Can I eliminate my ballast resistor

[UKcuda]

Everything has a weak link. For Mopar ignitions it's the ballast resistor.

In case you didn't notice; I was really trying to get the topic away from unsubstantiated generalisations.

No offence intended, but your response is emblematic of why people never really get to grips with ignition problems.

[72rtchallenger]

i switched mine to the HEI system,,it removes the ballast and ECU,,upgrade the coil and regap the plugs,because it gives a hotter spark..,and install an HEI module,and alittle wireing (simple)..,have used for a year or more,and no problems,,and with the HEI,  if the module fails, its just as easy to swap as a ballast and doesnt burn up the coil or anything ,as far as i know,,and just as easy to swap back if you dont like it,,but that is just my  ,,as i know alot of people prefer the orignal way,,i have driven mopars for years and have changed many ballast and ecu's and coils,,and on other mopars i have owned,never had any problems,,but the newer ecu's and other componets are made in china and lower quailty,,have never tried the msd,so i cant say about it,,but that is just my opion 

[6packCuda]

Thank You UKcuda. That makes a lot of sense. I wish more people would explain things as thoroughly at you do.

[71chally416]

The Chrysler electronic ignition was the best thing going when it came out in the early 70's and was ahead of it's time. It's just a tough sell to say it's the end-all / be-all ignition to have 35 years later in 2009.

[BruteForce]

I'm with you there. I sure like old cars, but I don't care to mess around with points, dwell, etc. Time for an upgrade!

[duodec]

Back in the parts store days we used to sell various 'custom' coils (vehicle specific) as well as two 'universal' coils.  The universals were "internal" and "external" resistor, and the external came with a generic ballast resistor.

This was for furrin cars, but I'd bet you can find equivalent designed to be able to keep up with a V8 at reasonable RPMs in a Standard or other parts catalog.

[tommyg29]

Thanks UKcuda for the time and the explanation.

[dodj]

Chryco, you might want to consider making UKCuda's primary ignition post a sticky.

[ntstlgl1970]

Like others have said, I have had very few stock ignition component failures. Top of the list for me was the pickup coil, with the ballast resistor coming in second. I've never had a stock box fail, even in the shop we rarely saw those fail. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for upgrading to better stuff, but I've had more MSD and Mallory parts fail than the stock stuff and you won't find a unilite module at the local parts store.

[71chally416]

Usually when you can walk in any auto parts store and buy a 35YO component that's always in stock it's because it has a high rate of failure. If nobody ever needed them, they wouldn't stock them. 

[422STROKER]

I bought my MSD in the local Autozone, very available as far as I can tell.

Tom

[BruteForce]

I'm wondering if the MSD box failures are heat related. Has anyone got any information about where they are mounted compared with failure rates?

[71chally416]

I'm wondering if the MSD box failures are heat related. Has anyone got any information about where they are mounted compared with failure rates?

You probably wouldn't see MSD products on most every professional race car if they were unreliable.

[73EStroker]

My son has an MSD box in his 73 440 Charger. We mounted it ahead of the radiator on the hood latch bracket (big on the Charger) and 10 years later no issues.

[e-tek]

UKcuda - ya lost me when you said: "the basic theory"


Also, my coil has 12V at the (+) wire with a new ballast....how is it supposed to have 6-8?

What's the easiest way to check if your resistor is working or not?