Ignition resistor wire removal 1973 torino

I finally got around to upgrading my factory points ignition in my 73 torino 351w. The Accel electronic distributor I picked needs full 12 volts instead of the 7-8 volts the points require. So I got out the factory shop manual wiring diagram and went to town.
You have to remove the cluster, we need to access the ignition switch on top of the column.



Once you get the cluster out of the way, unplug the harness on top of the ignition switch, and look for the red w/ light green stripe wire.



We are going to replace this R/LG wire. It has a built in resistor that terminates at the harness firewall junction behind the fuse panel. you will need to access the junction block closest to the fender on the inside of the car. however you need to unbolt them from the outside.



Here is a picture of the 1973 wiring diagram. It shows the bypass wire joining at the spade terminal of the R/LG wire. You need to join it with your new wire, otherwise your car will not fire while cranking.



Pull out the female spade terminal, and replace it with a new one that includes the bypass wire and your new wire. I used a red 14 gauge wire to run from this plug to my ignition switch.



Re-assemble everything, be careful mating up the firewall plugs as the terminals can bend easily.



You should now have 12 volts at your + terminal on your coil while engine running.


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I called msd about this when I upgraded the Galaxie from points and was told to leave the resistor wire in place. I called back again because it just didn't sound right and was told the same by another person. I thought all CD units needed 12v to function correctly but its been 8 years now without issues but I am remove it anyway. Nice write up by the way.

i found out i needed to change because the coil didnt seem to get the energy it needed at high rpms running at resisted volts. once i changed to full 12v no more breaking up at 6 grand plus.

My MSD got better also after switching from that resistor wire, But I think the underdrive pulleys were playing a part in it too,,, switched wires and put in a 130 amp alternator,,its like a new car!!

Do the 74+ cars have this resistor wire?

Yes it does

One of those things I have been wondering since seening this is with the resistor wire. I understand it was for the points, but why would the duraspark ignitions have it as well?
Do they not get a full 12v?
Why was the voltage dropped down?

i dont know if the early 74 duraspark ignitions ran the resistor setup. i dont think the later ones did. I personally have never added a duraspark setup, only removed them. there are cleaner and better ignition choices now.

I went to check the volts at the + side of the coil and it read -.096 What am I doing wrong? I still have the stock wiring setup.

with the engine running, put the positive lead on the + side of the coil, and negative lead to ground. it should read either 7-8 or 11-12 volts. ( make sure your range is correct on the meter) if its the lower reading you have a resistor wire.