Ballast Resistor ? • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **SteveO (Steveo)** » 11 Jun 2003 14:00

My new electronic distributor kit came with a 1 ohm ballast resistor with 2 connections.
My 72 Challenger has a stock 4 pin dual ballast resistor.

I am currently running the ignition system with the stock dual ballast resistor and all seems to be fine.

Any concern here?

Am I wasteing your time and inventing problems?
Should I sell my extra resistor on ebay?
Carry a spare dual resistor in glove box?
Be happy that my car is running like champ?

Thanks,

SteveO

by **Glenn Jackson (Henner)** » 11 Jun 2003 16:46

where did you get your distributor from and what did it cost you?

by **Dave-R (Roppa440)** » 11 Jun 2003 17:27

At I guess I would say you will not be getting as much spark energy because the dual resistor has a higher rating than the single. I would re-wire it, as per some of the diagrams I have on here, with the single resistor.

by **SteveO (Steveo)** » 11 Jun 2003 17:29

The kit is from the Mopar Performance Parts Catalog ordered through the local DaimlerChrysler Dealer.
It comes with Distributor, Orange ECU box, wire harness, and Ballast Resistor.
Part Number P3690426, cost was $184
(with Mopars Unlimited Club discount)

by **SteveO (Steveo)** » 11 Jun 2003 19:02

Yes Dave, I see what you mean about the resistance difference.
I just took a meter reading on the dual resistor. One side reads 5 ohms and the other is .7 ohms.
Thanks,
SteveO

by **Dave-R (Roppa440)** » 12 Jun 2003 10:43

Yeah. That much resistance (and it will be higher when running because it heats up) in series with the coil will drop the output of the coil quite a lot.

One of the advantages of the electronic points is that they can handle more voltage and current than the old mechanical points which would arc and burn if they tried.