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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 03-24-2006, 04:00 PM
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Default ERA ballast resistor/pertronix ignitor question

I'm installing a pertronix ignitor in the distributor of my 428 in my ERA. The ERA uses a ballast resistor and pertronix recommends removing it. What possible problems might I encounter if I do remove the resistor, and if I don't will it affect the performance of the ignitor unit? Anyone done this before? I don't want to proceed until I know for sure which way to go. Thanks.
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Old 03-24-2006, 04:11 PM
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The ballast resistor drops 12 volts to aprox 6 volts. Points need this, but electroc ignitions need a full 12volts.
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Old 03-24-2006, 04:24 PM
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If I remove the ballast resistor, will it cause any problems with anything else or is it only for the points and by going to electronic ignition I simply don't need it any more?
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Old 03-24-2006, 04:38 PM
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Follow the explicit directions given by Pertronix. The ballast reseistor is only there in the event of using a point type distributor, to prevent the points from burning up. It serves no other purpose.
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Last edited by Rick Parker; 03-24-2006 at 05:36 PM..
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Old 03-24-2006, 04:41 PM
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That's what I needed to find out. The ballast resistor goes. Thanks a bunch guys.
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Old 03-24-2006, 05:15 PM
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It's been a long time since I worked on points and a ballast resistor but I seem to recall that the ballast resistor also served to lower the voltage on the coil. This in turn would decrease the amount of current flowing through the coil and lessen the heat buildup in the coil. Couldn't the increased current flowing through the coil as a result of the Pertronix ignitor cause the coil to overheat and self-destruct? Does Pertronix recommend any change in the coil or is the "stock" coil OK?
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Old 03-24-2006, 06:00 PM
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They DO recommend upgrading to THEIR coil, could be it's needed OR they just want to sell coils too? Anyhow....the ignitor is in and the car runs!
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