mallory coil with resistor

So im running a vintage 12v mallory coil with my flathead. The question is should I be running a resistor with it to keep it from burring the points, or no?
 
I don't know what you mean by "vintage" Mallory distributor? I am using a modern dual pt. Mallory dist. and have a 12 volt coil that reads "no external resistor needed". So far, my points look good and the car runs well.
 
Yep, but really depends of the resistance of the coil. There are differences in coils and you should check it. Total resistance (wire from starter switch, external resister, coil, wire from coil to points). As an example, if the coil is 1.5 ohms then the external resister should be about 1.5 ohms for at total of 3.0 ohms. This assumes that the wiring is negligible. Your looking for about 6 to 7 volts at the coil. The real concern is the amperage across the points, which should be in the 3 to 4 amp range. It gets a little confusing. Measure your coil and if you still have a question let me know.
 
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