Yes, you can give more voltage like 12 volt with current limiting resistance in series. Excess voltage will reduce the time of survival.
Suppose it's 2000mAH 1C LiPO. So, your resistance would be (12-3)/2 = 4.5 Ohm or higher.
Power should be = 2 x 2 x 4.5 = 18 watt minimum.
So, you can cut heater coil (1000-2000 watt) and make the resistance and use rest wire for pushrod
so that to meet up the wattage value of resistance. Just make the resistance value 4.5 ohm or above, power value will be OK.
thanks.