Dursparck
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 601
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No ballast resistor required for the Duraspark. You will need the distributor, module and wiring harness unless you're willing to make a home made harness. Do a search on this forum and you will find plenty of information on how to convert it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
If you have a donor vehicle for parts, you can grab the resistor with the coil and all the other parts you need to do the conversion. This is the best way to convert so you aren't missing anything. THEN you can consider upgrades, but my recommendation is to just go with the D.U.I ignition, which is self contained in the distributor with a high voltage coil, and easier to install. Look to the DUI sponsor to the left of your screen and follow the link. Worth every penny!
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 601
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Originally Posted by Mil1ion
Yes there is ! 
The Ballast resistor on the Duraspark II system is the Pink resistance wired coiming out of the igntion switch.
The Ballast resistor on the Duraspark II system is the Pink resistance wired coiming out of the igntion switch.
Oops!. I keep forgetting about that little pink wire!. You definitely need one when using all facory parts. I didn't need one on my Duraspark because I converted it to the HEI/TFI set up.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
A resistor that has the property of increasing in resistance as current flowing through it increases, and decreasing in resistance as current decreases. Therefore the ballast resistor tends to maintain a constant current flowing through it, despite variations in applied voltage or changes in the rest of the circuit.
Newer cars don't require this resistor since the voltages are better regulated throughout each circuit.
I do not know the long term effects of not having the ballast resistor connected, but I'm sure the engineers had a reason for it at the time, on the older ignition systems. If it came with it, keep it. If upgrading to the newer, better ignition systems, then it is not needed.
Newer cars don't require this resistor since the voltages are better regulated throughout each circuit.
I do not know the long term effects of not having the ballast resistor connected, but I'm sure the engineers had a reason for it at the time, on the older ignition systems. If it came with it, keep it. If upgrading to the newer, better ignition systems, then it is not needed.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 601
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Originally Posted by 79f100six
i have a question about the ballast resister, my truck has one but is disconnected. Is one reguired and if so is it hooked up to the postive wire to the coil or negative.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
1973/89 All Ford vehicles
D7AZ-12250-A .. Resistor Wire (Motorcraft DY 213) 49"-length / #16 gauge wire / Color coded RED with GREEN stripes.
D7AZ-12250-A .. Resistor Wire (Motorcraft DY 213) 49"-length / #16 gauge wire / Color coded RED with GREEN stripes.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jun 29, 2007 at 06:16 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
The instructions (MSD) will tell you... The wire is a Nichrome wire that provides the resistance, when older ignitions used a seperate part that bolted to the firewall or maybe fender.
The old points ignitions couldn't take a constant 12 volts without burning out, so the resistor was used.
MSD has a 0.8 ohm resistor (PN 8214) if you don't have the wire anymore.
The old points ignitions couldn't take a constant 12 volts without burning out, so the resistor was used.
MSD has a 0.8 ohm resistor (PN 8214) if you don't have the wire anymore.
New User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2
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Originally Posted by flcracker9
Oops!. I keep forgetting about that little pink wire!. You definitely need one when using all facory parts. I didn't need one on my Duraspark because I converted it to the HEI/TFI set up.
