I am looking to upgrade my ignition coil for my 1984 dodge w150 to a stronger one (about 40,000 volts) and I wanted to know if I should get a different or more effective ballast resistor. Is there even a ballast resistor on all years? If so, what do you reccommend? any help at all is appreciated.

 

Generally most vehicles sent full battery voltage to the coil when they changed to electronic ignition from points. Check the wire at the coil and see how many volts you have...if you have battery voltage then you are good to go. Don't neglect your plug wires either. Most parts store replacements they make suck! Even the best quality will often break down and have quite a bit of resistence...especially with a hotter coil. I usually buy race wires that come extra long and you have to cut them to length and crimp the ends on. They are better quality wires and they usually look better because you can route them where you want. The cheaper race wires are usually $50-65.

Derek

 

theres a bunch of differant ballast resistors you need the correct one i tried to go with a 2 pin resistor and was overheating my coil i needed a 4 pin some trucks have 2 or 4 pins also there resistance values matter has well check a local reliable parts store napa carquest not auto or kragen
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I'm probably going to just make sure I by an ignition coil that comes with a compatible resistor in the package. BUt, it just get's condusing when I hear about a point ignition system. How can you tell if you have this or how is it different from modern distributor caps?

 

itll have a ignition control box on the fenderwell or firewall a 5 pin connector goes into it should be connected to your distributor and coil your truck wont run without it
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