I have a 68 AMX 390 4spd, does my AMX need a ballast resistor? Where should be be located in the system? I currently have a Mallory brand next to my coil. I'm still learning this stuff. I also had a condenser go bad last week and that is the second in 18 months.
No ballast when you need one could possibly eat condensers; it would load the coil up with too much energy. I would think it would eat points too (excessive current).
You should be able to check with a voltmeter if there's a ballast or not... the resistance is between the battery (via ignition switch) and "+" on the coil.
* Engine not running. * Key to ON. * Measure voltage coil "+" to chassis ground.
If the voltage is the same as the battery, there's no ballast. Add one!
If the voltage is a few volts less (10? 9? 8?) than the battery there is a ballast in place.