Hi Ken,
I've installed the dual point Mallory on my TR4 project and eventually
plan to convert it to Unilite specification. The Mallory units are very well
made
and generally allow you to run a hotter coil with little concern. That, in
turn, gives a stronger spark and potentially a wider plug gap for overall
better
performance.
One really nice thing about going to a Mallory is that there are a number
of matched components available. Upgrades can be done in steps. If you wish,
you can gradually convert to a multi-spark system with rev limiter and various
hotter coils, bigger wires, etc. (I get nervous mixing ignition parts from
different companies. To me it sounds like a recipe for ignition gremlins to
have
a Petronix module in a Lucas distributor driven by a Crane coil and controlled
by an MSD box, all sending juice through a set of Magnecor wires. The
individual components may each be excellent, but how well do they work together
as a
system?)
Even if you buy a Mallory coil to go with the dizzy, double check that it
is fully compatible. Mallory offers various coils specifically for point
ignitions, point/electronic and electronic only.
If you decide to get a Mallory, shop around. Last time I looked, I seem to
recall the Triumph vendors' prices for the Unilite were highway robbery. Go
to www.mrgasket.com and find out the specific model number you need. They also
have good support and FAQ section there. Then check out pricing at
www.summitracing.com and other discount sources.
I'm not sure if the Unilite is set up in exactly the same way as the
Mallory dual point dizzy. But, the latter allows for very easily customized
advance
curves. Also, I'm not sure if it's like the dual point for the TRactor motor,
requiring installation of the drive dog on the bottom of it's shaft. It isn't
hard, just follow the instructions. But, watch the orientation of the dog if
you are picky about the position of the wires on the final installation. The
drive dog only meshes with the drive shaft one way (at first glance it looks
like it might be rotated 180 degrees, but that's not the case). New drive dogs
are available from all the usual TR vendors.
It might be worth checking the dizzy drive shaft, it's bushing and the
drive gear/gear attachement key, while you are in there. Overall, I'm a fan of
Mallory stuff. Cheers!
Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif.
'62 TR4 CT17602L
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Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) they can share about this
distributor on a 4 cylinder wet sleeve?
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