Coil Ballast Resistors

[Jabo]

Does anyone know anything about these. From what I can gather they are only needed if you run points but aren't required with electronic Ignition. I would just like to confirm this because the performance coil I have has a warning to use a ballast resistor.

Cheers

[240znz]

Ballast resistors are used to prevent burp burp peanuts in Datsuns or convert matter to anti-matter....can't remember which one is right.

Google is your friend...

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The ballast resistor Is an electrical resistor that is diverted into and out of the supply voltage to the ignition coil system. This ballast resistor actually lowers voltage after the engine is started to reduce or minimize wear on ignition components (your points). It also helps the engine to fire much easier by effectively doubling the voltage provided to the ignition coil when the engine is being cranked. Not all car manufacturers used a ballast resistor in their ignition systems.

The ballast resistor is a resistance wire which is inserted in series in the primary circuit between the ignition switch and the positive terminal of the ignition coil.

The heat sensitive type is wound onto a heat resistant former and placed in an open ceramic holder with connecting terminals at each end.

It is normally located close to the ignition coil in an exposed position, so that it can transfer its heat easily to the air.

The purpose of the ballast resistor is to drop the nominal battery voltage down to approximately half its value for ignition coil operation.

A ballast resistor primarily refers to an engine component that lowers the voltage after starting the engine, since the voltage required by the engine drops significantly after starting. It is an electrical resistor that affects the voltage supplied to the ignition coil.

The ballast resistor makes the engine much easier to start by also doubling the voltage provided to the ignition coil when the engine is being cranked. Not all automobile engines have ballast resistors.

[Bartman]

If your coil says use with ballast, then without a ballast it will run like arse once the coil warms up, and eventually not go at all. Many electronic ignition cars have a coil which doesn't need a ballast. I once used a ballast/ballasted coil with an electroinc dizzy on a rotary. ONce the ballasts heated up, the voltage dropped down, and the module woudn't work-the car would die.
So I'd say with an electronic dizzy, you'd want no ballast, and a non ballasted coil. Although, I can't speak for your specific car as I have no personal experience with their electronic dizzys.

[Jabo]

thanks guys that's the information I had but I am sort of having trouble deciphering it. but what Im getting is that if the coil is supposed to run with a resistor then it wont work with out one and that since I have electronic ignition my car prob doesn't run a resistor so the coil I have would be unsuitable. correct??

could damage be caused if I just hook it up and see how it goes?

[Bartman]

I can't say if it'd damage it trying it with the wrong set up.
But at a guess, you'll be wanting a non ballasted coil to run with your electronic dizzy. Best to check a workshop manual to see if the electronic dizzy cars ran a ballast/ballasted coil or not. (I would have said not, but some older car did have some set ups that are not aligned with how modern cars do things.