Eric - Thanks for sharing ... I've improved my understanding thanks to the discussion you've spearheaded.
I'm sold on the Hirev 7500. I had planned to find a Mopar Performance ignition system. (The 318 I'm using in MLP had a points-type distributor so replacing it with an OEM-style electronic vacuum advance distributor was a given.) Plans have now changed ... I'm going with a Hirev 7500 instead.
I did some research to answer a question that popped into my head -- Did Mopars with points-type distributors uses ballast resistors? (Pre-electronic ignition Mopars, like my '66 Polara and '69/70 M300 Class A.)
The answer is yes. (I may wander over and look at my daughter's '59 Savoy to see if it has an original ballast resistor.)
So, the purpose of the ballast resistor was most likely to extend the interval between resetting/replacing the points in the distributor, in addition to extending the life of spark plug gaps.
For everyone -- Jegs sells the Hirev 7500, both by itself and as part of a kit. The kit includes a ballast resistor and wiring harness ... with a new ICM connector.
Sorry, Eric ... I know you already bought your Hirev 7500 and also need a new ICM connector, to replace the current cracked connector. Fortunately, Jegs sells just the wiring harness, for $22.99USD.
Part number is 555-40801, via this link.
