1960 Ignition resistor,,do I need this? my car has A/C

[60eldo]

  Im just getting ready to start my car,,,new rebuilt engine tri-power,,now I hear I need a ignition resistor,,,do I really need this thing bto start and drive my car? Please HELP

[Doug Houston]

Yes, you do. The ignition coil actually runs on about 8 volts. The ballast resistor (that you speak of) drops the voltage from the 14 volts in your system while the engine is running.

If you check the electrical diagram in the shop manual, you wil see that there is a contact  in the starter solenoid, that shorts the ballast resistor during a start. That causes the ignition circuit to have 12 volts for just a moment while the engine is cranking.

Another thing to think about: since the ignition coil is really an 8 volt coil (primary), and the electrical system in a 6 volt car runs at around 7+ volts under way, you can use a regular coil for a 12 volt car, on a 6 volt electrical system. I've done it on one of my Cadillacs, and it works like a champ.

[Dave Shepherd]

Yes, you do. The ignition coil actually runs on about 8 volts. The ballast resistor (that you speak of) drops the voltage from the 14 volts in your system while the engine is running.

If you check the electrical diagram in the shop manual, you wil see that there is a contact  in the starter solenoid, that shorts the ballast resistor during a start. That causes the ignition circuit to have 12 volts for just a moment while the engine is cranking.

Another thing to think about: since the ignition coil is really an 8 volt coil (primary), and the electrical system in a 6 volt car runs at around 7+ volts under way, you can use a regular coil for a 12 volt car, on a 6 volt electrical system. I've done it on one of my Cadillacs, and it works like a champ.     True, as long as it is not an internally resisted coil as that drops the voltage too low, those coils would say internal resistor on the body of the coil.

[60eldo]

  Thanks guys,,,but where is this thing ,,,,,ignition resistor located and what wires go to it?

[62droptop]

my 1962 is a resistor wire from the key switch to the coil, not sure if the 1960 is the same

hook up the battery and check the voltage at the coil with the engine off

should be a couple volts  less than static battery volts

if you are using electronic ignition, you do not need nor want the resistor,you need 12v to the coil

[Grant Owen]

1960 has a resistor wire it is the white cloth covered wire that joins the yellow wire to the coil.
it is very important that this wire is not altered cut or joined in any way .
The type of wire it is & the length gives the resistance altering it in any way may cause it to over heat & cause a fire.
I hope this helps.

[Dave Shepherd]

look on the firewall near the brake unit or near the coil.

[Jeff Wilk]

Its not a " thing " in that year.....just the wire itself which is the resistance   Same as
'59 i believe.     

[Grant Owen]

look for the cloth covered wire on the coil it is attached to the yellow wire with a Flag Spade Terminal.
You are looking for the cloth covered wire that goes from the coil to the ignition.
If your wiring is original it WONT have a Ballast Resistor it has a Resistor Wire.

[Dave Shepherd]

The 59 Seville in my shop I just did engine work on had a ceramic resistor, looked oe, maybe it was updated or modified at one time.