Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Does anyone have any experience, good or bad, with the Mallory Unilite Distributor (3772101) for use on a stock '37 85hp flathead (21 bolt).
Or other thoughts...
Thanks

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Excellent, but you must use an alternator, not a generator.

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

I'm curious as to why this would be. Could you please explain further?

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

thanks. good to note.
Bob

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

A 12-volt generator would work as well as a 12-volt alternator but it depends on whether the car is set up for 12-volt negative ground or not. Most of the new electronic stuff is for 12-volt negative ground systems. A 6-volt positive ground system is another matter.

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

The Mallory electronic dont like the irregular out and voltage swings coming from the generator !!

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/maa-29351

They do make a noise filter , however they are hard to get somedays....also must use a good coil to keep the current flow down...the MSD/Mallory coils are typically too low on resistance........:eek::eek::)

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

What coil do you recommend? Make & Part number?

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Mallory should have quit while they were ahead with the ole' "flattop".:)

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

A plain old GM module is damn near bullet proof. I just wonder why they can't make a module that can take all the irregularities. I know it can be done but they just don't want to make the effort.

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Based on quality and availablility it changes somedays.
Heres the deal on a flathead (low rpm band and low compression) the 12 volt ignition needs a primary current of approx 3-4 amps. A napa IC12SB (1.5 ohms) and a 1.5 ohm resistor would be 3 ohms divided into 12 volts for a current flow of 4 amps. This set up has worked great forever.
Now to step it up just a bit I have been using a German made coil the Beru ZS172 blue at 3.3 ohms and no resistor for a current flow of 3.63 amps , i have shipped over 100 of these and they seem to work very well ! I still like the Bosch Blue # 00012 coil at 3ohms as well, just because it is shipped with a nice mounting bracket..
The main thing is to have a current flow of approx 3-4 amps in the primary.

Now if we are discussing a 12 -13 to 1 compression at 8,000 rpm , thats a different story !! But we just dont need it with the flatheads......:eek::)

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Very interesting and very logical. Thanks.

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Still amazes me why anyone developing a new distributor makes a product that has no advantages over the crab...
If you absolutely wan´t electronic a converted crab is still a better unit...just my 2c.
When someone makes a crab with an adjustable vacuum canister then it´s improving...until then i´m not to impressed...

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

"AMEN!!!" :eek:

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

The 3 to 4 amps in the primary side, does this also apply to 6v original coil with resistor?
Phil NZ

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Yes. It is I=V/R, I is the current (Amps), V is the Voltage and R is the resistance (Ohms). The resistance consist of everything in the circuit, but the major components are the resistance of the coil itself and any ballast resistor.

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Just refreshing my memory on the Ohms Law. So on safe side minimum being 1.5 ohms for the 6v for max 4 amp draw. There is a reason for everything it just a case of remembering!!


Thanks,
Phil NZ

Re: Mallory Unilite Distributor #3772101
 

Yep, the 1.5 ohms in your example is the combination of the coil and any other resistance in the circuit.