VH 253 troubles

[Portunio]

G'day guys,
My brother and I bought a VH SL/X wagon today, it runs a blue 253 and a 4 speed. Its our first Commodore and our first V8. The idea was for it to donate its engine and box to my HG sedan.
We drove it home and gave the previous owner his battery back (It wasn't included). My only spare battery was flat, so we fitted it and attempted to jump start it off one of the other cars. It started and ran for a few seconds, untill smoke started pouring into the gauge cluster via the tacho and speedo. At this point, the engine cut out. We pulled out all the non-essential fuses, but we havent been able to start it since, it turns on the starter, but it won't fire. A quick check revealed that we aren't getting any spark at the plugs. A mate suggested it could be the ballast resistor. But I have no idea, has anyone got any suggestions?

Cheers,
Dicko.

[253@7k]

There will be some wires coming through the firewall that go to the dizzy. if these have rubbed and contacted then that will explain the smoke and the lack of spark. check those wired and other things under dash.

hope this helps,
Slundy