Transition from Transistor to Breaker Distributor

[David J.]

Hello All,

I am having some problems with the transistor ignition system in my '66. Until I can resolve the problem, I am going to install a standard breaker point distributor and coil. The wiring diagram in the Service Manual shows a resistor after the + lead from the coil. I don't see a resistor in the transistor wiring in the car. All current wiring is original to the car. Can anyone provide detailed information about this resistor including its purpose, size, exact location, etc.? Thanks. Dave

[John H.]

Re: Transition from Transistor to Breaker Distributor

Dave -

T.I. cars didn't use a separate ballast resistor - it was integrated in the T.I. harness as a resistance wire. Point-ignition cars used the separate ballast resistor, mounted on the firewall; the pink wire from the ignition switch fed one end, and another pink wire went from the other end of the resistor to the coil (+) terminal (see photo below). Be sure to mount it as shown with the back side of the resistor facing the open recess adjacent to the wiper motor - the back of the resistor gets HOT. Paragon has a reproduction ballast resistor that will work fine - about twenty bucks.

[David J.]

Re: Transition from Transistor to Breaker Distributor

Thanks, John. The information you provided was excellent. I do have one additional question. Since I didn't change the overall wiring harness, I assume the original resistance wire is still in the harness. Is that a concern? Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: Transition from Transistor to Breaker Distributor

Thanks, John. The information you provided was excellent. I do have one additional question. Since I didn't change the overall wiring harness, I assume the original resistance wire is still in the harness. Is that a concern? Dave

David-----


You will by-pass this wire when you install standard ignition. So, it will be "irrelevant".

[David J.]

Re: Transition from Transistor to Breaker Distributor

Thanks, again, for the quick response. I am just curious, can you tell me where this resistance wire is located? Dave

[Jack H.]

Re: Transition from Transistor to Breaker Distributor

It's embedded in the engine wiring harness. Specifically, the optional portion of the harness for TI equipped cars that runs around the RH side of the engine compartment to the TI amplifier...