Converting ignition system
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Converting ignition system
I want to eliminate the external box and ballast. I know I need a 12v coil. Does it need to be internally regulated and any suggestions on a good coil to use? Also do I need to do anything to the distributor and what do I do as far as eliminating the voltage regulator box on the fender? I’m not sure where to start.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Taxachusetts
What year/type engine, trans, etc?
If your engine is already "built" to some extent, what do you have for her innards?
Just by eliminating the stock ignition setup ain't gonna get you any increase in ponies or torque.....
The resistor wire has nothing to do with making the points last longer and everything to do with helping an OEM coil (or the same type aftermarket coil) not fry on you. It limits the running voltage to ~ 9VDC.
Yes, there are coils out there made to run on 12 VDC - eliminating the resistor wire. Can't tell you what brand, make etc. though.
Ok, so, say now you've eliminated the ballast resistor wire circuit......Now what? You think you're going to have a Johnny Go Faster vehicle now?
If your engine is already "built" to some extent, what do you have for her innards?
Just by eliminating the stock ignition setup ain't gonna get you any increase in ponies or torque.....
The resistor wire has nothing to do with making the points last longer and everything to do with helping an OEM coil (or the same type aftermarket coil) not fry on you. It limits the running voltage to ~ 9VDC.
Yes, there are coils out there made to run on 12 VDC - eliminating the resistor wire. Can't tell you what brand, make etc. though.
Ok, so, say now you've eliminated the ballast resistor wire circuit......Now what? You think you're going to have a Johnny Go Faster vehicle now?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Spring Hill
I didnt think dents had point dizzys, eary models? I'll be eunning a stock duraspark with msd 6al ignition. And +1 on the 3g alternator upgrade.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Florence, SC
Unless you are planning on spinning your "high hp motor" in your pickup truck past 6000 RPM, an MSD ignition will gain you nothing over the stock DuraSpark ignition.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Taxachusetts
Agree completely. Well said, LARIAT.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Originally Posted by Filthy Beast
Agree completely. Well said, LARIAT.
Originally Posted by LARIAT 85
Unless you are planning on spinning your "high hp motor" in your pickup truck past 6000 RPM, an MSD ignition will gain you nothing over the stock DuraSpark ignition.
Be careful removing any ballast or resistor in the primary ignition circuit. They aren't/weren't just to prevent burning up points. Excessive current flow will burn up ignition coils and electronic modules too if they aren't designed to take it. They talk about voltage drop in troubleshooting diagnostics but the purpose of the ballast resistor is to reduce the amps in the circuit and later solid state ignitions used them as well.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
DuraSpark electronic ignition was introduced in 1974, but not all vehicles came with it until 1976.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Taxachusetts
.Be careful removing any ballast or resistor in the primary ignition circuit. They aren't/weren't just to prevent burning up points. Excessive current flow will burn up ignition coils and electronic modules too if they aren't designed to take it. They talk about voltage drop in troubleshooting diagnostics but the purpose of the ballast resistor is to reduce the amps in the circuit and later solid state ignitions used them as well.
I suppose one could do the math using Ohm's Law to find acceptable amperage in this resistor circuit, presupposing all is well in the ballast resistor circuit and compare it to a presumed faulty one......but, why when we already have resistance and voltage diagnostic parameters? Two out of three ain't bad......
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Originally Posted by Filthy Beast
I would agree with you on the current limiting aspect of the resistor wire but the service manual doesn't have any troubleshooting diagnostics for correct/incorrect current flow.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 176
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From: Spring Hill
i have the msd just sitting in my shed, it was planned for another build that got sold so im only gonna use it for no reason other than i can and i think it'll look cool. Better than it collecting dust.
Postmaster
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From: Taxachusetts
