Ballast resistor

[smrtnez]

I have a question that I get confused on, and that's whether or not to use the ballast resistor.
I have a TO30 and it's been converted to 12 volt. I didn't go with an Alternator I instead had the generator rebuilt to a 12 volt at a shop they also provided me with a new voltage regulator. And the coil is 12 volt (with out built in resistor). Do I need to have a ballast resistor, I've been told yes & no, so I'm a little confused.
Oh also I'm ordering an electronic ignition for the distributor will that make a difference on using one or not.

 

[wore out]

(quoted from post at 18:38:33 12/16/22) I have a question that I get confused on, and that's whether or not to use the ballast resistor.
I have a TO30 and it's been converted to 12 volt. I didn't go with an Alternator I instead had the generator rebuilt to a 12 volt at a shop they also provided me with a new voltage regulator. And the coil is 12 volt (with out built in resistor). Do I need to have a ballast resistor, I've been told yes & no, so I'm a little confused.
Oh also I'm ordering an electronic ignition for the distributor will that make a difference on using one or not.

WHAT is the make and part number of the coil?

WHAT, exactly, is printed on it?

 

[old]

No such thing as a coil with built in resister in over 50 years. It is either a true 12 volt coil which will say no resister needed or a coil that will say 12 volt resister needed. Coils in the last say 50 years are now made in such a way that they are either 6 volt coils or 12 volt coils NO COIL WITH A BUILT IN RESISTER

 

[rvirgil_KS]

Check the resistance across + and - posts on the coil. Approximately 1 1/2 ohms indicate a 6 volt coil that requires a 1 1/2 ohm resistor for 12 volt system. 12 volt external resistor required coil should be same as 6 volt.

If it has 3-4 ohms resistance do not use resistor. Also check ohms value of resistor. They have different values.

For electronic ignition check with manufacturer of EI kit.

 

[Carolina boy]

Hi,
Keep your points hardware. Just to give you some background on my experience with EI on my 1952 TO30. The first unit lasted about 6 months, the second and last before I went back to
points was 1 month. All of the resistance across the coil and voltage were within recommended parameters. I'm just sayin. Rick

 

[smrtnez]

Thank you, I'll check it out this weekend with my multimeter.