440 Test Stand: Do I need a ballast resistor?

[70runner]

For my rebuilt 440 initial startup I don't intend to use the alternator/volt reg circuit. Stock distributor with points. The control panel for my engine test stand will use an original ignition switch. I plan to use the stock "start" circuit from the ign switch, yellow wire (battery) to the starter solenoid and brown (battery) to the coil. For the "run" circuit, I plan to connect the dark blue wire (battery) directly to the coil without a ballast resistor. Will this be OK for the 30min break-in run or should I use the ballast?

 

[67Dart273]

Yes

 

[70runner]

just to be clear:

use ballast: yes?

 

[RustyRatRod]

I would use a ballast. The coil isn't supposed to see 12V.

 

[805moparkid]

I would use a ballast. The coil isn't supposed to see 12V.

and with an MSD set up how much voltage is going to the coil??

now granted he is running a point dizzy which is the only reason not to have 12V at the coil....

 

[70runner]

I would use a ballast. The coil isn't supposed to see 12V.

Coil sees 12v at startup, but I know it isn't supposed to see 12v for extended periods. Just didn't know if 30min qualified as extended.

 

[sr71mopar]

Don't let it stop you. Coils are cheap.

 

[RustyRatRod]

and with an MSD set up how much voltage is going to the coil??

now granted he is running a point dizzy which is the only reason not to have 12V at the coil....

Really? The factory electronic ignitions all had a ballast because their coils are not supposed to see 12V. hmmmmm

 

[RustyRatRod]

Coil sees 12v at startup, but I know it isn't supposed to see 12v for extended periods. Just didn't know if 30min qualified as extended.

I would think it would be extended. But as said, coils are cheap.....but ballast resistors are cheaper.

 

[805moparkid]

Don't let it stop you. Coils are cheap.

lol

Really? The factory electronic ignitions all had a ballast because their coils are not supposed to see 12V. hmmmmm

well hmm... i guess maybe the newer tech in coil (maybe turn ratio's) allow the coil to take more voltage?

maybe Chrysler just never dropped the resistor from the system?

im interested now!

 

[FeatherDuster]

When I first bought my Duster, we had to hotwire it to get it home. drove it for 2 hours with the ballast resistor out of the picture. Nothing melted, but maybe I just got lucky.

 

[cudajim]

You do need to drop that voltage and run the ballast resistor if you're running it more than just a few minutes. The coil can overheat otherwise.