Do i really need the ballast resistor??
msd ready to run distributor with blaster2 coil,
the instructions show it there ,but they say to bypass if equipped???
Thanks
Posted By: stumpy
Re: ballast - 04/16/09 02:54 PM
If msd says to bypass it then you don't need it. Just wire the new stuff like the MSD instructions show. You will have to join two of the ballast wires together. One will be hot with the key on the other will be hot in the start position. They will be the keyed hot you need. If you don't then you won't start or won't stay running.
Posted By: landon1
Re: ballast - 04/16/09 11:59 PM
i tried hooking the ballast resistor up with my new electronic ignition and it wouldn't work...bypassed the BR and it's perfect
My ballast is still hooked up?
Been for 5 years with msd
Do you run 12 volts to the coil too ??
No box , msd ready to run
just dizzy and coil
Posted By: stumpy
Re: ballast - 04/17/09 02:13 AM
MSD 5 and MSD Blaster boxes use the ballast. MSD 6 etc. don't.
Posted By: dave571
Re: ballast - 04/17/09 03:22 AM
I'm not sure where this info keeps coming from.
If you wire it as oer the instructions, you don't nee to remove the ballast.
6 months ago I installed an msd 6al using the instructions to the letter( I have done them in the past, and was curious if they had changed. No real changes)
It states quite clearly when using the instructions for the install. that the ballast can be left in the old coil positive wire. Then That wire is used as the signal on wire for the msd. NOT the main power for the msd(that comes from the battery positive) and no longer on the coil positive itself.(that is powered directly from the the msd box)
In fact, the instructions specified, that the on signal wire is quite sensitive, and it may be necessary to have a ballast resistor in that wire, because some older ignition switches would "leak" residule voltage which was enough to keep the msd on. Without the ballast the car might stay running with the key off(not a common problem, but could happen according to the instructions, this was a section I had not noticed in previous years.)
In any case, I've installed many msd 6 series per the instructions, and never had to remove the ballast from the car. It will not affect performance in anyway, with or without, since the msd get's it's power from the battery, and the coil from the MSD itself.
The ballast is no longer in the ignition circuit by wiring it like this, and that is why it says in the instructions, that "A ballast is not used with msd".
There is no ballast between the msd and the coil, or the msd and the battery, and the old ballast only reduces the voltage on the "on" wire
The reason im asking is i smoked two non msd coils by not useing a ballast,I dont have an msd control box , and no factory wiring hooked up for ignition.. Just thought id run it by all you before i try 12 volts to the coil too.Sorry for the dumb questions ,been a long winter and i want to go race!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Mr.Yuck
Re: ballast - 04/17/09 04:38 PM
pretty sure I followed the directions when I went MSD in this car...even had a boost delay. Lept the Ballast.
