I am going to be putting the Magneto in my 455 that I now have on an engine stand that I'm going to start up. The question is - do I get the rotor pointing to the #1 plug wire? Then go ahead and start it up? Or is there something else that I should do first? Does it advance when I rev the motor up or is it locked? Any help would be appreciated!
It is best to have a "buzz box" to set the initial timing. Magnetos can be set up with or without a centrifugal advance. The advance mechanism is in the base of the unit. Be sure you have a good, heavy duty, insulated switch wired to a secure reliable ground to facilitate shutting the engine off once it fires! Here is a link to instructions on setting the initial timing: https://www.huntmagnetos.com/content/instructions/buzz_box_instructions.pdf
I have never heard of a magneto in a Buick before? I have only dealt with them in Harleys. I wonder why Magneto?
Thank you for the information. It gives me a starting point so that I'm not rolling the motor over 100 times before it starts. I know that it works because I can turn it with my hand and it will throw a spark.
Here is our Nailhead with a Vertex Mag 4amp Here is our iron 462 Buick with a SuperMag 12 amp Our new blown 477 solid block will be a MSD 15 amp Mag
Herman contact me and I'll help you set it up and get you running. Here is another One of our mag lit Buicks. I need to get this back running for my son.
So clearly these are in use in SERIOUS Drag cars. Are you eliminating the battery and starter? What other advantage versus Electronic ignition?
A spark than can travel! I can go up to a single Mag that is 50 amps. Weak spark is removed from the equation. I have also run the mag on a street car for several summers with no issues. I prefer to run the mag in the classes I run, as I'm the only one running usually, that is all mechanical. When you beat your opponent that has more electronics/computer stuff than some new cars, it just feels good . I still am a self start but can remove battery and start off a cart if needed. My wife has a hard time with the blowerdrive starter. It can be a lot going on
Hi Scott. That motor was in a 1974 Pontiac Firebird just like yours that raced circle track back in the 70's. Dave Hemker has several pictures of that car. I will try to get him to post them.
i have two magnetos for our 350's. one for the dragster, one for the 67. found another for sale. might buy it.
I would probably be able to squeak by your GS400 if I put that set up in my Formula!! Cool stuff you have there! You should post the video with you and Nick firing up the motor on Daves redneck dyno!
I ran a Mallory mag for about a decade in a BBC powered drag car. It worked great and was very easy to live with. However, I had to pay close attention to the drive gear as it takes a lot of effort to turn a mag. This accelerated wear in that area. No big deal, periodic replacement of the gear was just part of the maintenance protocol. It might be more of an issue with a street driven BBB, in light of the front cam bearing design. This would be even more of a concern if you were running a high volume pump, which would place additional load the front cam bearing.If you run an external belt driven pump it would help, but it’s something to be aware of. Should be no problem in a drag car that sees little running time and frequent maintenance.