62 ballast resistor

[Jack H.]

Seems like in the past 2 weeks I've had to replace more parts than were replaced in the previous life of the car. Now my ballast resistor element burn out.

Is is possible to take a new one and install the new resistor element into the old ceramic holder?

[Mike M.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

Seems like in the past 2 weeks I've had to replace more parts than were replaced in the previous life of the car. Now my ballast resistor element burn out.

Is is possible to take a new one and install the new resistor element into the old ceramic holder?

doubt that's possible but you can use the original metal bracket that encompasses the porcelain piece.mike

[Jack H.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

Thanks.
In checking for repo's, Dr. Rebuild and Corvette Central have them but I think they show 0.2 ohm. Isn't it supposed to be 1.8 ohm?

[Duke W.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

I believe all '62 engines were configured with the 0.3 ohm ballast as were all early '63 engines. The 250/300 HP engines got the 1.8 ohm ballast and the 087 coil as a running change.

The higher current from the low resistance ballast is tough on points, so you're probably better off using the 1.8 ohm ballast.

Duke

[John S.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

the higher value ignition resistor entered production on feb. 4,1963, for all 250 or 300 hp. corvettes and 340 h.p. 409 passenger cars. this resistor is no. 1957154 (1.8 ohms, blue dot) and it replaced no. 1931385 (.3 ohms, black dot). information taken from service bulletin DR #577

[Jack H.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

I believe all '62 engines were configured with the 0.3 ohm ballast as were all early '63 engines. The 250/300 HP engines got the 1.8 ohm ballast and the 087 coil as a running change.

The higher current from the low resistance ballast is tough on points, so you're probably better off using the 1.8 ohm ballast.

Duke

I agree, but I can't seem to locate any, so far, that aren't 0.2 ohms, and I do have the 300 HP engine. Since it's not going to be original no matter what I do, maybe it shouldn't matter so much but I would like for it to look as close to original as possible.

[Larry M.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

I agree, but I can't seem to locate any, so far, that aren't 0.2 ohms, and I do have the 300 HP engine. Since it's not going to be original no matter what I do, maybe it shouldn't matter so much but I would like for it to look as close to original as possible.

Try Long Island Corvette Parts (LICS). Also, when (if) checking other sources, look in the C2 Section for the 1.8 ohm resistor. That's where they'll be.

In a pinch, I think NAPA has a 1.8 ohm ballast resistor that will work/fit, but doesn't look the same.

Larry

EDIT: LICS Part Number is #37-25A. Price $21.00 This $ is above their minimum order and they ship next day. Order from them and you should have by early next week.

[Gary C.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

Jack, go to Radio Shack or an electronic components supply house like Allied Electronics and see if you can find a wire wound 1.8 ohm resistor that will fit it your ballast resistor housing. Gary....

[Jack H.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

Try Long Island Corvette Parts (LICS). Also, when (if) checking other sources, look in the C2 Section for the 1.8 ohm resistor. That's where they'll be.

In a pinch, I think NAPA has a 1.8 ohm ballast resistor that will work/fit, but doesn't look the same.

Larry

EDIT: LICS Part Number is #37-25A. Price $21.00 This $ is above their minimum order and they ship next day. Order from them and you should have by early next week.

Thanks. Got one ordered. If the 0.3 was hard on points, I can't imagine how the 0.2 would be.

I had to buy an over the counter ballast resistor to get the car running. Way different. No mounting bracket, it's all a part of the ceramic housing.

[Duke W.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

Jack, go to Radio Shack or an electronic components supply house like Allied Electronics and see if you can find a wire wound 1.8 ohm resistor that will fit it your ballast resistor housing. Gary....

The originals are made from a special alloy that has a specific increasing resistance with temperature function, so I don't think a generic resistor will work. Also the current rating of any resistor should be at least 5 amps and preferably 10 to keep it from burning out.

The stated resistances for the two ballasts are approximate at room temperature.

Old parts catalogs note that the 385 ballast is .03 ohms. That's a misprint that was never corrected, which is typical. The actual nominal room temperature resistance is 0.3 ohm. Generic replacements for the 154 are typically speced in the range of 1.4-1.8 ohms.

There was never a 0.2 ohm OE ballast - at least none with that specification.

Duke

[Scott K.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

Thanks.
In checking for repo's, Dr. Rebuild and Corvette Central have them but I think they show 0.2 ohm. Isn't it supposed to be 1.8 ohm?

Our part #592110 fits 1963-64 250/300 (2nd design), 1965-67 all. Replacement for GM part #1957154, 1.8 ohm

Our part #591030 fits 1955-62 (12 volt), 1963 all (1st design), 1963-64 340/360/365/375 HP. Replacement for GM part #1931385, 0.3 ohm

[Roy B.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

Scott! It will work but not pass NCRS. Original design above, people that dont know and buy one because it's not stated ( replacement) then what

[Jack H.]

Re: 62 ballast resistor

I ordered one from Long Island Corvettes. Already on the car. Looks very similar to the original, at least to my untrained eye.