I have the Crane Cams XR-i Points conversion kit in my distributor from a 70 Chevelle. I have heard mixed opinions on coil information. I was using my stock coil from my 91 305 tbi set up, but was told i need a longer duration spark. So I purchased a coil that Crane cams says goes with my set up. PN is 730-0020. Now my question is, Do I have to run the ballast resistor that comes with the coil? My very knowledgable buddy says I DO NOT run the resistor, it is for points applications only. And a couple other people are telling me I need to run the resistor. I need to know what to do. Crane didn't really give me a clear answer, and the instructions say you run one with the replacement of a "certain coil" or with points distributors.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

According to Crane: "Includes ballast resistor for points applications."

You don't need it.

You probably didn't need that coil, either. They say it goes with the conversion kit because they're assuming you're putting it in an application that was originally points (like a '70 Chevelle) and had a round oil-filled coil. A replacement for your TBI coil would have been just as good, or better.

 

Thanks for the info five7. Thats what I was thinking, just wanted one more opinion. Look like i have a new coil, oh well.

 

The TBI coil (or any other HEI coil) won't work right with the points replacement module.

HEI coils expect a short burst of current, just a few milliseconds; points don't do that. Points flow current about 2/3 of the time, usually.

The points conversion modules are designed to duplicate the drive that a set of points would supply to the coil.

Therefore, a points type coil is needed with a points distributor conversion.

 

I can understand how a points coil wouldn't work well with an HEI set-up, but I'm not clear how the reverse is an issue.