Electronic Ignition C-2

[Robert V.]

Do you need to change the ballast resistor when changing over to electronic ignition? Any other parts? 64 coupe with 327/300 hp.

[Jack H.]

Re: Electronic Ignition C-2

Ballast resistor was NOT used when cars were equipped with K66 transistorized ignition. Distinct engine compartment wiring harness assys and K66 ignition components were used when this option was on the car. The feature/function of a discrete ballast resistor (provide HOT spark during intitial cold start and reduced voltage to ignition after initial fire) was incorporated INSIDE the special wiring harness assy's (a 'distributed' ballast resistor achieved by controlled length of high v.s. low resistance wiring). If you get the right parts (See the K66 option section of your Assembly Instruction Manual), the conversion is rather painless. But, hook it up wrong (leaving bits & pieces of the factory stock Kettering ignition system in circuit) and you'll wish you'd never started the conversion!!!!

[Jack H.]

Re: Electronic Ignition C-2

BTW, for a LOT less money, you can buy and install a solid state ignition system that's a module which installs under the distributor cap of your current distributor that works with your existing ignition coil and ballast resistor! The product manufactured by M&H Fabrications (also available in many of the Corvette Parts Catalogs), requires no modifications to your existing ignition wiring and provides no additional 'telltale' wiring runs. It's 'maybe' a 15-minute job to install.... It's called the 'Breakerless SE' system and it works like a HOSE! It's so transparent, that, in a pinch, you can covert back to points & condensor on the road should something go bump in the night in the middle of nowhere (or should you want to have the car judged with factory stock ignition)!!!!!

[Richard L.]

Re: Electronic Ignition C-2

Bob, Jack...

I'm running the "Breakerless SE" system in my 65 350HP. It was installed in February 2002 and has not missed a beat. It's a nice system and installs exactly as Jack described. Has a 3 Year Warranty, as well. Just re-time your engine after installation and forget about it...

Rick