hey guys I was just wondering if a ballast resistor is needed for the installation of a MSD Blaster 2 coil for a late 70's 460 with stock electronic distributer? If so could a regular 0.8 ohm resistor work?

 

Check with MSD's tech dept.

 

Remember the ballast resistor is a high power device, not just a "regular" resistor. The Primary resistor is 1.3-1.4 Ohms. Special high-temp connectors are required for using the Mopar type ceramic resistors in series.

 

and Ford Duraspark Ignitions already have a built in resistor in the form of a fusible link resistor wire that comes out of the ignition switch.





When people install NON-OEM ford equipment they should check with their website for Tech info.
One can't always luck out with people in the know at the time of the question.

I think MSD is a 12v NON- Resistor set-up .

 

I opted not to install the ballast resistor on my 351C when I installed a Blaster 2. This was an educated decision on my part and the engine has ran fine for 4 years. Of course when in doubt follow mfgr's recommendations

 

Post Script.
My engine had a mechanical ignition NOT an electric ignition.

 

well, I put my MSD Blaster 2-F this weekend without the ballast resistor and its ran great ever since cept 4 the trans..................

 

I had an accel coil without a ballast resistor for a couple years on my bronco with no problems. But recently, the coil started overheating, and would work for about 15 minutes. I bought a blaster 2 coil, again overheated and died in 15 minutes. changed out the pertronix points replacement, still overheated in 15 minutes. In the end, I did call tech support, and they said the coil needs a ballast resistor. I think in hindsight, I was just lucky the accel coil survived as long as it did!

 

a Blaster 2 coil with a Duraspark setup does not need the resistor.

Make sure you mount it vertical, however.

 

Does not need the resistor.... because there is already one in the system ?

.....or does not Require one to operate correctly ?

 

Does not need an *ADDITIONAL* resistor.

This is per MSD, and the gods at 460ford.com...

I went through this with my coil last year

 

This is why the ignition values should be posted.

ie: ? Coil requires 12v ....or.... 6.0v-8.0v to operate correctly

 

Thanks for all the posts guys,thats great! Yeah Msd ought to make it a little clearer for people to understand wheather we need the resistor or not! The first thing MSD said when I called them was " does your stock ignition system currentlly have a resistor in it?" I told him NO, and he told me that I dont need one then. I guess I was wrong then? we do have a resistor ? I still believe you on the part that we dont need one on the duraspark. The tech guy said as long as you have 12v. at the coil + wire ,then you will not need the resistor. Thanks

 

 

I hooked up my MSD Blaster 2 coil today, and it works great!