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Old 05-30-2016, 06:04 PM   #21
BUBBAS IGNITION
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

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One has a reversed gear, both are 8 cyl distributors, designed to run dual plug heads.
I would like to see the timing specs. On a set of Elco Twin plug heads, which plug would fire first, or would both be at the same time?

I have done a few of the packards for the dual plug and every one has the plugs firing at the same time..
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Old 05-30-2016, 06:37 PM   #22
Ol' Ron
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

The GM Pontiac Dist has opposite rotation.
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Old 05-30-2016, 08:53 PM   #23
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

It is not as simple as just saying one runs backwards . . . when you order a magneto for instance, you specify the rotation. The rotation influences the advance mechanisms, how the points are mounted (direction they face), where the lubrication pads are, etc.. So, in the end - the distributors/magnetos need to be designed/setup for the direction of rotation.

Just wanted to make sure you all think through the details - before you head down this path
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Old 05-30-2016, 10:04 PM   #24
Ol' Ron
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

I was refering to the use of SBC GM dist. which are very comingly used. The Pontiac rotates in the opposite direction so the advance curve can be tailored to what ever you want. Yes, for the big buck guys this is immaterial. corse, this whole system is pretty big bucks.
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Old 06-03-2016, 05:05 PM   #25
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

kind of hard to sell with out a price
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Old 06-03-2016, 05:59 PM   #26
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

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I have not set a price yet waiting on machining cost to come in.
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Old 06-03-2016, 06:50 PM   #27
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

Ol'Ron>>>I'd like to know what logic was used to locate the spark plugs? Why wasn't a plug located in the transfer area? There must be a reason for these locations, although I can't figger out why?? >>>

The TA seems about halfway between the plugs. Guess it might have some effect if the plugs are timed to fire at different intervals depending on flow rate?

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Old 06-04-2016, 06:28 AM   #28
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

My guess is that there wasn't any really formal means to determine the locations and/or if there was even a performance advantage. Also, I doubt it would even be possible to time them to actually fire at exactly the same time and/or offset the timing to aid in combustion - who knows how fast the flame front travels in the chamber . . . based on all the different timing conditions that happen in an engine. It would be fun to have an engine dyno and test various timing situations - including using just one or the other plug (very different locations). I think the 'cool factor' is just about the only reason to run dual ignitions - which is fine by me!
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Old 06-10-2016, 12:59 AM   #29
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

Any updates on the dual dist front covers?
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Old 06-10-2016, 01:54 AM   #30
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

We run dual plugs on our dragster,two separate IGN setups,we fire one set of plugs just after the other,always ment to run the engine on a dyno and adjust them,but it goes good so we didn't bother.
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Old 06-10-2016, 02:36 AM   #31
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

6-11-16 My new Twin distributor timing cover news update. I picked up today the first of my Twin distributor timing covers and it's looking great. I have added a couple of photo's.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0504.jpg (40.4 KB, 61 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0501.jpg (31.5 KB, 75 views)
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Old 06-10-2016, 03:01 AM   #32
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

And what we all are waiting for....can we afford one ?
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Old 06-10-2016, 02:11 PM   #33
RalphM
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

Drum roll....ddddddddddddddddddd!
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Old 06-10-2016, 02:36 PM   #34
Seth Swoboda
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

I couldn't keep it running, lol. I struggle at times with one carburetor and distributor.
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Old 06-10-2016, 02:50 PM   #35
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

you would have to have the heads to make it work
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Old 09-07-2016, 06:18 AM   #36
tjw
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

FLATHEAD V8 TWIN PLUG ENGINES.
I have now finished the Twin V timing cover and it has been fitted with two Mac Speed electronic converted 8ba distributors.
The Twin V timing cover and the two electronic distributors were fitted to the engine in the photo's and test run.

I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE THIS ENGINE RUNNING with the Twin V timing cover and twin electronic distributors fitted to it. For some reason i can not load this video on 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 further information about the kit together with prices in the next few days. If you have any questions please send me a message and i will try to answer them as quick as i can.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg TWIN TIMING 6.jpg (77.5 KB, 62 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0504 1.jpg (47.8 KB, 43 views)
File Type: jpg TWIN TIMING 4.jpg (87.5 KB, 55 views)
File Type: jpg TWIN TIMING 5.jpg (89.0 KB, 48 views)
File Type: jpg twin timing 7.jpg (84.9 KB, 51 views)
File Type: jpg twin timing 8.jpg (84.5 KB, 48 views)
File Type: jpg TWIN TIMING 3.jpg (68.4 KB, 58 views)

Last edited by tjw; 09-07-2016 at 06:29 AM.
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Old 09-07-2016, 11:05 AM   #37
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

I'm sure I can't afford one, but boy, does that look good!
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Old 09-07-2016, 12:44 PM   #38
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

I really appreciate all the work you do on these engines. I know the cost are very high in this day and age, when it comes ro experimental work. Max research is necessary beforr you drop a dime on these modifications. As for the dual plugs. The main reason maybe reliability, but sometimes we can get alittle extra power as well. such as reducing the Octane requirements for a combustion chambers compression ratio. A single plug must produce a flame front that includes the entire chamber, In the case of the flathead that would be in the transfer area. However by placing a plug over the piston center and firing it first a few degrees before the main plug fires, the flame front would be much shorter. This in theory would allow a higher compression on a lower Octane fuel. The Main advantage would be in a supercharged engine.I read this some where.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:01 AM   #39
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

My only problem is with the 8BA distributors. They were vacuum only advance with no centrifugal. This makes them a no advance at all distributor in this application. They will have to be run at full advance all the time like an airplane engine. Airplane engines use either an electronic shower of sparks starting aid system or an impulse coupling to retard the spark but neither would be practical for street use. Those old Scintilla Vertex mags take a good bit of power to turn them but at least it would have some form of centrifugal advance.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:11 AM   #40
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Default Re: Flathead V8 Twin Distributor timing cover i am making

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My only problem is with the 8BA distributors.
Why would you want to run the OEM distributors with this setup? I would think a modified Chevy or an aftermarket distributor would be the way to go.
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