ballast resistor question.. pertronix

[CableSrv]

Ok, I ordered a pertronix igniter kit to convert my dist to electric ignition. While I was at summit I went ahead and also ordered a msd blaster 2 coil.

Now here is where i'm confused. Did alot of searching but no answers on this. As I understand it, the resistor is only to keep the points from frying at full voltage. But the instructions for the pertronix kit says, if I have a resister DON'T remove it... but since I'm changing out my coil also... is that still a good idea ? to leave the resistor ? or should I just remove it to get full spark ?

From what I've researched the resistor is only to keep the coil from dying and from killing the points, of which I'm removing, and since I'm going aftermarket coil I shouldn't have to worry about it being destroyed right ?

So the real question is... should I keep it or remove it ?

[Zedrally]

Some coils come with built in ballast.

If the new coil has a built in resistor, then you would not need the resistor, on the other hand......if it hasn't then you do.

How this equates to Petronox ignition I have no idea, many others on this list have installed them and much discussion has occured over the years about it.

Have you used the search function in the forums, I'm sure the answer is already there?

MOM

[CableSrv]

already did the search, and read everything about the pertronix and so on, but none of them go into detail about having pertronix AND a aftermarket coil.

Pertronix's instruction states that if it doesn't have one don't worry but if it has one LEAVE IT. And from my understanding is the resistor is only there to protect the points and coil of which both are being changed out to aftermarket stuff...

Also the msd blaster 2 coil does not have a built in resistor as the package I bought came with an external one.

I don't mind leaving the resistor there, it's just if I don't need it then i'll take it off so that I can get the full 12v spark

[zztom]

I put in a Pertronix system with the Flamethrower coil. It has a built in resistor. Car runs much better. I also went with the ATO fusebox from Motorsport. Got rid of the glass fuses and now I dont have any battery drain when I let the car sit for weeks. That probably sounds like I am a mean owner but you pick your spots when you live in upstate NY.

[zztom]

Obviously the wrong pic....

[civ104]

So the real question is... should I keep it or remove it ?

I've been running the Pertronix with the Pertronix coil in my 70 240 with no problems for over two years without the resistor in the circuit. Very dependable and no downside other than it doesn't look quite so stock.

[gnosez]

I had a problem with my set-up (pertonix) until I removed my resistor. Take it out. If you have any doubts leave it connected and start you car up. It will break up as you apply more throttle. I've had no problmes with the pertonix unit in over 3 yrs and 2 different Zs. TonyD says he has yet to hear of any issues related to life cycle. they seem to work for many miles and many years. I have a 40,000 type coil (don't need more than that) and an MSD box (6A) The set-up works very well.

[Daniel]

The ballast resistor is so misunderstood. Its a METAL strip. Stainless in most. Turn the key to start = hot to the point/ car wiring by passes the ballast resistor. Key in normal/ run position= wiring runs thru the ballast. I don't know the pertronics but, You cant just pull the resistor out. Your car would run until your key was released from start to run.

[Bambikiller240]

This issue is too simple to keep wanking on about. Carefully read the Pertronix instructions, and observe the installation diagrams

The Pertronix Ignitor Ignition System doesn't care at all if there is a Ballast resistor in the car or not. Period.

If your COIL requires one, leave it in the car. Pull the 12V (RED wire of the Ignitor) from the input side of the Ballast, so it gets the full voltage.

If your COIL DOES NOT require a Ballast, you must either short across the Ballast, or remove it and connect the wires (formerly at each end) TOGETHER.

It is quite simple.

[Zedrally]

This issue is too simple to keep wanking on about. Carefully read the Pertronix instructions, and observe the installation diagrams

The Pertronix Ignitor Ignition System doesn't care at all if there is a Ballast resistor in the car or not. Period.

If your COIL requires one, leave it in the car. Pull the 12V (RED wire of the Ignitor) from the input side of the Ballast, so it gets the full voltage.

If your COIL DOES NOT require a Ballast, you must either short across the Ballast, or remove it and connect the wires (formerly at each end) TOGETHER.

It is quite simple.

Amen.....

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[CableSrv]

well guys I really appreciate your help and info. Tomorrow when I have time to install the pertronix i'll be removing the ballast. I just wanted to confirm that my system wouldn't fry if I removed it is all. And since the forums never went into this detail I had to create a topic for it

[mlc240z]

followed these instructions on my '71. works like a charm.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10538&highlight=tach