MSD Blaster 2 mounting position

Posted By: Kern Dog

MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/19/13 04:16 AM

Hello again.
I'm installing a reproduction wiring harness in the 70 Charger. For several years, I had the coil mounted vertically on the RH fender apron near the alternator. The coil wiring isn't long enough to reach that position, so I'm thinking of mounting the coil on the intake in front of the carburetor, like stock. Putting it there will look cleaner and the wires will reach.
The instructions that came with the MSD coil are a little vague. They state that the coil is designed to use the factory mounting brackets but later it reads that mounting the coil vertically is recommended. All the factory coils were mounted horizontally, right? What could be different about the MSD coil to warrant a different position?
Who has actually had trouble with their coils by mounting them on the side?
Yeah... I could just solder in longer wires to reach the fender apron, but I sorta like the idea of cleaning up the area to look less cluttered.
Opinions?

Posted By: Kern Dog

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/19/13 06:16 AM

I just read on the MSD website that their reasoning seems to be that since the coils are oil filled, they recommend an upright position. It didn't say it was mandatory, just recommended. The factory coils were oil filled too, so what the heck?

Posted By: Scott Carl

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/19/13 06:22 AM

Lack of confidence in their manufacturing procedures?

Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/19/13 06:24 AM

Mancini sells this cool bracket that AndyF makes...

Attached picture 7673724-AR208aP1.jpg

Posted By: Kern Dog

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/19/13 06:56 AM

Quote:

Mancini sells this cool bracket that AndyF makes...

Hmmm, I guess I can build one just like that tomorrow!
I actually enjoy making brackets. I don't know why I didn't think of that myself!
Thanks a bunch!

Posted By: wingman

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/19/13 02:21 PM

Quote:

Lack of confidence in their manufacturing procedures?

Any oil-filled coil has a tiny air pocket (to allow for heat expansion.)

When mounted on their side, the air pocket *can* expose some of the windings, causing impoper cooling and damaging the coil.

Many coils are mounted sideways (including mine)and are fine. But upright is ideal.

Epoxy coils do not have this issue.

Posted By: patosmith

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/19/13 02:31 PM

I have been using a MSD blaster 2 coil for over 15 years mounted on it's side. No problems.
I have had coils leak oil in other cars in the past but not this one.

Posted By: topside

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/19/13 02:43 PM

Over the last 40 years I've mounted coils vertically & horizontally, and the only one I can recall leaking was on a SB '57 Chevy I'd bought and it was vertical.
The MSD B2 coil on my Roadrunner has been horizontal in the stock location since 1988.

Posted By: bigblock340power

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/20/13 01:25 PM

My Blaster has been mounted on it's side as long as it's been in the car (a long time). No problems/issues.
I do like the mounting bracket on the BB pictured though (clean).

Posted By: torkrules

Re: MSD Blaster 2 mounting position - 04/20/13 09:44 PM

Quote:

Hello again.
I'm installing a reproduction wiring harness in the 70 Charger. For several years, I had the coil mounted vertically on the RH fender apron near the alternator. The coil wiring isn't long enough to reach that position, so I'm thinking of mounting the coil on the intake in front of the carburetor, like stock. Putting it there will look cleaner and the wires will reach.
The instructions that came with the MSD coil are a little vague. They state that the coil is designed to use the factory mounting brackets but later it reads that mounting the coil vertically is recommended. All the factory coils were mounted horizontally, right? What could be different about the MSD coil to warrant a different position?
Who has actually had trouble with their coils by mounting them on the side?
Yeah... I could just solder in longer wires to reach the fender apron, but I sorta like the idea of cleaning up the area to look less cluttered.
Opinions?

They have a black anti-vibration, epoxy filled coil that can be mounted in any position. peel the label off and it looks stock