Can a sport coil be used without a ballast resistor?

Can a sport coil be used without a ballast resistor?

Often, though, they neglect to bypass the ballast resistor, used on some of the later models. Failure to do this will negate the benefit of using the hotter coil, as the Sport coil is designed to be used without a ballast resistor. What is the difference between the two types of coils?

When does the ignition coil bypass the ballast resistor?

At the time of cranking (when the starter is operating), a separate wire gives the points the full 12 volts, bypassing the ballast resistor. When you release the key from “start” to “on”, all the power to the points now has to flow thru the ballast resistor, preserving the points.

Where is the best place to connect a ballast resistor?

Since the resistor lowers the overall current 3 volts, you want to use a coil that will not be bogged down by the lower current. The best location for the ballast resistor to be connected is close to the coil along the firewall.

Where does the power come from on a ballast coil?

With a non-ballast coil, power is applied to the coil directly from the ignition switch, via a white wire. Power to the ballast coil comes from the ignition switch to the resistance wire, and then to the coil.

Often, though, they neglect to bypass the ballast resistor, used on some of the later models. Failure to do this will negate the benefit of using the hotter coil, as the Sport coil is designed to be used without a ballast resistor. What is the difference between the two types of coils?

With a non-ballast coil, power is applied to the coil directly from the ignition switch, via a white wire. Power to the ballast coil comes from the ignition switch to the resistance wire, and then to the coil.

At the time of cranking (when the starter is operating), a separate wire gives the points the full 12 volts, bypassing the ballast resistor. When you release the key from “start” to “on”, all the power to the points now has to flow thru the ballast resistor, preserving the points.

Since the resistor lowers the overall current 3 volts, you want to use a coil that will not be bogged down by the lower current. The best location for the ballast resistor to be connected is close to the coil along the firewall.