Sniper EFI and ignition type

Good decision because Sniper + ballast resistor = bad.

Holley specifically states in the instructions that the ECU needs 12V in both crank and run which basically renders the ballast resistor useless. To do that though, you must “tie the IGN1 and IGN 2 circuits together” somewhere behind the switch so it acts as one switch position that receives a constant 12v. An added diode or two or relay and off you go

In the OE format when the engine is off and you turn the key to start, there is no voltage to the run circuit. When cranking the coil gets “full fielded” to aid startup. Once the car starts, you release the key back to run and there is no voltage in the start position because the alternator is providing the juice to keep it running.

Originally, the ballast resistor’s main function was to limit voltage to the coil in run or you’d burn up the points in short order. Not sure why it was kept that way when they went to electronic ignitions in the ‘70s but that’s a different thread.

Either way, the Holley stuff is designed to have the full 12v in both crank and run. That’s why it’s best to use the Hyperspark ignition components because while the ECU may “work” with other ignition pieces it wont be optimal.

Frankly this is a flawed argument. "There ware ways" to supply 12V and still run a ballasted ignition. I DO agree that ballasted ignition systems are generally "somewhat dated."

One of the main reasons that ballasted ignitions came about---and all the big "3" as well as the "4th" (AMC) --all of them used coil resistors--was so that it could be bypassed in start and therefore still have a good hot spark in "start." Remember the start of the 12V era was also "about" the time that higher compression engines came about, and they need a good spark, whereas the older '50's low compression stuff can get by with a lot less spark.