Delco Remy

[David L.]

Re: Delco Remy

I'd be interested in the ohm value as well. I have a service replacement that is mark 2.0 ohms. I remember reading somewhere where it was much less, but can't seem to find it. A number of .3 ohms rings a bell, but I've also seen 1.8 ohms somewhere as well.

Pat,

As I mentioned previously:
GM # 1931385 (0.3 ohms)
GM # 1957154 (1.8 ohms)

Dave

[Don B.]

Re: Delco Remy

Dave,

What would happen if the 1.8 ohm resistor was used in place of the 0.3 ohm resistor?

Don

[David L.]

Re: Delco Remy

Dave,

What would happen if the 1.8 ohm resistor was used in place of the 0.3 ohm resistor?

Don

I have no idea.

[Joe R.]

Re: Delco Remy

Dave,
What would happen if the 1.8 ohm resistor was used in place of the 0.3 ohm resistor?
Don

Hi Don,

I'll give you my understanding of it, but I don't claim to be an expert. The resistor is in series with the coil primary, so more resistance means more voltage drop. The coil is really a transformer. More voltage drop in the primary means a lower secondary voltage (voltage at the spark plug). The lower spark voltage puts more pressure on the condition of the spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor (the entire secondary system). The advantage of the lower primary voltage is the points will last longer. I would recommend sticking with what GM used unless you're burning through points rapidly.

Joe

P.S. I did a search on this site using the GM #. I bet the for sure answer is in here:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/search.php?searchid=10826

[Duke W.]

Re: Delco Remy

Dave,

What would happen if the 1.8 ohm resistor was used in place of the 0.3 ohm resistor?

Don

...longer point life and less chance of burning points that can leave you stranded. My 340 HP SWC got stranded once with burned points back in the sixties.

All C1 Corvettes and all early '63 engines used the 0.3 ohm ballast and typically the 091 coil. The combination yielded more primary current for greater spark energy, but was tough on points.

As a running change in '63, 250/300 HP engines, only, switched to the 1.8 ohm ballast (and ...087 coil) and this utilization continued in '64. For '65 all single point ignitions, all small blocks, used the 1.8 ohm ballast and ...202 coil.

GM wrote a TSB on the subject and recommended swapping out the 0.3 ohm ballast for the 1.8 ohm in cold weather, because the special resistance wire offers less resistance as temperature decreases, so there is more chance of burning points in cold weather.

I see no problem using the 1.8 ohm ballast with whatever coil is installed. The lower spark energy means plugs could foul sooner, but with unleaded fuel, proper carb calibration, and spark plug heat range suitable for the type of service, fouling should not be an issue.



Duke

[Pat H.]

Re: Delco Remy

I just found another Ballast Resistor GM # 1962289 for Oldsmobile. Its almost identical looking as the 1931385 mentioned in the TIMJG but has a small collar on the underside of the faster hole which is less than an 1/8", probably a locater. I don't know if this has the correct ohm reading, but the box is back and yellow and the instructions are almost powder.

[Joe L.]

Re: Delco Remy

I just found another Ballast Resistor GM # 1962289 for Oldsmobile. Its almost identical looking as the 1931385 mentioned in the TIMJG but has a small collar on the underside of the faster hole which is less than an 1/8", probably a locater. I don't know if this has the correct ohm reading, but the box is back and yellow and the instructions are almost powder.

Pat--------


You can easily measure the resistance value using a volt-ohm meter. I cannot find that the GM #1962289 was ever originally used for any Chevrolet application. It was discontinued without supersession in April, 1975.

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco Remy

I just found 2 in my boxes of parts.....Both read 0.3 ohms.

I have been using a 1.8 ohm ballast in my '59 270hp 1110891 distributor points system for over 20 years with no issues.

Rich

[Don B.]

Re: Delco Remy

Would you be interested in parting with one of them?

[Don B.]

Re: Delco Remy

BTW, I bought a correct looking resistor with the 1.8 ohm rating. Glad to hear it will work well for me.

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco Remy

Don, Sorry but I need one for a '61 I'm restoring and I just noticed the other has a hairline crack in it.

Sounds like you're all set?

Rich

[Don B.]

Re: Delco Remy

Rich,
Yes, based on the advice I received I bought the 1.8 ohm. Also, a friend just called and picked up a 0.3 ohm resistor at the local junk yard.
I'm set for now.
Thanks to all,
Don

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco Remy

The 1.8 ohm is better for the ignition system. Glad you found one.

Rich

[Dennis C.]

Re: Delco Remy

Don, Sorry but I need one for a '61 I'm restoring and I just noticed the other has a hairline crack in it.

Sounds like you're all set?

Rich

Rich,

If it matters to you, I think you could expect some point deduction on the judging floor with that ballast resistor on a '61.

Dennis

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco Remy

Rich,

If it matters to you, I think you could expect some point deduction on the judging floor with that ballast resistor on a '61.

Dennis

Dennis, yes I think it would take the hit for not having the notch, albeit a small deduct. I think I'll still use it as it's a nice original NOS Delco part. The reproductions have a very different ceramic profile. I'll try to get side by side photos later.

Rich

Left is the NOS D111. Repro is on the right. All 3 photos.