While trying to install my wire mess I found a ballast resistor. Did a 914 use them ?
I am not running breaker points.
Brian

The ballast resistor is usually necessary (depending upon your ignition setup), but often built in to the coil. On my car with an electronic ignition module I needed an external ballast resistor or the coil would get scorching hot and stop firing.

What does the ballast resistor look like?

The 914 did not have an external ballast resistor in the coil circuit. The coil has enough resistance that it is not needed.

Some D-jet cars (73 2.0 at least) had a resistor in series with the head temp sensor. That might look like a ballast resistor.

--DD

Dave
Here is a picture of the resistor.

Another view. Click to view attachment

Not stock at all. Unless you have a coil that very specifically needs a ballast resistor, I'd leave it out.

--DD

Many old school FLAPS replacement coils needed it, the OE and bosch replacement (blue) coil doesn't.
Stick with bosch unless you're using a matched coil for something like a pertronix, etc.

Identical resistor came with my 70 1.7. Djet.

Not original, usage depends on coil, use a Bosch Blue coil and toss that.

Thanks
It will go in the trash heap that keeps growing!
Brian