Returning 1961 Vignale spyder 1341 to the road

One of the experts I queried about fixing the advance mechanism bemoaned that yes you calibrate them but far too often it goes out of perfect alignment fairly soon afterwards. Thus far there's no other choice that I know of. There are more than a few people with vintage V12 Lamborghinis that have gone full digital for that reason. That's a huge change though. For the rest of us keeping that advance mechanism well maintained is the only choice.

 

Thank you for the tip.
Even yourself, with your experience, can still miss small details

 

My apologies then
I must confess that I was surprised...

 

Getting back to the distributors, I was the guinea pig for Pertronix on our 3500 GT, which is a dual ingnition. BUT, now I am wondering what is the process for "Maintaining" these distributors, and their advance systems? Is it merely keeping them clean, and lubed? If so how, and how often? What lube?
I also have an "inside plug" 250 GT Ferrari now, that I was warned against converting to Pertronix by Ferrari Guru Patrick Ottis. It has dual distributors, accessed under a removable body panel. I'm kinda scared to mess with them, but I guess I must if they need attention, or maintanance?

All Ears on this, RF.

 

There's nothing special about the problems of the advance mechanism in Marelli distributors with respect to Pertronix. I built the first Lamborghini V12 Pertronix setup and converted that distributor to utilize a later Jaguar V12 rotor because they were far more available, high quality Marelli and a lot cheaper $220 vs $900 at the time. My advance mechanism was in pretty good shape. There is probably documentation on the maintenance and care of their distributors on the internet. Look it up by your distributor number. But basically the drum can become warn from the weights rubbing on it and the springs get out of calibration.
That's why making sure it has the right amount of the proper lubrication is important. If you're concerned perhaps get a quote for a calibration and checkup from several shops.

Mine got a final alignment of the two sensors and verification of the advance curve on a vintage distributor machine. If I were to remove it and take it apart again I have that same service performed.

Ask Patrick Ottis what his specific objections are. Lots of people use Pertronix and other systems.

 

This the guy who helped me https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/magneti-marelli-distributor-parts-breakdown.129484/

There are lots of Fchat threads and internet references so start educating yourself.

 

Looks absolutely beautiful. Great work Ivan.

 

Ivan, could you list what kind of few things happen (and are to be expected) after such a big resto?

 

Great thread on one of the greatest cars ever. Super jealous. Keep at it!

 

Damn, that's such a great looking design!
I'll read through this thread from the beginning, I know relatively little about this era of Maseratis, even though I have a good set of Maserati history books, plus Maurice's book on the 5000s. It looks great.
- Art

 

Nice video, thank you for sharing.

What type of head gasket did you use on the overhaul of the engine?

Thanks!

 

thank you so much for sharing this and your fantastic work. What a stunner.

 

Supply a photo. If you know who Blake Stevens or Keith Dully are I'd contact them for fabrication sources.

Here's one more: https://www.facebook.com/EuroTecMotorsInc/

I believe they maintain some of Laurence Auriana's cars.

 

Use a stainless half round, or possibly stainless round tube. You will have to heat it to work the radius's you need, but a semi skilled metal worker can do it , but they will need your car for a template/pattern. After the 1/2 round is fitted, then drill the holes and polish the stainless with 600/800/1200/1500, then buff....it will look like chrome. Also, the fasteners, and snaps, get marine grade stainless as you want everything to match, not like the photo that you have shown.

If I was closer to your location I would offer to help.

 

I have Matteo with Re-originals on the case and I am pretty sure he has it figured out as another was done very recently for a Vignale spider also under resto