[Scott Shumaker]

The instructions say to use a ballast resistor or loom resistance wire with it. Has anybody else done this. This distributor was made to replace the old point systems distributor. With todays electronics is the resistor needed? With a new style alternator, wouldn't that compensate for the resistor? I've wired it in without the resistor at this time, but I dont want to have to replace the module or the distributor if this needs to have the resistor.
thanks, Scott

 

[Buck]

I have a Unilite on my 78 Mercury. I'm not an electronics expert, but when I purchased it from Summit, they said they had a big notice on the order screen to use the resistor or there could be damage to the distributor. It's been on the car now for almost 4 years and hasn't given me any problems.

 

[Scott Shumaker]

hey buck, thanks for the info. i think i'll try to put it in tonight.
scott

 

[Metal-Morphous]

Scott you have to use the resistor. If not you will have an electrical timebomb on your hands. You will never know when it will fry the dist. I have had that set up in my cobra for 18 years with little problems. I think its a .8 resistor.
Ron

 

[Jeff Hamilton]

You do need the ballast resistor. The 1978 Ford/Mercury has a resistor wire built into the factory harness. If you are usung this on your Cobra put a resistor in.
Jeff Hamilton

 

[accobra66]

Scott, I have the same distributor. Yes, run the ballest resistor. Now, can you wire this baby up to your distributor with the Painless Wiring Harness. I have a Smith's tach., it took a few tries. If you have problems let me know and I will send you my wiring.

 

[aumoore]

I have the Mechanical Advance Mallory and I was told you have to use the Balast Resistor or you will fry the module. Another thing is to be very careful to wire it correct as if you mix up the wiring you will fry the module. There are only three wires so just follow the directions closely.

Another piece of advice is to never weld or jump off the car while the distributor is connected or you will fry the module.

These are supposed to be very reliable if you follow the above but if not they are easy to damage with electrical spikes.

 

[Bob Cowan]

The purpose of the ballast resistor is to limit the voltage to the ignition module in the distributer. If you don't use it, you'll be supplying too much power, and it will eventually fail. Additionally, by limiting the voltage, you will always maintain a steady supply to the ignition, which will give you a stable and consistant ignition voltage. Sort of like the voltage regulator on factory gauges. The engine will run better with the ballast resistor, so use it. Besides, it's only a three dollar part.