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2/17/2015 1:05 PM  #1


Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

Currently running a vintage Hi Output Penske coil with a ballast resistor and standard points-condenser (motorcraft/autolite) on a 69 with 302 4bbl cam, ect. Do I need to run the ballast resistor since the original supply wire is at 9 volts? Car runs good but wanting to do a tune up and noticed points have some issues with contact surfaces on points.
Thanks, ED


1969 Fastback Owned 48 years second owner!
 

2/17/2015 1:18 PM  #2


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

If you have verified with a meter that you have 9v you should be fine without the ballast resistor, but I wouldn't take it on faith that the factory resistance wire is 9v.

Sounds like the condenser may be bad.

Are you staying with points for concourse? Once you go with an electronic trigger mech you'll never look back.

 

2/17/2015 1:27 PM  #3


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

Not sure of which electronic to go to? I know most units require 12v to function properly and trying to avoid additional wiring. Have heard stories of being stranded ! Car is stock appearing engine wise, the rest of car is still all stock except for 17" AR500's and 1" of drop all the way around.
ED

Last edited by Black Jade (2/17/2015 1:28 PM)


1969 Fastback Owned 48 years second owner!
     Thread Starter
 

2/17/2015 1:42 PM  #4


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

Mallory, D.U.I., Pertronix, Duraspark...

I hear you there. I have the Mallory. Lots of folks swear it's garbage, but I use their ballast resistor, have all new wiring, starting, and charging system,  and carry a spare module- never once been stranded in over 10 years.

Opinions will very, but ultimately I believe any would be an improvement.

 

2/17/2015 1:45 PM  #5


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

So, a dropped '69 fastback with 17" AR500's

I'm sorry, but I believe you forgot to upload a pic!

 

2/17/2015 5:39 PM  #6


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

The Mustang had a pink resister wire that is basically the same thing as the ballast resister. If your using a ballast resister with the original wiring, including the pink resister wire, you are defeating the purpose of the high output coil. The voltage at the coil will be lower therefore the output voltage will be lower. If this is the case can the ballast resister or bypass the pink wire.


If this forum can't fix it, it isn't broke.
 

2/17/2015 6:54 PM  #7


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

IMHO, Duraspark is the way to go. Wrecking yard parts are cheap but requires some wiring. The easest is
a pertronics unit.

 

2/17/2015 7:39 PM  #8


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

From past experience I'd be more worried about getting stranded with points than any electronic system.  I used to carry spares and tools to change them on the road.  Only ever had one electronic system fail and it was an MSD 6AL.  Frankly from my experience MSD hit a home run with the 6A, and should have left it alone.

Pertronix is the simplest upgrade though.  That's what I run.  Never had an issue. 
 

 

2/17/2015 8:23 PM  #9


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

Sorry Jon Richard, heres a pic.


1969 Fastback Owned 48 years second owner!
     Thread Starter
 

2/17/2015 8:25 PM  #10


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

How well does the pertronix work with the stock wiring (9v at the coil)?
ED


1969 Fastback Owned 48 years second owner!
     Thread Starter
 

2/17/2015 9:40 PM  #11


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

Whoa bebe!

That thing is gorgeous, thank you!

 

2/17/2015 9:51 PM  #12


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

Black Jade wrote:

How well does the pertronix work with the stock wiring (9v at the coil)?
ED

fine . . zillions of people have then wired that way but if you call pertronix and ask them, they suggest 12 volts.
 

 

2/18/2015 6:32 AM  #13


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

Very nice car!!

The pertronix would work with the original wiring. Sounds like your trying to keep things as near stock as possible. The one thing about pertronix is, and someone will correct me if I'm wrong, it's an easy change back to points. Keep a spare set of points and a few tools in the car. If the pertronix goes bad, swap them.


If this forum can't fix it, it isn't broke.
 

2/18/2015 5:40 PM  #14


Re: Coil and Ballast Resistor Question

Thanks for the compilments, I have had the car for 39 years. First car I have owned, got it when I turned 16. Second owner. It also has the rare Nugget Gold interior.
ED


1969 Fastback Owned 48 years second owner!
     Thread Starter
 

Board footera


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