Ballast Resistor or Not

[Spievy]

Okay after some searching on the topic, I can't seem to get a straight answer.

I installed a MSD Blaster 2 coil in my NA 944. I installed the ballast resistor. And did a spark test with one of those adjustable gap spark tester. I was very unhappy with the spark energy with the ballast resistor. It would BARELY jump 30mm. So I decided to do a test with the resistor bypassed... HUGE difference good strong spark at 40mm.

So the question is can I bypass the resistor with out fear of burning the DME up? I always thought ballast resistors were for old point systems, not electronic.

[fast924S]

Im not sure. I too tried to find the answer but couldnt. I got a MSD blaster coil and a MSD DIGITIAL SCI ignition system, From what I understand if you have a Ignition controler like the 6AL or anything other then stock you DONT need the Ballast. But if you are running a stock ignition and a msd coil then you need a ballast. Why I dont know, Im not even sure the info is correct, All I know is I Dont need one. Maybe try calling MSD and letting us know??

[robm-951]

You don't need a resistor when running the blaster coil with the factory DME. I ran one for many years this way. The resistance of the primary circuit on the blaster and fthe factory coil are almost identical, so the DME will never know the difference.

[fast924S]

So whats the point of the ballast, is it only for the old school points???

[Spievy]

Thanks for the quick replies!! I will go without the resistor.