Hello folks. I have a 230 cu.in. I6 from a '69 Camaro. In the original application did the ignition wiring include a circuit with a ballast resistor to the coil? If so, do I need to have this? Thanks. Perley

If you still have a points distributor you need a ballast resistor. Though I thought GM used a resistance wire. Do you have a wiring diagram?

Larry

The 69 camaro would have had a resistance wire to the coil. It is identifiable by the white cloth covering on it.
It is really only needed for a point type dist. I have never used it with a HEI. Tom

Thank you Larry. This engine is in a hot rod, not in the original car. So---what should I do, add a ballast resistor, and do I build a combo circuit with straight 12 volts for starting and the resistor loop for running? And nope, I don't have a wiring diagram. Thanks for the reply. Perley

Thank you also Tom for the reply. I plan on keeping the points distributor, or at least for some period of time. I need to keep the expenses down as much as possible for I'm not working, I get disability and it only about pays my house payment. My Wife, Bless her heart cooks at the local High School, so she is the breadwinner.
My build is at http://www.clubhotrod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39457 Many thanks. Perley

I couldn't open the pics to open, wanted BB signin.

If you are keeping the points, you need to add the resistance, or ballast resistor. The resistance adds to point life. Yes you wnat the combo circuit.

Larry

LGriffin. Larry, thanks for the information. I do NOT have a wiring diagram, could you tell me where to find one, online I hope? And on the front of the engine there is a timing mark plate. On the top (head end) it has an 'A'. On the bottom (base end) there is what looks like an 'O'. And of course the obvious marks. Where should I set the initial dizzy drop in, with the pulley timing mark nearer the top end 'A' or nearer the bottom end 'O'? Thanks a heap. Perley

I don't have a wiring diagram. You'll need to look at HAMB for custom wiring or a pre 74 wiring diagram, one that does not have an HEI distributor. The way it works is that you will have two wires coming off the solenoid. One wire provides 12v for start only and the other has the resistance (wire or ballast) for run.

Installing the distributor, you need to have the #1 on compression stroke NOT exhaust. Then set the dizzy between 'A' and '0', it's only temporary till you put a timing light on it. You may have to use a long screw driver to turn the oil pump till the rotor drops in where you want it.

Larry

Thank you kindly Larry. I will look on HAMB for a wiring diagram. perley