i recently bought a 68 cutlass with a 455. the other day i was checking the trans fluid and i noticed the condenser (mounted to the coil) wire was not connected to anything. the car runs fine. why would this be? what would i test to see if this condenser is even necessary or in use? keep in mind, i have not tried anything, i was just wondering if anyone else had any thoughts other than a Pertronix type module.

 

One might be on the inside of the cap, right next to the points so a previous owner just dis-connected the exterior one.

http://www.familycar.com/classroom/ignition.htm

 

The condenser on the coil is only there for noise suppression in the radio. It does not affect the operation of the engine at all.