Ballast Resistor???
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Here's an old thread that resulted in some good information about ballasts and Pertronix
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1267459
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1267459
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
No.
I use one terminal of the resistor as a terminal block - wth all the 12volt ignition wires (including Pertronix) on it. Of course I also have a Pertronix coil, so that I can use resistor spark plug wires with resistor plugs - and not worry about overloading the old original coil.
I use one terminal of the resistor as a terminal block - wth all the 12volt ignition wires (including Pertronix) on it. Of course I also have a Pertronix coil, so that I can use resistor spark plug wires with resistor plugs - and not worry about overloading the old original coil.
Last edited by magicv8; Apr 10, 2006 at 11:08 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Originally Posted by 62Jeff
Here's an old thread that resulted in some good information about ballasts and Pertronix
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1267459
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1267459
The only thing I want to add is the stock coil was designed for a maximum of 2/10ths volt being dropped across the point resistance.
In this case, since the Pertronix replaces the points, if you are using the stock coil with the Pertonix electronics, you don't want the Pertronix dropping more than 2/10ths of a volt either.
Tom Piper
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 146
From: Chuckanut WA
If you are using the Pertronics Flamethrower coil you don't need the resistor as the coil has an internal resistance of 1.5 ohms already. If you are using the stock coil you will need to retain the external resistor. If you are using the Flamethrower coil and retain the resistor you will have way too much resistance with resultant low voltage to the coil. The Pertronics instructions also state this although they are not the most clearly written instructions I've ever seen.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 936
Likes: 3
From: Prattville, AL. My Dog Thinks I'm Cool!
Does anyone have any experience with the Mallory Unilite Distributor and Mallory Coil? Do you still use the ballast resistor? I'm getting ready to do this install and I'd like to hear from anyone who has done this before.
Last edited by pletner; Apr 11, 2006 at 05:53 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 2
From: Kearneysville West Virginia
Originally Posted by saopm
What does the Ballast Resistor on the ignition system do? I’m running a Pertronix Ignitor setup. Do I still need the resistor?
I can't address the Pertronix application as I don't have one and know nothing about them.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 393
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
Thanks for the info, all. This is the coil I have. Can't tell if it need the resistor or not. I don't have points so i guess it can go.
Product Line: PerTronix Flame-Thrower II Ignition Coils
Coil Wire Attachment: Female/Socket
Coil Style: Canister
Coil Internal Construction: Oil-filled
Maximum Voltage: 45,000 V
Turns Ratio: 100:1
Primary Resistance: 0.600 ohms
Secondary Resistance: 10K ohms
Inductance: 7.2 mH
Peak Current: 7.2 amps
Spark Duration: 1.5 mS
Mounting Bracket Included: No
Coil Wire Included: No
Ballast Resistor Included: No
Coil Color: Black
Coil Shape: Round
Diameter (in): 2.125 in.
Height (in): 6.000 in.
Quantity: Sold individually.
Notes: For use with the Pertronix Ignitor II ignition. Can also be used with other Capacitive Discharge (CD) induction ignition systems.
Product Line: PerTronix Flame-Thrower II Ignition Coils
Coil Wire Attachment: Female/Socket
Coil Style: Canister
Coil Internal Construction: Oil-filled
Maximum Voltage: 45,000 V
Turns Ratio: 100:1
Primary Resistance: 0.600 ohms
Secondary Resistance: 10K ohms
Inductance: 7.2 mH
Peak Current: 7.2 amps
Spark Duration: 1.5 mS
Mounting Bracket Included: No
Coil Wire Included: No
Ballast Resistor Included: No
Coil Color: Black
Coil Shape: Round
Diameter (in): 2.125 in.
Height (in): 6.000 in.
Quantity: Sold individually.
Notes: For use with the Pertronix Ignitor II ignition. Can also be used with other Capacitive Discharge (CD) induction ignition systems.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Originally Posted by saopm
Thanks for the info, all. This is the coil I have. Can't tell if it need the resistor or not. I don't have points so i guess it can go.
Product Line: PerTronix Flame-Thrower II Ignition Coils
Coil Wire Attachment: Female/Socket
Coil Style: Canister
Coil Internal Construction: Oil-filled
Maximum Voltage: 45,000 V
Turns Ratio: 100:1
Primary Resistance: 0.600 ohms
Secondary Resistance: 10K ohms
Inductance: 7.2 mH
Peak Current: 7.2 amps
Spark Duration: 1.5 mS
Mounting Bracket Included: No
Coil Wire Included: No
Ballast Resistor Included: No
Coil Color: Black
Coil Shape: Round
Diameter (in): 2.125 in.
Height (in): 6.000 in.
Quantity: Sold individually.
Notes: For use with the Pertronix Ignitor II ignition. Can also be used with other Capacitive Discharge (CD) induction ignition systems.
Product Line: PerTronix Flame-Thrower II Ignition Coils
Coil Wire Attachment: Female/Socket
Coil Style: Canister
Coil Internal Construction: Oil-filled
Maximum Voltage: 45,000 V
Turns Ratio: 100:1
Primary Resistance: 0.600 ohms
Secondary Resistance: 10K ohms
Inductance: 7.2 mH
Peak Current: 7.2 amps
Spark Duration: 1.5 mS
Mounting Bracket Included: No
Coil Wire Included: No
Ballast Resistor Included: No
Coil Color: Black
Coil Shape: Round
Diameter (in): 2.125 in.
Height (in): 6.000 in.
Quantity: Sold individually.
Notes: For use with the Pertronix Ignitor II ignition. Can also be used with other Capacitive Discharge (CD) induction ignition systems.
I have that coil and that version of the Pertronix on my 62, and bypassed the ballast resistor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 146
From: Chuckanut WA
Looking at the Pertronix web site specifically the Flamethrower II system and coil, it is not specific with regard to elimination of resistor. The Flamethrower II coil is only .6 ohm resistance and apparently is compatible with the Flamethrower II module. I'm running the standard module with 40,000 volt Flamethrower coil with no resistor and have experienced no problems. Might be worth sending them an e-mail confirming application with Flamethrower II system.
