Question re: coil pack and ignition module

[mike85gn]

So I'm doing the ignition conversion, swapping the '85-style for the '87-style, I have the conversion harness from Caspers, and I'm wondering about the coil pack and ignition module. Can I use the coil pack and ignition module from a late model 3800? Are these compatible with the '87-style ignition? If not, Full Throttle appears to have a coil pack for $70, is this a good unit?

[nick]

So I'm doing the ignition conversion, swapping the '85-style for the '87-style, I have the conversion harness from Caspers, and I'm wondering about the coil pack and ignition module. Can I use the coil pack and ignition module from a late model 3800? Are these compatible with the '87-style ignition? If not, Full Throttle appears to have a coil pack for $70, is this a good unit?

i dont think the newer coils/modules are compatible unless you do the type I swap.. which requires more work than just a hotair->intercooled conversion. there are posts about it on the other board. hit up the search and look for "type I ignition" or something kind of like that

i think your best bet is just to get an 87 module and accel brand coil.. think that should save some money.

be sure, if you buy used modules, to have them tested at your local autozone or wherever they have a well's testing machine..

[HairDrier]

Full Throttle's 87 style coil pack is a good unit, I have been using one for a year and a half

[SuperSix]

I ran a Series II for awhile on my 86.. I never had a problem. I hear they aren't good for all-out racing, and break up at the top end.

[1badTTA]

be sure, if you buy used modules, to have them tested at your local autozone or wherever they have a well's testing machine..
The test you are reffering to is simpley a Go-NoGo test and can be done with a VOM meter, it only tells if the module might work. There is no test for the random problems some people encounter.

If anyone is interested, take a known bad module and the replacement and start probing for resistance between the pins, you will see there are some big differences between the two. It would also be pretty helpfull to post the results if someone does this. HTH

[Bruce]

So I'm doing the ignition conversion, swapping the '85-style for the '87-style, I have the conversion harness from Caspers, and I'm wondering about the coil pack and ignition module. Can I use the coil pack and ignition module from a late model 3800? Are these compatible with the '87-style ignition? If not, Full Throttle appears to have a coil pack for $70, is this a good unit?

The 3800 is a different series of parts then the 3.8. The 3800 uses a crank pulley with two sets of *chopper* wheels for the crank sensor. While the connector at the end of the modules looks similiar that's about it.

[nick]

The test you are reffering to is simpley a Go-NoGo test and can be done with a VOM meter, it only tells if the module might work. There is no test for the random problems some people encounter.

If anyone is interested, take a known bad module and the replacement and start probing for resistance between the pins, you will see there are some big differences between the two. It would also be pretty helpfull to post the results if someone does this. HTH

so, you can fully power up and check like 7 or 8 different things with a VOM meter?

this wasnt just plugging the module into a machine and having a green or a red light light up.. there were like 10 green/red lights

[Roger]

I changed to the Type II when my second coil pack went out (measured good cold - hot, 1 set was over 150k ohms) & I still need to rearrange the plug wires (I've kept them away from the wiper blade arm, but they look tacky).

I believe with the Caspers adapter harnes, the Type II will work on a hot air just as well as a Type I.

I,d give Caspers a call if I had any doubts.

http://www.casperselectronics.com

1 (847) 247 0484

[John Larkin]

A GM ignition module has a "keyed" plug. If your plug fits, it will work. This is from a conversation with a Delco engineer who initially worked with Magnavox to design the system. Gotta be some truth considering the source.