Car: 1971 Cutlass supreme with 350 rocket motor 95% stock. Distributor is an aftermarket Mallory Unilite (maybe 5 yrs old). I purchased the car the way she sits from a collector - it's not hacked on and was meticulously maintained, but driven very very little...hence my issues...

Situation: car has died on me twice. Both times ignition issues (no spark). First fix was replaced unilite ignition module. Worked. While testing fix I noticed coil was unusually hot. So, I kinda knew I may be headed for a problem. Died a second time. Replaced coil. Worked, but new coil is still very hot. So...

- ignition ballast? That my issue?

- what are your thought about replacing the whole older technology with a new HEI ?

I appreciate any help. I am not a mechanic, so go easy on me...

 

Car: 1971 Cutlass supreme with 350 rocket motor 95% stock. Distributor is an aftermarket Mallory Unilite (maybe 5 yrs old). I purchased the car the way she sits from a collector - it's not hacked on and was meticulously maintained, but driven very very little...hence my issues...

Situation: car has died on me twice. Both times ignition issues (no spark). First fix was replaced unilite ignition module. Worked. While testing fix I noticed coil was unusually hot. So, I kinda knew I may be headed for a problem. Died a second time. Replaced coil. Worked, but new coil is still very hot. So...

- ignition ballast? That my issue?

- what are your thought about replacing the whole older technology with a new HEI ?

I appreciate any help. I am not a mechanic, so go easy on me...

 

The Mallory Unilite I believe requires a ballast resistor. If your car still has the resistor wire that should work also. The Unilite is a pretty decent distributor as is an HEI, they all have their quirks.

 

Hi Mark no need to post questions in multiple areas. Most of us click on new posts and they all come up no matter what catagory they fall under.