Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

[john in illinois]

I do not have knowledge about how this 2 distributor setup would work on a flathead. I do know that piston engine aircraft have 2 mags and dual plugs. If you cut out one mag the RPM drops. This is the way you test the mags before take off.

John

[tubman]

I am kind of biased towards dual distributors. I once had a '48 Seagrave pumper with a 468" Pierce-Arrow licensed V12 that had dual ignition systems. It had 24 plugs, two distributors (each with sockets for 12 plug wires and two coil wires), and four coils. Despite having only 2300 miles when I got it, it barely ran because the former owner didn't understand how it worked. One of the best projects I have ever had was getting it back running properly. It turned out to be badly burned points. Luckily for me, the distributors were made by Delco and used the same points as '46-'48 Chevrolets. I was used to regular dual point setups where the two sets of points are used to prolong the dwell. Once I figured out that that wasn't the case and what I actually had was 4 separate 6 cylinder ignition systems, it was easy.

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by tubman

Someone said they were selling on eBay. I'd like to at least take a look, but couldn't find them. Anybody have an auction number or a link?

Also, I agree with Sal, that was a pretty rude reception for someone trying to advance the hobby. Let's face it; anyone running a modified flathead is after looks and the "cool" factor. If we were seriously chasing power, there wouldn't be a flahead in sight.

Tubman

If your serious about chasing power no flathead in sight really! Show me the facts about this combination making more power so far no facts. its more for looks and bling if thats what you want its worth the effort for sure if you have the extra cash to run duplicate stuff. Now about advancing the hobby some of us write facts and try to help inform from what we know from putting this stuff into actual use not from sitting in some arm chair.

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by scicala

Why shouldn't TJW be upset ? You just insulted what he's been testing and working his butt off on for a long time. He has the facts, and you just an opinion. And we all know what they say about opinions.


Sal

Sal I have the facts my actual results prove that so far. But hey Im willing to learn so please show me the facts you write about.
Ronnieroadster

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by tjw

]A new Flathead V8 Twin distributor timing cover i am making and it's off to the machinist. This new timing cover takes twin 8ba distributors / magneto's when you are using twin plug heads on your Flathead V8. We will be supplying this timing cover as a kit to suit 8ba distributors which will include a Mac's Speed specially designed electronic ignition kit.

TWIN V DISTRIBUTOR TIMING COVER NEWS UP DATE.

I have finished the Twin V timing cover and is now fitted with two Mac Speed electronic converted 8ba distributors as shown in the photo's below.
The Twin V timing cover and the two electronic distributors have been fitted to the engine in the photo and test run with great success.

I HAVE A VIDEO OF THIS ENGINE RUNNING, with HOGAN Dual Plug Heads. and Twin electronic distributors fitted to it. For some reason i can not load this video onto this page. If you wish to see this video please send me a message with your email address and i will email a copy to you.

This conversion will be available as a bolt on kit or the Twin V timing cover can be purchased separately. I will be listing PRICES and further information about this kit in the next few days. If you have any questions please message me and i will try and reply as quick as i can.

Wow, near 6K views ! Hope you are selling a ton of these. This product is a great looking addition to the hobby ! Do you make other 'stuff' and/or have a web site where everything you make for sale is listed ?

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

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Originally Posted by donald1950

would need a 4 lobe cam in each distributor, two cpils.. would have some great coil saturation. if one distributor runs backwards, just wire plug wires backwards..

That would work on a 8 cylinder two coil, this one is 16 plugs , dual per cylinder.....

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by tubman

Someone said they were selling on eBay. I'd like to at least take a look, but couldn't find them. Anybody have an auction number or a link?

Also, I agree with Sal, that was a pretty rude reception for someone trying to advance the hobby. Let's face it; anyone running a modified flathead is after looks and the "cool" factor. If we were seriously chasing power, there wouldn't be a flahead in sight.

its here:

http://macsspeed.com/index.php/produ...ion-kit-detail

[tubman]

"Ronnieroadster" - I have read your response to my post about 10 times and I can honestly say I have no idea where you're coming from. You regurgitate exactly what I was saying, and then complain about "armchair" approach from a guy who has actually made something. Have you even looked at his website? I am very impressed by it. Where's yours? I'd like to make a comparison.

Quite frankly, I think your attitude stinks.

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by tubman

"Ronnieroadster" - I have read your response to my post about 10 times and I can honestly say I have no idea where you're coming from. You regurgitate exactly what I was saying, and then complain about "armchair" approach from a guy who has actually made something. Have you even looked at his website? I am very impressed by it. Where's yours? I'd like to make a comparison.

Quite frankly, I think your attitude stinks.

Oh well I dont need a web site I just preach what I know based off true life experience guess some just can not deal with that so be it. That my friend is not attitude

[arkusvt]

ronnie doesn't need a website to prove his flathead expertise, he does it in real life; ask around knowledgable flathead people if you're interested in finding out how. having said that, still waiting, (almost two years) to hear from ANYONE, on this forum or on the entire internet, who actually has this system up and running. the pictures of the set-up are amazing to look at but they are just that, static pictures. strictly from a commercial standpoint you would think the guy producing this system would have figured out by now how to post a video with cool flathead sound. (post #!). guessing that would have a positive impact on sales. if i invested that kind of money in a system i sure would like to show it off, (lots of "bling" there). the other side of the coin is i'd probably be pretty quiet if it didn't work except for the "bling". still waiting!

[tjw]

Originally Posted by hardtimes

Wow, near 6K views ! Hope you are selling a ton of these. This product is a great looking addition to the hobby ! Do you make other 'stuff' and/or have a web site where everything you make for sale is listed ?

Thanks hardtimes Yes i have sold a lot of the Twin Distributor timing covers on there own and also full kits which includes the Mac Speed ignition kit. This project to produce this product was a joint effort between myself here in Australia and Graeme at Mac Speed in New Zealand. I make a lot of cast alloy parts such as Flathead blower intake's, SBC 471 blower intakes, carby risers, 471 blower 3x2 and 4x2 top manifolds, plus lots more. I also make an angle drive set up to drive the Nash Twin 8 distributors used when running twin plug heads on a Flathead. I have added a few photos of some of my products. Hardtimes send me your email address and I will send you photos and details of my products. I will be having display at the PATE swap meet so come and have a look at my products.

[tjw]

Originally Posted by tubman

Someone said they were selling on eBay. I'd like to at least take a look, but couldn't find them. Anybody have an auction number or a link?

Also, I agree with Sal, that was a pretty rude reception for someone trying to advance the hobby. Let's face it; anyone running a modified flathead is after looks and the "cool" factor. If we were seriously chasing power, there wouldn't be a flahead in sight.

Thanks Tubman for your comments. Please send me your email address and I will send you some details and photos of this product. I also have a video of the first time start up of this set up on an engine. Thanks Terry

[tubman]

Welcome back, Terry. I'm glad to have someone of your obvious abilities contributing to this site. As I said, I was impressed with the products shown on the "Mac's" website. More and more these days, it seems the good flathead stuff is coming from "down under". It's nice to have a breath of fresh air once in a while.

[tjw]

Originally Posted by tubman

Welcome back, Terry. I'm glad to have someone of your obvious abilities contributing to this site. As I said, I was impressed with the products shown on the "Mac's" website. More and more these days, it see the good flathead stuff is coming from "down under". It's nice to have a breath of fresh air once in a while.

Thanks Tubman I have not been on the Ford Barn much, for an obvious reason but your comments are much appreciated. Here are a couple of photos of some more products I manufacture here in Australia and sell all round the world.

[Fordestes]

I like the looks of the carb adapters , especially the 3 carb setup.

[tjw]

thumbnail_IMG_2008.jpg

Originally Posted by Fordestes

I like the looks of the carb adapters , especially the 3 carb setup.

These 3x2 and 4x2 intakes fit a 471 blower top

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by tjw

Thanks hardtimes Yes i have sold a lot of the Twin Distributor timing covers on there own and also full kits which includes the Mac Speed ignition kit. This project to produce this product was a joint effort between myself here in Australia and Graeme at Mac Speed in New Zealand. I make a lot of cast alloy parts such as Flathead blower intake's, SBC 471 blower intakes, carby risers, 471 blower 3x2 and 4x2 top manifolds, plus lots more. I also make an angle drive set up to drive the Nash Twin 8 distributors used when running twin plug heads on a Flathead. I have added a few photos of some of my products. Hardtimes send me your email address and I will send you photos and details of my products. I will be having display at the PATE swap meet so come and have a look at my products.

Thanks for your response and great pictures. I have to admit that I love to see a well dressed flathead, even if at the 'cost' of wt and/or a few horses !
Now , that I see your product quality, I'm wondering if you make or have ever considered expanding you creations for use on the '32 four cylinder engine ? In old days, there was plenty of specialized made aluminum/finned parts for improving performance and looks of a '32 race engine. For one example, there was aluminum parts made to run a magneto on right lower side of engine and run of off adaptors to the timing covers. Also alum adaptors to run distributor off front of crank, on/on.

[tjw]

Originally Posted by hardtimes

Thanks for your response and great pictures. I have to admit that I love to see a well dressed flathead, even if at the 'cost' of wt and/or a few horses !
Now , that I see your product quality, I'm wondering if you make or have ever considered expanding you creations for use on the '32 four cylinder engine ? In old days, there was plenty of specialized made aluminum/finned parts for improving performance and looks of a '32 race engine. For one example, there was aluminum parts made to run a magneto on right lower side of engine and run of off adaptors to the timing covers. Also alum adaptors to run distributor off front of crank, on/on.

Thanks yes I have some products for Model A and B engines that I am in the process of making patterns for. If you have some ideas for parts that you would like to see reproduced please send me details and some photos to view. I can cast and machine most products but some times they are not viable to make as it takes far too long to recover pattern costs and machining programing time. my email [email protected] Thanks Terry

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by tjw

Thanks yes I have some products for Model A and B engines that I am in the process of making patterns for. If you have some ideas for parts that you would like to see reproduced please send me details and some photos to view. I can cast and machine most products but some times they are not viable to make as it takes far too long to recover pattern costs and machining programing time. my email [email protected] Thanks Terry

Thanks Terry !
Distribution of product pictures and information , as you know, is very valuable in sales. Lots of A/B owners world wide. Need to contact those people. I'll try to help as you suggest ! Catalogue helps, as does this type forum.

[Bored&Stroked]

Just to chime in . . . I appreciate that folks like Terry are investing in new products, new castings, etc.. Like any set of products - some might fit my needs, others maybe not - though I'm thankful that we have many great products for our beloved flatheads to choose from.

IMHO, This thread "got a little sideways" if reference to running a dual distributor setup. From my perspective, I think it looks cool, but I've not seen any true dyno tests to validate dual ignitions being of value (horsepower wise) on engines like ours. If somebody has done real dyno testing - controlling the variables as needed (in a manner as I posted up above) - I'd love to see them as I'd learn something. Without real dyno testing in a controlled environment, I'll continue to not expect dual plugs/ignitions to provide additional horsepower (and I'm cool with that - as I know it going in).

The only place I've heard of dual ignitions (magnetos) being required is on today's top-fuel Hemi engines. The reason is they run a solid column of liquid fuel (mostly nitro, sometimes a little alky mixed in) - and that volume of fuel needs more spark energy to burn than a single MSD ProMag can generate. This is obviously a very extreme situation - and one that is necessary to build and run 8000 horsepower engines.

With all this said, I have a dual magneto setup that I'm going to run on one of my weird engine projects (not a flathead) - a blown BBC Chemi (Arias deal) - not because it will actually make any extra horsepower in my situation (blown gas street), but only because it is cool as Hell! (at least to me). Sometimes "cool" trumps everything else (especially money!).

B&S