1963 R2 Hawk Ballast Resistor

[R2GTHAWK]

When I detailed the engine of my 1963 R2 Hawk I upgraded to
one of Dave Thibault's new Mallory Unilite distributors. In
the interest of originality I stuck a Prestolite tag on the
distributor.[^] The Mallory directions require the use of a
ballast resistor which I did not have on my car. I got a
new one from Studebaker International and wired it according
to the diagram. When I started the engine the ballast resistor
started to smoke a little. The wires did not get hot, just
the resistor. The smoking stopped, but when I checked the
ballast resistor with a laser thermometer the temperature read
150 to 160 degrees. Is this normal[?][?] After the timing
was set and carb adjusted, the engine runs great.
Thank you in advance for your expertise in this matter.
Terry Stinehelfer
Bucyrus, OH

[DEEPNHOCK]

Probably just the lacquer burning off the new ballast resistor.
They drop the voltage from 12v to 7.5 volts through resistance, hence the ceramic holder.
Jeff[8D]

quote:Originally posted by R2GTHAWK

When I detailed the engine of my 1963 R2 Hawk I upgraded to
one of Dave Thibault's new Mallory Unilite distributors. In
the interest of originality I stuck a Prestolite tag on the
distributor.[^] The Mallory directions require the use of a
ballast resistor which I did not have on my car. I got a
new one from Studebaker International and wired it according
to the diagram. When I started the engine the ballast resistor
started to smoke a little. The wires did not get hot, just
the resistor. The smoking stopped, but when I checked the
ballast resistor with a laser thermometer the temperature read
150 to 160 degrees. Is this normal[?][?] After the timing
was set and carb adjusted, the engine runs great.
Thank you in advance for your expertise in this matter.
Terry Stinehelfer

[GTtim]

I agree with Jeff. I noticed mine smoked some when I first turned the key, but it has continued to work for a little over a year now.

Tim K.
'64 R2 GT Hawk