Which coil?

[simonjrwinter]

I’m looking to replace some ignition parts on my Griff 500 engine. (Coil, ign module, dizzy cap and rotor arm)
Is it best to trust a TVR parts supplier to supply the best bits or there any parts I should avoid?
Thanks
Simon

[Fastpedeller]

Not having knowledge of TVR's all I can add is...… Check if you need a coil suitable for a ballast resistor circuit or not. (Apologies if you already know this) with the key switch in the normal running position (normally posn 1 on ignition, not cranking position) If the voltage to the coil is about 9V, then there is a ballast resistor in the circuit, if 12v there is no ballast resistior

[BIG DUNC]

Go for quality. Easier said than done.

I have recently had a genuine "OEM" ignition part fail in a couple of months.

Even the OEM stuff is now made in Brazil, but don't buy anything originating in China.

It is also worth talking to land rover / range rover specialists. The ignition parts on the rover V8 are essentially the same on a land rover / range rover / discovery as they are on a TVR. For the same age that is. Not the same on a modern land rover product, but a V8 landrover engine that was born about the same time as your V8 TVR will have the same V8 ignition bits. & there are plenty of land rover specialists, just as there are TVR specialists.

Go to a specialist, not a motor factor or fleabay.

[Penelope Stopit]

Testing for a ballast resistor being in the circuit can only be achieved by disconnecting all cables from the coil negative terminal and then connecting a negative to that terminal, only then can the voltage at the coil positive be measured correctly

Resistor circuit voltages don't show in open circuits

[gavgavgav]

https://simonbbc.com/

[V8fan]

I'm fairly sure the ballast resistor ended with the M series and early S series?

I can't find it now but I was enquiring on here about such a thing a couple of years ago and was told the Griff / Chimaera didn't have one.

[Belle427]

Most of the parts from Tvr suppliers are the same and quality is unknown.
The coils should be ok if you buy Bosch but the modules, cap and rotors are generally pattern stuff.
Simonbbc linked to is very helpful but again quality is unknown.
Distributor doctor is one that has been recommended for caps and rotors but not cheap.

[n500wow]

Hi I purchased a blue Dizzy cap from TVR parts.
When fitted
Car misfired and when looking down at the cap it was moving backwards and forwards by aout 5%.
As the location cut out in the cap that fits over the dizzy lug was too large.
Reverted to a Black cap and all ok.

Change one part at a time and drive it for a while.
otherwise if you have issues you wont know what bit caused it.

[stevesprint]

Here's the coil I use and should be availble from your local goodies store


3 Pin Ignition Amplifier Module - Intermotor 15410
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-Defender-V8-...

2 Pin Ignition Amplifier Module - Intermotor 15420
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-2-Pin-Ignition-Ampl...

Its a worry the amp is the same as a classic Mini but I've used an Intermotor 15420 for years with no issues.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Mini-Intermotor...
Makes a change the Mini one is more expensive.

Edited by stevesprint on Friday 14th February 20:06

[blitzracing]

The coil is a high power one with a low primary resistance and no ballast resistor. This means it takes a higher current, but can build its magnetic field faster as you dont have a lot of time between sparks on an 8 cylinder engine with just one coil.