Ballast Resistors

[Jims68]

OK... I know what they do, but I was wondering... is there anyway to make your own? Say for example, can you put an electronics "resistor" inside the old ballast resistor or something "homemade" like that to make your own?

Just wondering....

[cadman]

I don't believe so. As far as I know, the whole assembly is just a single component high-power resistor. If you were to put a smaller "electronics" resistor in its place, it would smoke instantly. Most of the resistors you see on a small electronic circuit board are 1/8W or smaller. The high-power resistors are big ceramic bricks, just like your ballast resistor. So you could probably get the specs for the ballast resistor, go to your electronics shop, and they could order an exact match, but I doubt it would be worth the trouble.

Example here: http://www.ntepartsdirect.com/ENG/PRODU ... AoSt8P8HAQ

[Jims68]

... So you could probably get the specs for the ballast resistor, go to your electronics shop, and they could order an exact match, but I doubt it would be worth the trouble.

You are probably right! It wouldn't be worth it. I was just wondering if you could make a "homemade" ballast resistor easy enough. Thanks for the explanation!

[712edf]

I order parts for the circuit board on my saltwater pool chlorinator from a company called Digi-key. They would likely have the "components" to build one, but as stated it wouldn't be worthwhile.

Bucky

[WD]

If you are going through ballast resistors like my 69 was, just get a coil for a 73 F100 with a 360 and be done with it. Internal ballast points coil. Clip the old ballast harness out if having it there looks funny, leave in place but disconnected if you prefer a stock look.

My truck last ran in summer 2015. Sent 5 resistors and three fender mounted solenoids/relays to the trash can in a month. Can't get USA made replacement parts locally, do not trust online parts sellers, converting to Ford ignition parts.

[Jims68]

I wasn't having problems with my ballast resistors... this was just something I had "thought" about. I DO like the idea of using a FORD Coil though!!

[WD]

I like using whatever is proven, readily sourced and basically bullet proof. I can still get affordable USA made alternators (GM) and coils/solenoids (Ford) locally. Everything Mopar say China, India or Mexico on the package and product. My last 318 dizzy and alternator had remanufactured in Mexico on the box. Dizzy lasted less than a week before the shaft started to wobble. Alternator was junk right out of the box, always have it tested before I accept a reman.

[marklein]

Buy a coil made to run on 12 volts, bypass the resistor. Only if you run electronic ignition.