Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil for Your 1968-1970 Opel Rallye
A weak ignition coil can cause frustrating starting and running issues; this guide helps you select the best replacement for your classic Opel.
- For a 1968-1970 Opel Rallye, new aftermarket coils are the standard replacement, as original parts are rare.
- Symptoms of failure include hard starting, misfiring, stalling, and poor performance, affecting the entire engine.
- Brands like Standard Ignition (SMP) and Walker Products offer higher quality and reliability for this application.
- Replacement is a simple, DIY-friendly task that requires basic tools and less than an hour.
Signs of a Failing Ignition Coil in Your Opel Rallye
The ignition coil in a classic car like the 1968-1970 Opel Rallye is a simple but critical component. When it starts to fail, the symptoms are usually noticeable and can be mistaken for other ignition or fuel problems. Because the Rallye uses a single coil for all cylinders, a failure will impact the entire engine, not just one cylinder.
Common symptoms include:
🎬 Watch this guide on seven common signs of coil failure.- Hard Starting or No Start: A weak or dead coil won't produce enough voltage to create a spark, making the engine difficult or impossible to start.
- Engine Misfires: The engine may sputter, cough, or run unevenly, especially under acceleration. This happens when the coil provides an inconsistent spark.
- Stalling: The engine may stall unexpectedly, particularly when it's hot, as the coil's internal windings can fail when they heat up.
- Poor Performance and Power Loss: You might notice your Rallye feels sluggish or less responsive than usual because the spark isn't strong enough for complete combustion.
- Backfiring: Unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system due to a lack of spark, where it can ignite and cause a loud pop or bang from the tailpipe.
Pro Tip: Check Other Components
The symptoms of a bad coil can be similar to those of failing points, a bad condenser, or old spark plug wires. Since these parts are all related and relatively inexpensive, it's often a good idea to replace the points, condenser, and rotor at the same time as the coil for a complete ignition system refresh.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
For a vehicle from this era, finding a "new old stock" (NOS) OEM Bosch or Delco coil is rare and often unnecessary. Today's aftermarket provides several reliable options that meet or exceed original specifications. The key is to choose a reputable brand, as quality can vary significantly.
🎬 Listen to this podcast explaining how aftermarket coils are made.Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your Opel
Based on general market reputation, the available brands can be grouped into tiers:
- Premium Aftermarket (Good Quality): Standard Ignition (SMP) and Walker Products are well-regarded brands in the aftermarket. Standard Motor Products is a long-standing company known for quality testing, and Walker Products also emphasizes OE-grade construction. These are solid choices for reliability and performance.
- Standard Aftermarket (Decent Quality): Spectra and Holstein fall into this category. They offer a balance of price and quality. While some users have reported mixed results with Spectra on modern cars, for a simple canister coil on a classic vehicle, they are generally a suitable option. Holstein promotes its use of quality materials and testing procedures.
- Economy Aftermarket (Budget-Focused): Brands like Global Parts and Skyward are typically focused on providing the lowest-cost option. While they may function correctly, their long-term durability and performance consistency may not match that of the higher-tiered brands. For a classic car that may be driven less frequently, this could be a consideration, but for peace of mind, sticking with a more established brand is often worth the small price difference.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket | $23.53 - $46.31 | This is the most common and recommended option. Price varies by brand quality. |
| New OEM (NOS) | $75 - $150+ | Very rare. New Old Stock (NOS) parts from original brands like Bosch. Often unnecessary for this part. |
| Used OEM | $15 - $40 | Available from classic car recyclers, but age and condition are unknown. Not recommended. |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $125 | Typically less than one hour of labor. A very simple job for any mechanic. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a high-performance or modern coil on my Rallye?
It's best to stick with a coil designed for a points-style ignition system. Modern high-energy coils are designed for electronic ignitions and can quickly burn out the contact points in your distributor. If you have converted to an electronic ignition system, you should use the coil recommended by that system's manufacturer.
Do I need a coil with an internal or external resistor?
The original ignition system on the Opel Rallye typically uses an external ballast resistor or a resistor wire. You should use a replacement coil that is compatible with this system. Most aftermarket coils for this application are designed to be used with the factory resistor. Using the wrong type can either provide a weak spark or damage your ignition points.
Is replacing the ignition coil a difficult job?
No, this is a very easy DIY job. The coil is typically mounted to the fender or firewall with a simple bracket. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging a few wires, unbolting the old coil, and installing the new one. It usually takes less than 30 minutes with basic hand tools.
🎬 See how easy it is to change an ignition coil.Were there any recalls for the ignition coil on the 1968-1970 Opel Rallye?
No, searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show no recalls specifically for the ignition coil on these vehicles. There was a recall for a throttle linkage issue on some 1968 models, but it is unrelated to the ignition system.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 1237330085 1237330161
This vehicle uses a single, canister-style ignition coil designed for a conventional ignition system with contact breaker points and an external ballast resistor.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.