6v to 12v conversion: coil experts?

[ardarvin]

I'm working on converting my 53 chev from 6v to 12v. I'm using a 12v alternator (gm 12si) and looking to buy an ignition coil, hopefully that doesn't need a ballast resistor.

Most "kits" out there (nationalchevyassoc.com) include a coil with a ballast resistor, but I've read elsewhere that it may be possible to use a high performance coil that's "internally resisted" to the 3.0ohm range (i'm assuming they meant the primary winding resistance?).

Does anyone have any recommendations of coils that would work?

The folks behind the counter at Lordco haven't got a clue what I'm talking about, but showed me the MSD 8202 model.

http://www.msdignition.com/coil_blaster_1_8200_8202_8223.htm

But I don't think this model will work, as the primary resistance is only 0.7ohm without the ballast. The MSD website also leads me to believe the 8202 will only work on an electronic ignition, and I've got points.

[Steve E.]

Break down and use a coil that uses a ballast resistor. only thing else you need is a 12 volt starter solenoid so you'll have a terminal to short out the resistor for starting. you could also use a resistance wire resistor in the wiring loom as G.M. did in the later cars (59 Chevys for instance) if you simply want a resistor 'hanging out in the breeze'.

[Oldcar_Mechanic]

I'm always curious as to why people convert to 12 volts. There are 6 volt alternators that you can buy now if that's why you are doing it.

If you look at Jegs and summit they have both style coils available.

Ron

[ardarvin]

Steve E, I'm planning on buying a 12v relay, hooking it to the key switch, and the output across the ballast to short it out when starting. Is the 12v starter solenoid method a better way of doing this?


Oldcar_Mech: I'm upgrading to 12v for a plethora of reasons, but most importantly because: P = V*I.

That said, I'd convert to 24v if I could, but hey...

[Steve E.]

The 12 volt solenoids have an extra terminal on tyhem that is hot 12 volts when the solenoid is energized just for that purpose. I'm thinking a 53 to 56 12 volt G.M. solenoid will fit your starter, but I could be wrong. In that case a relay would be the way to go.