ballast resistor for MSD Blaster 2

[challenger_affair]

I got a new MSD Blaster 2 coil and the instructions say it has to be connected to an 0.8 ohm ballast resistor.  If I have a stock electronic ignition setup will the existing ballast work?  If not, which ballast should I get to be compatible with that setup? 

[cudabob496]

http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/quest1/HOW_MUCH_BALLAST.html

[challenger_affair]

I guess I should specify that I am using old electronic ignition conversion kit, from the mid-90's.  It was probably a mopar performance kit.  The control unit has 5 wires going into it and is chrome on the outside. 

Does anyone know what type of ballast resistor should be used for this type of system and is it also compatible with the MSD Blaster 2 coil?  Thanks

[cudabob496]

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=68566.0

[Cudaragtop]

I guess I should specify that I am using old electronic ignition conversion kit, from the mid-90's.  It was probably a mopar performance kit.  The control unit has 5 wires going into it and is chrome on the outside. 

Does anyone know what type of ballast resistor should be used for this type of system and is it also compatible with the MSD Blaster 2 coil?  Thanks

Check your box, if it's like my chrome box it will only have 4 pins. My harness has a 5 wire plug too...
I have a dual ballast but one side goes to the plug where the is no pin on the chrome box. If I ever had to replace it with a black 5 pin ECU it would work too.

[challenger_affair]

Thanks for the input.  I've done a lot of research here and on moparts, and based on what I've read, people are generally using ballast resistors ranging from 0.25 ohm up to 1 or more for various reasons but there doesn't appear to be a consensus recommendation.  Also older style 5 pin ecu's needed a ballast for protection so that's why there was a dual ballast, one half for the ecu, one half for the coil.  Apparently, the newer ecu units with 4 pins don't need a ballast, so you only need a single ballast for the coil.  In the case of the MSD Blaster 2 coil, MSD recommends a 0.8 ohm ballast.

Here's my puzzle, it looks like I have one of the older style 5 pin control units even though its not original to the car.  But, I don't have a dual ballast and its been setup this way for a long time so i'm not sure what to think now... 

This all started because I wanted to get rid of the giant yellow mopar performance coil, personally I think it looks sort of silly now...  So I guess I have a couple options, 1) forget the replacement and just leave everything alone since the system functions well now.  or 2)  Get a 0.8 ballast for the new coil and move on.  Any thoughts?  Is the Blaster 2 coil comparable in function to the yellow monster? 

[cudabob496]

I would certainly think the Blaster 2 coil is more than adequate.  Could always paint the yellow monster black.
Regardless of the resistor you chose, sounds like its a good idea to carry some spares (and associated tools), as their failures seem
like a common occurance.  A small tool box in the trunk, with electrical repair stuff, fuses, etc, has been a life saver for me.