 - 0.51 ohms; according to Dave Fieldler's information?

[Ken A.]

Re: 231 Delco Remy Coil

No, but neither does the coil. In my opinion it looks like a paperback from the picture.