6 Volt Ballast Resistor?

[elmitcheristo]

Hello,

I am finishing the wiring on my A-V8. I am running a positive ground 6-volt system with a 59 A-B flathead. The question is, do I need a ballast resistor? This is the wiring diagram that I have been using as the engine came out of a 41 ford. It looks like it is showing a ballast resistor (BR). Looking for thoughts or suggestions.

Thanks,
Mitch

[trainguy]

There should be a .5 ohm wire wound resister mounted high under the dash.Napa still sells these resistors.Phil

[CWPASADENA]

If you are running a Ford type coil made for the 59AB Engine, you will need the Ballast resistor.

If you are running a generic replacement type 6-V coil, you do not need a ballast resistor.

I hope this helps,

Chris

[Mr.34]

Assuming you are running stock distributor, you need a ballast resistor as it drops 6 volts down to about 4 volts to the points. Otherwise you will burn out your points too fast. Ballast resistors are one of the more finicky components on a stock flathead. I have gone through three recently on my 40 convert. I would go with the exact stock style as Dennis Carpenter carries with original style metal 'cage' covering the ceramic. DO not buy the cheap repos offered by some that look flimsy. They are junk.

[elmitcheristo]

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I am running the stock distributor with the coil on top of it. Sounds like I need to go and get a resistor. Thanks for the info.

-Mitch