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Can I paint the coil?

cmayna

DILLIGARA?
Donator
I don't want no stinking Red colored MSD coil attached to the cleveland. Any reason why I can't simply paint it?
 
Paint away.

I've been told to be very careful painting the bakelite on the top so as not to cause any issues with the wires and the conductivity of the paint, but I don't see why you couldn't paint the body.
 
Michael, not with a power tower top thingy as seen on their #8223 coil.



Mick sings "I see a red coil and I want to paint it black" :ecit
 
"cmayna" said:
Michael, not with a power tower top thingy as seen on their #8223 coil.

Mick sings "I see a red coil and I want to paint it black" :ecit

Gotcha. This is the one you have, right? Is there a specific reason you want the tall tower connection?
http://www.msdignition.com/Products/Coils/Stock_Replacement/8223_-_Blaster_3_Coil.aspx
8223_full.jpg


This is the one I have, which is listed under MSD's "racing" category... for whatever that's worth.
http://www.msdignition.com/Products/Coils/Race/8222_-_High_Vibration_Blaster_Coil.aspx
8222_full.jpg


When are you targeting the engine "break in" day?
 
i have the MSD blaster 2 coil which looks like the bottom photo but has a red base and a black top. i was going to use scotch bright to scuff it, then paint it black and yellow.

i don't personally have any concerns about arcing because it's painted. the MSD 6AL claims 520V to the coil from the ignition box. the coil has 100:1 turns ratio, so that's about 52kV to the plug. i'm not sure what the dielectric breakdown voltage of paint is but i would be surprised if it arc'd 1.5" thru the paint itself. i sure hope non-conductive paint wouldn't have a lower dielectric strength than air or a damp coil surface.

the following are some generic dielectric breakdown strengths.

Material* Dielectric strength (kV/inch)
===========================================
Vacuum ------------------- 20
Air ---------------------- 20 to 75
Porcelain ---------------- 40 to 200
Paraffin Wax ------------- 200 to 300
Transformer Oil ---------- 400
Bakelite ----------------- 300 to 550
Rubber ------------------- 450 to 700
Shellac ------------------ 900
Paper -------------------- 1250
Teflon ------------------- 1500
Glass -------------------- 2000 to 3000
Mica --------------------- 5000
 
To be honest, my engine builder told me which coil to buy. He is responsible for the motor to fire up perfectly and so I'm letting him dictate what components to use as long as they are within reason. So far I've liked what he has picked. The terminals of the dizzy cap has the same male terminal as seen on the coil. Tonight I already scuffed up and painted the coil, a first coat of black. Tomorrow I will do the second coat.
 
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