[ken47]

I have purchased a CraneCams Fireball XR-i points conversion kit for my old style chevy distributor. The instructions say that it needs to run with a ballast resistor or a ballast resistance wire (like in GM cars). Is this in fact the case or can I run it with out the ballast resistance i.e 12 volts to the module? My coil is a non-resistance type.

I assume the instructions are for retrofiting the kit into a running vehicle. I am putting it into my under construction 23 T bucket, with SBC Chevy, and don't really want to run a ballast resistor if I don't need to (my 75 Plymouth Duster years ago just about bankrupted me replacing the ballast resistor so frequently).

I can't find any additional information from Crane Cams on the subject.
Thanks
Ken

 

[tm454]

Don't know man...never heard of such a setup so I'm going to watch this post and see what come up on it. Very interesting subject.


Tazz


Rat Rods Rule!

 

[coldknock]

The simplest fix would be to use a coil with 3-4 ohms primary resistance, if you can find one.

Pertronix makes a nice conversion too. The Pertronix coils for the conversion come with a ballast resistor. Maybe use one from them if the resistance value is the same as stock. It might be a bit better quality.

You could use resistor wire for the positive side of the coil. No ceramic ballast to clutter things up.

Larry

 

[Pony]

When you read the directions it does get a bit confusing. I'm using a Crane XR-i conversion on my 1974 Corvette 350 engine and am using a Crane PS91 performance coil. The XR-i paper work says; if you go to a performance coil and have a ballast resistor or resistance wire keep it and if you had an internal ballast coil add a 1.2 - 1.9 ohm ballast resistor. Now the water gets Muddy!! I also used a Crane PS91 performance coil. Its directions say; the coil can be used as is with most electronic ignitions and most aftermarket ignition systems. But if your running points you must use a 1.2 - 1.9 ohm ballast resistor. So... This is from Crane paper work??? (XR-i) Electronic dist/performance coil = add a Ballast resistor... (PS91) Performance coil/electronic dist = No ballast resistor. I'm running the XR-i and a PS91 coil streight up with no ballast resistor (i cut the resistance wire out) and a MSD6AL unit on my 1974 Corvette 350 and it all seems to run great. I got a headache from the directions, you might give Mallory tech a call. :thumbup:

 

[ken47]

Hi Pony,
Thanks for your reply. I am glad to hear I am not the only one who confused over the XR-i instructions. I will call their tech line to see if they can shed some light on the subject. Maybe we can even get them to improve their information so other don't have to go through the same confusion.
Thanks
Ken

 

[troy-curt]

I would follow the directions with which ever system you are going to use.

Troy

 

[Pony]

That's the problem.. I'm using a Crane electronic ignition conversion kit and a recomended Crane coil for electronic ignition.
The two sets of directions conflict with each other..:thumbup: