HEI conversion

[brianhouchins]

Getting ready to do an HEI conversion on my 1965 Dodge Coronet the shop where I purchased my distributor and coil in a package deal told me that I am able to remove the ballast resistor. Because the new coil is internally resisted. Now here is my question if I remove the resistor will I mess any thing up with the rest of the wiring system because there are 2 wires coming in and two wires going out. Or would I gust be better off running a new 12 volt source to the distributor.

 

[Southernman]

Getting ready to do an HEI conversion on my 1965 Dodge Coronet the shop where I purchased my distributor and coil in a package deal told me that I am able to remove the ballast resistor. Because the new coil is internally resisted. Now here is my question if I remove the resistor will I mess any thing up with the rest of the wiring system because there are 2 wires coming in and two wires going out. Or would I gust be better off running a new 12 volt source to the distributor.

Brian, I don't know if you got an answer to your question, but the answer is yes, you can bypass the ballast resistor. No new wiring required.

I've done several of these HEI conversions and, to preserve the original appearance, cut the ballasts out of the block, and soldered 14 gauge wire in their place. The wire bridges the connection and allows you to leave the ballast and wiring in place just like a stocker. Of course, if you simply want to remove the ballast and connect the wires directly, that will work as well.

The HEI upgrade is a very cost effective upgrade with outstanding reliability.

Southernman

Southernman

 

[Jonnyuma]

Southernman is right. The resistor is only there to cut juice to the coil after startup. With the HEI you want a full 12 volts all the time. I've never been a purist so I like the way the firewall looks without the ECU, ballast, and extra wires...not to mention the coil mounted on the intake. For a more traditional look you can spoof it as explained above. Open yer plugs up to .0043-.0045" and enjoy.