Ballest resister, do I need it? (V8)

I am running a standard 327, set up with a Pertronics electronic points conversion kit. Tonight my ballest resister burned out and I had to jump across it to drive the Jeep home. I am using a conventional 12v coil and am wondering if I even need to run the BR any more due to lack of points.

I wouldn't think the coil could be hurt but what do I know.

Thanks for thr help guys--Rob

 

I did the same Pertronics conversion recently on my 283 Chevy. The instructions said use the Ballest resister if was being used with the points setup. Will it work without it? Dunno. BRs are cheap. I'd get another just to be safe.

Just my .02. Good luck.

 

Depends on the coil. You can get a coil that does not need a ballast resistor and that would be the safest way to go without the resistor in place.

 

The ballast resistor reduces the voltage to the points and coil when your ignition switch is in the "run" position. In the "start" position, full voltage is run thru the points and coil. The ballast resistor lets the points contacts live longer. It would be best to use a coil which required full voltage if not using points.

 

Rob - Did you get the Pertronics coil they recommened?

 

Nope just running an old chrome coil with a Holley sticker on it.

I picked up a new BR today but was told that if i picked up a coil with an internal resister, that I could eliminate it.

I will probably do this in the very near future just because I am trying to clean up my firewall area.--Rob

 

He speaks the truth..... A resistance wire/balist resistor will limit voltage across the points to about 8volts when the engine is running. You only need 12volts during startup. (you may have heard an engine almost start when cranking, only to die when the key is released. You have an open resistance wire/ballest resistor.

Replace the $7 ballast.