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Old 06-19-2025, 11:52 PM   #1
Chris Haynes
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Default Distributor for dual plug head.

I have heard that there is an easily obtainable distributor for dual plug head. Who knows what it is?
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Old 06-20-2025, 12:19 AM   #2
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

I do as run one , 80.s nissen , pos have a spare , two models , points or electronic , hard to find out here in NZ ,
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Old 06-20-2025, 02:32 AM   #3
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Here is everything you need to know:

https://www.mtfca.com/discus/message...tml?1515095768
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Old 06-20-2025, 04:27 AM   #4
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Those are some pistons in that Frank Harris post!
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Old 06-20-2025, 04:41 AM   #5
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Except for reliability there is no need for dual plugs in a normal flathead Model A. The turbulence is good enough so that the flame burns quickly. An engine with overhead valves would benefit. Or a large T head engine.
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Old 06-20-2025, 11:38 AM   #6
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

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For a Pietenpol maybe? They could use a magneto drive of one side and battery for the other.
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Old 06-20-2025, 02:02 PM   #7
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

I have a distributor set-up that I think is pretty cool in that it uses an Early V8 Ford distributor mounted onto a Model-B distributer housing. An E. V8 distributor is basically a dual-ignition 4 cylinder distributor. If I recall correctly, the Nissan Distributor is set up for a leading/trailing timing application, -and if so, some of the performance advantage is lost.
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Old 06-20-2025, 08:25 PM   #8
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C View Post
I have a distributor set-up that I think is pretty cool in that it uses an Early V8 Ford distributor mounted onto a Model-B distributer housing. An E. V8 distributor is basically a dual-ignition 4 cylinder distributor.
Would love to see some pictures of that.
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Old 06-21-2025, 02:56 PM   #9
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

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Originally Posted by nkaminar View Post
Except for reliability there is no need for dual plugs in a normal flathead Model A. The turbulence is good enough so that the flame burns quickly. An engine with overhead valves would benefit. Or a large T head engine.
My head is an OHV Dual Plug head.
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Old 06-21-2025, 03:38 PM   #10
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

The divers helmet type distributor has a cap for each side with a spindle type rotor that feeds both caps. They used one set of points to break the induction circuit and the other set of points closes early to increase dwell time for the coil. There have been several dual coil type aftermarket distributors that were made for performance on V8 engines and I've seen several dual fire set ups made from V8 and V12 type distributors. It has been done for bangers I'm sure but they were rare and parts can be unobtanium for some.
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Old 06-21-2025, 04:16 PM   #11
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Thanks for the information. I am now on the hunt for the Datsun distributor.
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Old 06-21-2025, 07:59 PM   #12
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

The Nissan twin-fire unit I'm running on my BB RAJO fires the exhaust 4 degrees after the intake fires, I believe. I have my fuel pump wired into the intake side of my switch and when all 8 are firing, when I "clip" the exhaust plugs, you can very much hear the RPM drop !
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Old 06-21-2025, 09:29 PM   #13
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Chis , I have a spare one in NZ if can,t find closer,
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Old 06-22-2025, 12:40 AM   #14
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

I do not believe that this is the correct distributor for this dual plug head (Made in France):



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Old 06-22-2025, 08:07 AM   #15
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

The RAJO head that Stevests talked about in Post #12 will benefit from dual plugs because of lower turbulence in an overhead valve head.

The head that Brad showed in Post #14 is a gimmick. The extra plugs will do very little if anything to improve combustion. I would use the plugs that are over the intake valves, where the air/fuel is fresher, and just keep the other 4 plugs in there to plug up the holes.
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Old 06-22-2025, 10:58 AM   #16
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Haynes View Post
My head is an OHV Dual Plug head.
Chris

Does this twin plug head have cartridge fire on the plugs?

J
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Old 06-22-2025, 04:27 PM   #17
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by johnneilson View Post
Chris

Does this twin plug head have cartridge fire on the plugs?

J
I have no idea what that is.
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Old 06-22-2025, 09:36 PM   #18
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Chris,
cartridge fire is where the sparkplug is removed directly from the chamber with a small sub chamber.
McDowell, Cook etc are this way.
Over the years these heads get changed by drilling out the port or moving the plug directly to the chamber.

As someone did mention before, a single plug more than adequate to ignite the fire in the model A
We have been turning 7200 rpm in the race car on a single plug without a mag

There are many opinions about plug location in the chamber but the reality is that the ex valve opens first and if the flame front starts there it may not make it completely to the opposite side. Take a look at the Brierly head and plug location, it makes a lot of sense.
John
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Old 06-23-2025, 12:39 AM   #19
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by johnneilson View Post
Chris,
cartridge fire is where the sparkplug is removed directly from the chamber with a small sub chamber.
McDowell, Cook etc are this way.
Over the years these heads get changed by drilling out the port or moving the plug directly to the chamber.

As someone did mention before, a single plug more than adequate to ignite the fire in the model A
We have been turning 7200 rpm in the race car on a single plug without a mag

There are many opinions about plug location in the chamber but the reality is that the ex valve opens first and if the flame front starts there it may not make it completely to the opposite side. Take a look at the Brierly head and plug location, it makes a lot of sense.
John
The Brierly head is not OHV as mine is. There is one plug on each side of the cylinder. This car sat in the same spot for over 75 years. During that time the original Delco 5195 Two Cap distributor disappeared. I am just trying to get it back on the road.
What you call a cartridge fire I have always heard called a pre combustion chamber.
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Old 06-23-2025, 08:49 AM   #20
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Chris
Yes correct Brierley’s cyl head is not OHV
Plug placement in an OHV is typically not an option with everything

So what is the head?
If just trying to get it running after 75 years a single plug should be adequate

J
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Old 06-23-2025, 10:20 AM   #21
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C View Post
I have a distributor set-up that I think is pretty cool in that it uses an Early V8 Ford distributor mounted onto a Model-B distributer housing. An E. V8 distributor is basically a dual-ignition 4 cylinder distributor. If I recall correctly, the Nissan Distributor is set up for a leading/trailing timing application, -and if so, some of the performance advantage is lost.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevests View Post
The Nissan twin-fire unit I'm running on my BB RAJO fires the exhaust 4 degrees after the intake fires, I believe. I have my fuel pump wired into the intake side of my switch and when all 8 are firing, when I "clip" the exhaust plugs, you can very much hear the RPM drop !
Yes, this was my point with the comment above. There was no performance advantage when I ran one too. That is why I got rid of mine. Granted, most people would never know that a Nissan twin-fire distributor is an emission distributor and not for performance purposes.

Chris, I would just use a stock distributor with that head since it will make the same horsepower as running the Nissan distributor. Save your money and buy a dual fire distributor that actually has a performance advantage.
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Old 06-23-2025, 11:37 AM   #22
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Chris
I don't know what info you have on the Delco distributor but check out the link. Looks like the 5195 was used on 1918-19 Stutz Series S and G.
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/409794...ibutor-wanted/
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Old 06-23-2025, 12:29 PM   #23
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob C View Post
Chris
I don't know what info you have on the Delco distributor but check out the link. Looks like the 5195 was used on 1918-19 Stutz Series S and G.
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/409794...ibutor-wanted/
Bob, the last I knew, those were $2500.00+ distributors as they are very rare and fit several engines (-even aero applications such as the Hall-Scott). Then, with one of these you must build a drive unit to retrofit it to an A/B Ford engine.

If someone has machining capabilities and wanted to go with a similar looking unit, I would consider using one of Tim Dickson's units. He purchased all of the molds & such from the late Dave Hentschel who manufactured distributors to proxy for Bosch style magnetos. I have used several of these units, -one on a Crane-Simplex and one on a Seagraves Fire Truck. Find a side drive Mag bracket and timing gear cover, -or use an A/B industrial engine governor setup and adapt one of Tim's units.


https://www.dicksonautomotiverestora...to-conversions
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Old 06-23-2025, 01:38 PM   #24
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C View Post
Bob, the last I knew, those were $2500.00+ distributors as they are very rare and fit several engines (-even aero applications such as the Hall-Scott). Then, with one of these you must build a drive unit to retrofit it to an A/B Ford engine.

If someone has machining capabilities and wanted to go with a similar looking unit, I would consider using one of Tim Dickson's units. He purchased all of the molds & such from the late Dave Hentschel who manufactured distributors to proxy for Bosch style magnetos. I have used several of these units, -one on a Crane-Simplex and one on a Seagraves Fire Truck. Find a side drive Mag bracket and timing gear cover, -or use an A/B industrial engine governor setup and adapt one of Tim's units.


https://www.dicksonautomotiverestora...to-conversions
Those are for single plug heads. Once again my Morton and Brett "Indianapolis" head is dual plug.
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Old 06-23-2025, 01:47 PM   #25
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

[QUOTE=johnneilson;2396438]Chris
Yes correct Brierley’s cyl head is not OHV
Plug placement in an OHV is typically not an option with everything

So what is the head?
If just trying to get it running after 75 years a single plug should be adequate

J[/QUOTE

The head is a Indanapolis. Made by Morton and Brett. As far as I know they made the first OHV for the Model A.
I wish I could show pictures but it is too difficult on this site.
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Old 06-23-2025, 03:05 PM   #26
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

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Is this your engine?
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Old 06-23-2025, 11:48 PM   #27
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob C View Post
Chris
I don't know what info you have on the Delco distributor but check out the link. Looks like the 5195 was used on 1918-19 Stutz Series S and G.
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/409794...ibutor-wanted/
That is the one I am searching for.
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Old 06-23-2025, 11:49 PM   #28
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Default Re: Distributor for dual plug head.

Quote:
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Is this your engine?
That is. Notice that the distributor drive and mount are there missing the distributor.
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