Coil Issue / Questions – 1978 GS550

[ajgs550]

I was attempting to change out wires on my 1978 GS550, but I absolutely could not get the wires out. I have changed plug wires on other bikes (Remove epoxy, remove wire, clean, insert new wire...etc). Finally pulling as hard as I could the wire stretched and came out, but the copper core remained. I milled down the coil so I could see what was going on:
See Attached Picture.

Question #1
Are some coil/wire set ups made one piece. In other words, to replace the coil, or the wires, you have to do the whole assembly?

Question #2
I would like to get aftermarket coils now since I hacked one up. I have just replaced new points and condensers, so don't want to switch to fully electronic right now.
What is a good (correct) coil for my bike? Dyna? Accel?
I'm not sure if I have ND or Koskusan coils. Does it matter?
All the coil says on it is 3300 12V 8+1

Any help out there?

[koolaid_kid]

You will want the black Dyna 5 Ohm coils to match your points system. If you were to go to electronic right now, you would want the green Dyna 3 Ohm coils. If you plan on going to electronic ignition later, I suggest the Dyna 3 Ohm coils with 2 Ohm ballast resistors now. (Ballast resistors are finned to dissipate power.)

[7981GS]

Why not just replace them with some stock coils that are not destroyed?
Several members here, including myself, have several to offer for sale.

Daniel

[tkent02]

I have a nice set of stock coils from a 1979 GS550L that should work for you.

[ajgs550]

Thanks for all the help!
I went ahead and ordered the Black 5 ohm dyna coils, (use with stock points/cond.)and a new set of wires from Z1.

I'll post an update with some pics of the new set up.

So are the wires on these coils non-replaceable?

I know these air cooled monsters breath forever but it's nice to swap wires and plugs now and then . . . haha.

[tkent02]

Thanks for all the help!
I went ahead and ordered the Black 5 ohm dyna coils, (use with stock points/cond.)and a new set of wires from Z1.

I'll post an update with some pics of the new set up.

So are the wires on these coils non-replaceable?

I know these air cooled monsters breath forever but it's nice to swap wires and plugs now and then . . . haha.

The wires can be replaced, but most of us just cut off a half inch and replace the spark plug caps every twenty years or so.