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Thread: What is this?
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03-25-2010 #1
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What is this?
On my '68 Firebird, there is what looks like a resistor block (?) that is bolted to the firewall above the distributor. The source is keyed "on" from the ignition (reads 11.8 volts when key is on) and there are two wires feeding out of it. One went to the electric choke on the carb I used to have, and the other went to my old coil. So here's my question...Since I just installed a new HEI distributor, and will be using the wire that fed the old points as my power supply to the new distributor, does it matter if this distribution block thing is bolted to the firewall or not? Reason being is that when I removed it (couldn't drop in the distributor without doing so) the nut on the inside of the firewall (under the dash) dropped. SO... for now this block is just hanging there. Does it need to be bolted in so it can be grounded? Reason being is that I just got the distributor in and was fooling with it to get the car running. It got late/dark and I didn't feel like continuing until later/day time. When I get back at it, am I messing with timing to no avail if this isn't grounded?
Wanna Be A G
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03-25-2010 #2
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It is a ballast resistor for reducing the voltage to the coil when using a point type distributor. With points full voltage will cause the coil to go bad prematurely.
03-25-2010 #3
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So with an HEI, I can avoid this do hicky? Is that why it wasn't reading a full 12 volts? Or maybe just drop because of the distance traveled through wiring? Also, does it HAVE to be bolted to the firewall when I'm getting my tuning in order?
Originally Posted by LSx_88_Ciera
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03-25-2010 #4
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Yes you can and should remove the ballast resistor. When I went from points to electronic I ran a new wire from the fuse box to the coil I didn't like the smallish factory wire and stepped up to 12g.
03-25-2010 #5
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If using a GM HEI you don't use the ballast resistor. Just make sure it sees over 12 volts when the engine is running. Find a full 12 source for your choke.
03-27-2010 #6
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Cool and thanks guys! I know what I'll be doing on Sunday now!!!!
Wanna Be A G
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