I have a 327 with Mallory Unilite conversion in the distributor. I never ran a ballast resistor before but now that I am putting the engine back in after rebuild and doing all new wiring I am seeing reference to the resistor and wondering if I need it with Electronic Ignition. I plan on getting a new Mallory coil (threads are stripped on the old one) and perhaps a HyFire system down the road.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Are you running an ignition box? MSD 6al as an example? If so you do NOT need the resistor wire. If your not running an ignition box then you must use the resistor wire.

You can post a question on Mr. Gasket's website if you have questions.

Here is one question on the same subject from their website. http://go.mrgasket.com/AskTechResults.aspx?BrandID=1&ID=149584

I use the Mallory Unilite setup and always ran with the resistor. See diagram below
Kev

http://www.camaros.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2046&stc=1&d=1165372802
mallory.jpg

Thanks! I guess I was just lucky all those years nothing got fried.

I have been running my Unilite without an added resistor for 10 years. Doesn't the original wiring have a resistor already? Or am I just lucky too?

Brichead

I ran quite a while with no resistor:) . The unilite fried just recently:mad: . Now I am using the resistor:clonk: .

I have been running my Unilite without an added resistor for 10 years. Doesn't the original wiring have a resistor already? Or am I just lucky too?

Brichead

The OEM harness did use a resistor wire. If that is the case, then no ballast resistor is needed. BUT notice that the ballast resistor only feeds the coil. The distributor needs a full 12V if schematic provided by SixtyAte is correct.

If you do have a resistor wire, it will be cloth covered and stiffer than the usual copper wires in the harness. Often the insullation will be cracked due to the head disappated by the wire. Also, the conductors will have a silver appearance - not bright copper (or tarnished copper) like the other wires in the harness.

I ran the resistor and still fried my photo eye in the unilite. I put the hyfire box on it and have had no problems in about 12 years.

chris

The distributor needs a full 12V if schematic provided by SixtyAte is correct.



The diagram is put out by th manufacturer not by me. If that is what they suggest to do, they made it so I follow what they say not maybe or maybe not :)

http://www.centuryperformance.com/mallory/wiring.asp

Kev