SBC, running HEI type dist with external coil. Manufacture of dist said no ballast resistor required. I know, or think, voltage was dropped on point type dist to extend point life. I am using an Accel stock configuration coil, 35,000 volt, with no ballast resistor. Now after about 1 year I believe it is going out. After running awhile, engine quits. Will only refire after about 5 mins to cool off. Yesterday I managed to catch this at the shop, and found spark very weak. After cooling spark was much better, still not as hot as should be. My Question is without ballast resistor is this going to shorten life of coil. 12 volts contstantly or I believe about 9.6 with resistor.