1972 Corvette coil/dist help

[mjones75]

I have a 1972 Corvette that I am in the process of converting the distributor from points to the Mallory E-spark conversion part number 61001M and the coil is a high output summit racing coil. The car is a 72 with a 350 vortec generation engine with upgrades in the engine. My problem is that I don't remember how hot the ignition wire used to get running to the positive side of the coil. I remember in the old days that if your left the ignition turned to the on position without the car running the points would get hot but I don't remember how hot. I put a Mallory ballast resistor in the ignition line and it still get hot. Not to the point that it melts wires but after leaving the key on the on position for about 3 minutes the resistor block was 82 degrees and climbing. Everything has been installed correctly with the directions but just want to make sure nothing get fried. At 62 years old you don't always remember the little thing in life. Any help would be appreciated, and what I am asking is if it is normal for that wiring to get hot. Mike

[maxwedge]

Warm maybe but not hot enouh to melt the insulation, are you sure the system still uses a resistor, also make sure the coil uses an external resistor and is not internlly resisted. Btw, I am73 .Lol

[rhandwor]

http://www.jegs.com/InstallationInst...650-61001M.pdf
While Max is correct about the resister look at figure 1 and the breaker plate ground could you have pinched it and have a ground in the distributor.