Electronic ignition vs points

[pipefitter]

I have a 73 620 with a l18 I put in a Mallory HEI distributor does anyone know if I can eliminate the porcelain resister from the stock points set up

[DanielC]

The ignition coil and ballast resistor combine, or are in series to limit the current in the stock coil.  Removing the ballast resistor will cause the coil to get too much current, and over heat.

An ignition coil from a later model Datsun, one used with a Datsun Matchbox distributor will work without a ballast resistor.

[Dirttrack510]

I'd love a working worrying diagram for a Mallory set up. I have one I've never been able to make work. If you figure it out could you post one?

[Three B's Racing]

Is that Mallory the one without the vacuum advance? if so toss it and get the EI dizzy with vacuum advance it'll will work better. The difference between the two is the Mallory dizzy is recurved to limit total advance allowing you to run more static advance for that snappy throttle, but depending on the engine mods will cause a slight bog taking off and possibly a bit harder to start the engine. I knew a guy who ran one on a dual weber L20B with moderate compression cams and such. It ran great but was a bitch to start and taking off required some throttle.

[datzenmike]

The ignition coil and ballast resistor combine, or are in series to limit the current in the stock coil.  Removing the ballast resistor will cause the coil to get too much current, and over heat.

An ignition coil from a later model Datsun, one used with a Datsun Matchbox distributor will work without a ballast resistor.

This is true. But if you replace the coil with one from an EI set up it will draw more power through the points and will likely burn them up. Only way to go here, for good reliability, is an EI distributor and coil from a '76 and up L series engine in California or any L series '78 and up elsewhere. Take note that there are two styes of EI distributor, both work the same but the '79-'80 are the simplest.

[banzai510(hainz)]

if this is a Unilite I believe you still want the resisitor and point type coil as the module can burn up If I remeber right.