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-   -   Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262362)

ULLRICH 04-25-2019 11:24 AM

Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Will the helmet style aluminum case from a 85 hp fit the v8 60?

Kurt in NJ 04-25-2019 12:51 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

They are the same, case and internally, but I found that a coil that works "ok" on an 85 may not be good enough for a 60 to get full power and rpm

Jembow 04-25-2019 04:24 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

The 60 needs to rev more, I couldn't get my helmet unit running properly at high rpm so went to the new crab style electronic unit.

Kurt in NJ 04-25-2019 05:23 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

I had no problem with rpm, with a good coil it would go it's 74mph top speed all day except in the hills, then it was up to 50 in second ----

BUBBAS IGNITION 04-25-2019 08:47 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Someone explain the rpm difference in a 60 and a 85 ???

cas3 04-25-2019 09:13 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

well, thats easy, the 60 goes in smaller circles than the 85, dont ya know nothin?:D

ford38v8 04-26-2019 12:59 AM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by cas3 (Post 1750859)
well, thats easy, the 60 goes in smaller circles than the 85, dont ya know nothin?:D

A fair indication of the company they keep? :p

Jembow 04-26-2019 01:17 AM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

If you look at the power curves on the Van Pelt site you'll see the 85 curve drop off at 3800, while the 60 is still going up at 4000. V8-60 midgets would pull up to 7500. It's a motor that wants to rev.

BUBBAS IGNITION 04-26-2019 04:11 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jembow (Post 1750905)
If you look at the power curves on the Van Pelt site you'll see the 85 curve drop off at 3800, while the 60 is still going up at 4000. V8-60 midgets would pull up to 7500. It's a motor that wants to rev.

Thats kinda why i asked, it would take a very very very special helmet distributor to run anywhere close to 7500 rpm.:eek::eek:

And that was the discussion regarding a helmet distributor for a 60. There is no difference in a 60 helmet from the other helmets........same point set and same cam advance etc......

Jembow 04-26-2019 04:35 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Those 7500rpm motors we're obviously running hot cams, hi-comp heads etc, I don't know what they did for ignition. Kurt said he ran 74mph, that has to be around 4000rpm as he was probably running a 4.55 rear end.

Jack E/NJ 04-26-2019 06:06 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Bubba>>it would take a very very very special helmet distributor to run anywhere close to 7500 rpm.:eek::eek:>>>


Why is that? I guessed that, by using stronger springs here--there-- in-between, it should be good to go with a decent coil. Jack E/NJ

Yoyodyne 04-26-2019 06:39 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ (Post 1750712)
They are the same, case and internally, but I found that a coil that works "ok" on an 85 may not be good enough for a 60 to get full power and rpm

What advance curve did they use?

BUBBAS IGNITION 04-26-2019 06:55 PM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Its not impossible to make a helmet run more rpm , especially the later version model 68s or 11 A , The advance curve was quick and topped out at 22 degrees etc. The use of individual contacts helped a lot. With a small cam and seperate contacts we can get them up and over the 5000 rpm mark and with some special work maybe above 6000 etc.
However thats why Kong , Harmon Collins etc made up the dual coil units . A harmon Collins dual coil will pull 7000 plus all day long..

Gary in La. 04-27-2019 08:17 AM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Most but not all midgets with v8-60's ran magneto's including some with dual mags. (Barker V twin is a good example)

ULLRICH 04-28-2019 10:37 AM

Re: Helmet style distributor 85 to 60hp
 

Thanks all for chiming in, I have been using the stock helmet from the 60 on the 60hp, was curious if I was going to get more out of an 85 on my 37 sprint racer. Bubba I switched over to an external 12 volt coil and condenser ( Napa 176 )unit per your recommendation and ran last year at Road America.....OK but looking for more. I rebuilt the motor (tin side)this winter and will run in June Historic class VSCDA at Blackhawk farms. 40. over and fresh pistons bearings valves and crank grind....no cam changes. After all its just for fun ...right?


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