Dan,
Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you. I think I understand
now how the ignition circuit is supposed to be connected in a '74,
how mine was altered, and what I will do to make it work as intended
except for the seat belt switch. And I really appreciate not having
to shell out $65 for a new start relay. Most important, you kept
me from trying out a "sneak circuit" which would have done some
damage, and you protected me from feeling stupid for thinking of it!
Apparently the PO had it wired so that voltage to the coil ALWAYS
went through the ballast resistor wire, even at startup. I guess
he must have had some trouble starting and decided to go with a
HUGE, very high voltage coil, but he added ANOTHER ballast resistor
into the circuit (the one that came with the coil). This coil is
called an Excel and is easily three times the size of any other
I've seen in an LBG. It will be out of the car before nightfall!
I think I'll go with your suggestion to put a cheap relay into the
circuit to protect the contacts on the ignition switch. The PO has
provided one for me, right next to the two horn relays. It appears
to have controlled fog lights as it is activated from a toggle switch
under the dash and sends wires almost all the way to the grill where
they are tied up. Let me work out a circuit and check it with you
later. I don't want you to have to do ALL of the work for me!
Tim Gaines
1980 Spitfire
1974 TR6
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