What is a Ballast Resistor and what does it do and why?
A Ballast Resistor is an electrical device that reduces voltage to the coil so that more energy is available for the spark plugs during starting.
Why would a Ballast Resistor be fitted in a car?
Traditionally, ignition systems didn’t use a ballast, meaning that the ignition system used a 12v coil with a 12v feed from the battery via the ignition switch.
This system is fine when the engine is running, however can be problematic when starting. Because the starter motor draws a huge amount of current from the battery, the spark plugs are left with less energy to create the spark. This is worsened in colder starting temperatures or when the starter motor is worn, when even more energy is drawn by the starter motor leaving even less available for the spark plugs.
To counteract this distribution of energy, ignition systems were changed to use a 9v coil instead of a 12v coil. A 9v coil gives the same output as a 12v coil when provided with a 12v feed, resulting in a better spark for starting with less energy draw on the starter motor.
Once the engine is running, the 12v feed is cut and the coil continues to run on the 9v feed.
Which coil should I use if my car has a ballast resistor?
Using a non-ballasted coil would mean that you are running a 12v coil on a 9v feed, resulting in a weak spark. You can however use such coils provided you remove the ballast resister.
Never try to run a ballasted coil when a ballast resistor is not present in the ignition system!
Can I fit a Powerspark Electronic Ignition Kit if I have a ballast resistor?
If you have a ballast coil installed with a ballast resistive wire or a ceramic block then you can keep the coil as it is, there is no need to change it BUT if you change the coil you do need to match it to a ballast if one is present and not bypassed.
Some customers report that bypassing the ballast resistor by disconnecting the ballast feed wire ( from the starter solenoid or built into the loom) and providing a direct 12 volt feed from the starter solenoid/relay or fuse box to the ignition coil has proved to be a success and has given good results.
