MSD Blaster 2 Coil

[mikekristine325ic]

OK, just put on a Blaster 2 Coil on the vert and made a tremendous difference in performance since my Bosh coil was going out. I read a warning label that I need a Ballast resistor. Is this true, I thought you can run this coil with no problems.

Just wanted to know before I run in to problems.

[der affe]

i am not positive, but i think that you need the resistor if you are running points only.

[SpecM]

I've been running a Blaster 2 coil for over a year now, no problems.
I just had to bend the bracket a little to make it fit (the MSD coil is narrower, iirc)

yea, it made a big difference in my car too, but I also replaced a very VERY worn-out OEM coil

[Knockenwelle]

I replaced mine with the MSD as well, and as such had to change the coil connector. The OE terminal has a 1k(?)-Ohm resistor built into it, but I eliminated that. I figure they put that there to keep the secondary current in check, but since the MSD is a performance coil, I'm not worried about it. Runs great! Also used a length of heater hose, slit open, and wrapped flat around the coil to take up the gap.

[Kingb]

These aren't that expensive IIRC but what about running a M30 coil compared to this if someone was looking to upgrade?

[SpecM]

These aren't that expensive IIRC but what about running a M30 coil compared to this if someone was looking to upgrade?

nah, not much

[badvibrations]

Kinda stealing thread here but. . .Dont remember where i heard it but i remember hearing that the e30 coils are fairly durable and don't go bad that often. . .I suspected mine but it ohmed out to spec. Haven't scoped it yet though. Could it still be weak/faulty?

Sorry again about the thread thieving.

[Knockenwelle]

Sure, the stock coil will work fine for a long time, but there is power to be had by bumping up spark energy for modified motors. And mileage to be had in stock ones...

[badvibrations]

Mileage huh?
Sounds good to me!

[mikekristine325ic]

Thanks guys for replying...I feel relieved. The 7mm Performance Wires form BMP will be here tomorrow. My stock ones are shot to hell. As well as a Oxygen Sensor too!

[Knockenwelle]

BMWs, like Toyotas, have virtually lifetime spark plug wires. Short of physical damage, there is really no need to replace them. Often, aftermarket wires, even performance wires, are of lower quality than the OE stuff. It's one of those things the krauts got just right; they don't really degrade over time. I'm running the original plug wires on my car, after a motor build and 227k miles. If they really need to be replaced, I recommend getting an OE set from BMA.

[Mike]

So whats fair market price for that blaster 2? Who's the best place to get one from?

[jlevie]

BMWs, like Toyotas, have virtually lifetime spark plug wires. Short of physical damage, there is really no need to replace them.

I beg to differ. The insulation, like the other plastic and rubber parts breaks down with time and exposure to heat. That alone is sufficient reason to replace the wires. I've never checked to see, but either the wires or the plug ends are resistor type for spark noise suppression. And that doesn't have an infinite life either. You can get away withrunning the orginal wires for a long time simply because the ignition system provides such a strong spark. Which pretty much means that a high performance coil or an MSD system isn't needed.

[SpecM]

I beg to differ. The insulation, like the other plastic and rubber parts breaks down with time and exposure to heat. That alone is sufficient reason to replace the wires. I've never checked to see, but either the wires or the plug ends are resistor type for spark noise suppression. And that doesn't have an infinite life either. You can get away withrunning the orginal wires for a long time simply because the ignition system provides such a strong spark. Which pretty much means that a high performance coil or an MSD system isn't needed.

I agree

I only got an MSD Blaster 2 second-hand for $15

I sell them new for $35, much less than an OEM coil (easy $60-80)

[mikekristine325ic]

^^^^ I also agree. Took my factory plugs off today that had a whopping 335,000 miles on them. The damn things feel apart in my hand when pulling the boot. There was tuns of cracks in the rubber as well as corrosion at the points in the boot. As soon as I placed them with the 7mm Silicone Performance Wires, it was like a whole new car. Especially with the Blaster 2 Coil. I am not saying OEM is bad, its just like anything else ever made and will eventually go out overtime.

Also, why pay 60-80 bucks for a stock coil when you can pay 30 for a coil that cranks out the same ohms and voltage? Thats the only reason why I went to MSD.