GM Coil Packs

Hi Folks,

I'm sure you've all read plenty about substituting a GM coil pack for the standard types of coils typically used on motorcycles. Back in 2005 I went so far as to install a coil pack on my 1300. The bike ran fine but I ended up removing it in favor of a trio of Dyna 3 OHM coils because I didn't like the fact that I had to use a ballast resistor to makeup enough resistance to protect the igniter. I felt that I was wasting spark energy that might be needed should operating conditions deteriorate while out on the road, dirty plugs, etc.




I fitted the coil pack in the tool tray. To do so I had to "mold" the seat pan for additional height to clear the plug connectors. You can see the "molded" area in this next pic.




I realize that many 1300's come stock with a ballast resistor.

What are your thoughts about the use of a ballast resistor verses a coil with the appropriate resistance?

Bill

I'd personally like more info on using the dyna coils. Bought my bike this year and it already had GM coils on it but starting the bike is sometimes hit or miss. The whole setup looks backyard mechanic done and the coils and wires are an awkward and loose fit not to mention the ballast resistors are mounted on the side and just looks like it'll fall apart as soon as it gets wet.

I'm going to have to redo the whole setup but expensive nology coils are out of the question for me. Can you post some good recommendations on coils and all the hardware? I don't have any of the original parts either. Thanks so much!

Hi Mike,

I used these coils, they're a bit larger than the stock coils but the Dyna 1's are available in a 3 ohm resistance.

Dyna 3 Ohm Coils

I chose these because they provided the stock total resistance, and get this, I can remove the valve cover without screwing with the coils.

Best regards!

Bill

Yeh seriously thinking of doing the coil swap to uder the seat, I changed the stock coils for a set of Accel coils, and they hang lower than the stock so it's a real job to take them out just to access the rocker cover, still they do throw a good spark, also just for anyones info, if your starter is pulling too many amps because of worn brushes or carbon build up on the armature then starting will be hard, check your starter ... just thought i'd mention it, cheers

Hi Bill

Are the Dyna 3 cols you posted a link to the same size as the originals - can they be mounted in the original positions or have you moved them to the tool tray ? I'm needing a new set of coils but haven't decided which ones to get. The Accel + Dyna coils are available on ebay but they're not cheap. You can also use AW82-TRI coils which are for a Honda Goldwing - not easy to find new though.

cheers

Billy

Thanks for the link!

Yeah I've been doing all i can to try to fix the hard start issue: Cleaned the starter up real good, new plugs, rebuilt carb and even jumping the battery to a car battery for more amperage. Even using www.dreadsbikersite.com/Z1300/starting.htm for a good reference when cleaning the starter. Thought for sure I had nailed it down. Some days the bike will start right up and others I cant even get a sputter out of it :(.

I'm just trying to make sure I've covered all my bases especially concerning the coils. The FAQ mentions that the Harley ignition coil 31614-83A will work great and it's something I can come up with the money to afford but the people that have used it had touring bikes and they're big coils.

Has anyone attempted to install them on a standard KZ yet? I'm thinking I could make a bracket for them and find room for them somewhere in the tail or under the seat...