In a message dated 3/16/2004 5:59:59 PM Central Standard Time, jsbs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: > Isn't the ballast resistor what saves the ECU and coil from burn-out? > >The coil will only get a true 12 volts power when cranking, and for a > >short time after the engine starts. Current flow causes the ballast to > >heat up, then reduce voltage to the coil. The extended dwell, related to > >the electronic switching, is where the coil builds up it's power. Is > >this > >right or wrong? Tom Tom the anwser is yes and no; line voltage(12.6)is applied to the coil while the ignition switch is in the start position, as soon as the key is returned to the run position the voltage is reduced by the current flowing thru the ballast resistor (.5-.6 ohm), it was always my understanding that the wilre wound resistor mounted in the ceramic holder was for the extraction of heat from the resistor to keep it from burning up . My concern was that some of the aftermarket high output coils do not operate off of a reduced voltage, which would mean that the ECU would be required to handle a heavier load than it was designed for, I know that it can handle it for shorter periods of time as I have been know to jumper out the ballast resistor on a flooded or mi ssing engine to clean up the fouled plugs, as the hotter spark has a tendancy to make them fire again, as well as an old mopar racing tip was to parraell two resistors as to raise the voltage to the coil, but it also said not to do it for prolonged periods of time as it would cause the ignition system to overheat and cause damage. dodger -- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ---- Please address private mail -- mail of interest to only one person -- directly to that person. I.e., send parts/car transactions and negotiations as well as other personal messages only to the intended recipient, not to the Clubhouse public address. This practice will protect your privacy, reduce the total volume of mail and fine tune the content signal to Mopar topic. Thanks! '62 to '65 Mopar Clubhouse Discussion Guidelines: http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.org/mletiq.html. b7yoMz.