That ceramic-shielded resistor needs good ventilation to keep it from overheating. That's why it was mounted on the firewall in most applications, to put it in the air blast from the fan and also air circulation under the hood.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!