What is this?

[neirfin]

Maybe a type of resistor? top wire goes to coil, bottom to battery and starter...?

Can it be removed? Relocated? Would/should it be replaced if I replace the old distributor with a new HEI?

Thanks!

[Smitty]

I think it is a resister of some sort. Had something similar on my '57 sedan. Don't recall seeing one on our trucks though. Would guess using a wiring schematic to route the wires correctly. Don't have one on my '71 with the HEI. Try using the search function regarding the HEI, no doubt find the information you need.

[Getter-Done]

That a Ballast Resistor.
I used one with my alternator on my tractor.

The ballast resistor allows the ignition system to operate at a lower voltage until the engine starts. After ignition, the alternator begins to recharge the battery, restoring the regular voltage. The ballast resistor then functions to regulate the voltage going to the ignition system to avoid additional wear on the system.

https://www.partsgeek.com/nzxrvwf-ch...-resistor.html












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[neirfin]

Thanks! I searched a bit for resistor, white box, Chevy wiring, etc. but nothing like that came up... knowing what it is called, I found lots of info. It will be removed with the HEI install. Thanks again!

[Ol Blue K20]

Remember that a HEI requires 12 volts. The stock distributor wire won't do it.

[Killer Bee]

a little late to the party, but here's one on my mallory unilite..

[neirfin]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Remember that a HEI requires 12 volts. The stock distributor wire won't do it.

You mean the gauge of the wire right? i planned on replacing or upgrading quite a bit of it all when i get to the HEI, routing it better, fixing the connections, ground, etc.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Remember that a HEI requires 12 volts. The stock distributor wire won't do it.

Good that you brought that up Ol Blue

Here is a post that talks about that.
VetteVet explains in post #2 the most of it , and adds more later.
A good read if your swapping to HEI.

Link:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...+Resistor+wire










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[firedemon]

I think most gm used resistor wire going to the ignition system usually a cloth covered wire to lower the voltage to point systems . Chrysler was one to use a ballast resistor to lower the voltage . must have been a cost thing why different companies used different systems . absolutely toss it if you go hei . run a 12 or 14 gauge wire from the ign spot in the fusebox and eliminate the yellow wire from the starter to the coil

[BigBird05]

A resister wire was used from the ignition switch to the coil lowering the voltage to 9v. A 12v wire was used from the starter to the coil ( I think it was yellow) during cranking, only applying voltage when the starter was engaged. You will need to replace the resister wire with a 14 gauge pink wire ( if you want factory correct) from the bulk head connector to the HEI distributor and eliminate the wire from the starter to the coil.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

a little late to the party, but here's one on my mallory unilite..

Oooohhh… He said Mallory Unilite!! I like that.