Msd ready to run distributor

[Ss76bronco]

So I am about to put in a MSD ready to run distributor to replace the duraspark. Instructions say to not feed coil from a ballast resistor. Do I eliminate the ballast resistor entirely?

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes.
Or leave it in place and simply run a bypass wire. Or leave it in place and have it trigger a relay.
In our case there is no separate ballast resistor per se, but instead Ford used a resistor wire between the ignition switch and the ignition coil.
If it says you need full voltage to the coil, then you should do that because you’ll be getting less from your coil than you should.
It would probably still run, but not as well as it should. And it might also overheat the resistor wire.
I’m not sure about that though.

Do you know your way around wiring pretty well? Or do you need more details about some of those bypass alternatives?

 

[DirtDonk]

By the way. What coil are you using with this distributor? Are the instructions you’re referencing for the distributor, or for the coil?

 

[Ss76bronco]

Yes, I wired the truck myself. It has a ceramic ballast resistor. Part of a Centech harness. The Msd instructions say to use the relay. It's an aftermarket coil but not sure what brand. It jus5 seems if I disconnect from coil +, I should eliminate the resistor all together because it's doing nothing at that point.

 

[gnpenning]

You can move the output wire from the resistor to the input side or make a connection there.

 

[Ss76bronco]

Sounds good. Thank you!

 

[TBoyd]

Just had the Summit branded ready to run distributor fail on me after about 7 months / 400 miles. Mild RV cam 302. Summit getting it back... I would really like to stay with ready to run for simplicity. Considering the MSD. Anyone have any extended experience with ? Any other comments suggestion Should?

 

[DirtDonk]

Who makes the distributor for summit? Could they be the same? Do they look the same inside?

 

[raleigh_bronco]

You can move the output wire from the resistor to the input side or make a connection there.

should I assume you are removing the ballast completely in this example?

 

[DirtDonk]

Nope. What is being described (I believe) is simply bypassing the resistor and leaving it in place.
You can remove it, of course, but this bypass leaves it open to future use.
While in this configuration, it does not heat up because there is no current flowing through it.

 

[Ss76bronco]

should I assume you are removing the ballast completely in this example?

That's my plan.

 

[gnpenning]

should I assume you are removing the ballast completely in this example

Paul, as always is 100% correct. No current is being ran through it and reduces it to a already attached connecting point. Quick and easy. Unscrew both sides, then put both wires under one screw. Take you longer to get the screw driver and put it away.

In the second option it's being completely bypassed and can be removed. I just wasn't very clear about the 2nd option. Which ever way works best for the op or anyone else.

 

[TBoyd]

Who makes the distributor for summit? Could they be the same? Do they look the same inside?

Great question... part of why asking. . That said, I’m not sure. Although the Pro-Billet MSD does have some functionality inside that the Summit unit didn't. Curve adjusting and rev limiting. I think.