MSD "Ready to Run" distributor

-
6

69Chrgr

Charger/Cuda
Joined
Jan 29, 2007
Messages
421
Reaction score
17
Location
Midlothian, Texas
Hey guys,

Do I have to keep my ballast resistor if I switch to an MSD "Ready to Run" distributor?

Thanks,
Darren
 
What coil are you running? That will tell you your answer. If it is a stock coil then yes you will. If you are running an MSD then no.
 
The MSD ready to run operates on the same inductive principle as the stock mopar electronic ignition. Even if you are using an MSD Blaster coil you still need the ballast. Use the MSD recomended ballast.

It's only when you use the capacitive discharge type system (i.e., MSD 6A, 7A, etc) that you can eliminate the ballast resistor.
 
to me, the instructions show to bypass the ballast for the 12v to turn it on, but what goes to the coil +? i left the stock setup as is and just ran the red wire to the 12v ignition switch side of the ballast.
 
BJS racing said:
DGC, I just called MSD and talked to them about this. You do not run the ballast resistor with the ready to run dist. They said the system needs the full 12v to the coil and the dist. Here is a link to the insallation paperwork on their site. Notice the note in the diagram on page 6 at the top right.

http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/8386 87 88_frm25013.pdf
Click to expand...

I stand corrected. MSD must have some sort of current limiting built into the module inside the distrinutor. I know the Mallory ready to run still instructs you to use the ballast if equiped.
 
redfastback said:
to me, the instructions show to bypass the ballast for the 12v to turn it on, but what goes to the coil +? i left the stock setup as is and just ran the red wire to the 12v ignition switch side of the ballast.
Click to expand...


The wire that is feeding the coil is going to feed the Distibutor also. One thing to keep in mind is that the blue wire only has power on it in the run positon. You will also have to keep the brown start hot wire on the ballast also. They are having you use the ballast as a juncion block for all of the original wiring.
 
Well, my reason for asking is I'm also replacing the wiring harness with a Ron Evans wiring harness setup for electronic ignition. So I guess I don't need the ballast resistor?
 
Not as of right now but I am always at Mike Miller's shop or Dago red's. My number is (817) 455-1405 if you ever want to give me a ring. I will probably join the club next year when the Demon gets a little closer to being done.
 
BJS racing said:
Not as of right now but I am always at Mike Miller's shop or Dago red's. My number is (817) 455-1405 if you ever want to give me a ring. I will probably join the club next year when the Demon gets a little closer to being done.
Click to expand...
Sounds great. My number is 214-549-2475. Great to meet you, I'm not a member either, just not enough time. I still need to look into it though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top