Wiring from HEI back to points

[powell72]

I'm in the process of going back from an HEI to a points distributor with a Pertronix kit in it. The Pertronix directions say to NOT change out the ballast or resistance wire if originally wired that way. I've noticed the factory replacement coils say "use with resistance wire or ballast resistor" on them. I've looked at the factory wiring diagrams and don't see a ballast resistor, so is the wire that powers the coil on these trucks a resistance wire or no?
My HEI was in the truck when I bought it and it was wired from the fuse box in an "ignition fused" plug straight to the HEI. I'm thinking if it is needed, instead of pulling my harness apart looking for the factory wire, I might just wire a ballast resistor in line of my existing power wire. What does everyone think?

[fixit-p]

Yes there is a resistance wire since the po wired it into the fuse block there is a chance the resistance wire is still intact check the "R" terminal on the starter for any wires, the resistance wire may still be there if so you could simply verify voltage with a multimeter and run a wire to the coil from there.

[Longhorn Man]

it wouldn't be wired to the starter.
look for a wire from the bulkhead on the firewall that is covered with cloth. If it is there, that is the resistance wire. To properly wire it up, you'll need a wire from the R terminal on the starter to the coil too.

[powell72]

Would wiring in a 12v ballast resistor inline of the wire that was for the HEI work in a pinch?

I'm not wired up to the "R" side of my starter. Andy, do I just tie the wire from the "R" side of the starter into the resistance wire like the diagram shows or is it separate all the way up to the coil?

[fixit-p]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

it wouldn't be wired to the starter.
look for a wire from the bulkhead on the firewall that is covered with cloth. If it is there, that is the resistance wire. To properly wire it up, you'll need a wire from the R terminal on the starter to the coil too.

I was referring to in the diagrams posted the resistor wire is spliced into two yellow wires one going to the coil and the other to the starters "R" terminal. If the PO just ran a new wire to ignition un-fused it's possible that he didn't remove the resistor wire from the firewall bulkhead connector and if thats the case it may still may be at or near the starters "R" terminal I know the HEI doesn't run to the starter but it's worth a look to see if the original wire is there.

[powell72]

fixit, thanks for posting that diagram.

[powell72]

Okay guys, I found the wires. The PO had cut the yellow one that goes to the coil and taped it up in the loom, and the yellow one that goes to the starter, I cut the connecter off and taped it to the purple start wire when I put a starter in, so I just needed to put another connecter on that and hook it up. I just need to extend the wire to the coil and put my loom back together and then I'm in good shape, Thanks.