3.2 qv with Mallory Unilite single distributor first run

Well after waiting for months for the Elgin cams that never came, went ahead and installed the Mallory adjustable advance curve Unilite distributor using the adapter worked up by Norwood's (those guys rock). Placed an MSD 6AL system with 8000 rpm rev limiter in the trunk. Used new Taylor wires.

The reasons were 1. Reliability (the Marelli has gone single bank several times) 2. Ease of DIY maintenence (MUCH simpler to maintain and parts plentiful and inexpensive) 3. Ability to tune the advance curve (the Marelli is not user adjustable - max advance at WOT is 32 degrees).

Some lessons learned -
1. need to reverse the advance rotation for this particular distributor - Mallory, Inc did it for $25. The whole distributor, cap and rotor cost $250 (less than one OEM cap)
2. An MSD coil is not compatable with a Unilite trigger, but is compatable after MSD trigger box installed.
3. The original Marelli Microplex ECU will run the tach with the coils disconnected - how cool is that? No futzy tach adapter needed! Hooray!

Before I got there, Gary at Grand Touring (brilliant mechanic) took it out for a quick spin and said Jeez - this thing is too fast. Upon re-checking the advance, he found that it had inadvertantly slipped to almost 40 degrees by 3500 rpm. Yee-haa. He did not feel any problems, but discretion ruled the day and the advance is now set at an idle of 12 and max advance of 34 - 35 at 3500 rpm. He re-drove it and while it did not feel as fast as before, it was still quicker subjectively than when he had driven it with the stock Marelli Microplex. Then I got in to drive.

Wow! A different personality all together. It really wants to rev and rev!! Feels like it revs much much quicker and freely than before. Of course, will dyno next week to tweak and quantify what is really happening.. Maybe I should sneak it up to 36 degrees advance - I'm only running a 9.2 CR. There is a bit more advance brought in earlier, so perhaps that is what the difference is along with more total advance. Also, I have NOT opened up the plug gaps yet as recommended.

The pictures below show the raw installation - hasn't been prettied up yet as this was the development part. It's a bit messy right now, so work with me a bit... promise it will look better. The adaptor is the same red powder coat crinkle as the cam covers, the shade difference is that it is fresh - should mellow to match after some use. Have also included a wiring schematic. Will dress it up next week and take some better photos.

Lots of fun!!! And NO MORE SINGLE BANK IGNITION!!

best to all
rt

 

Mark
We are going to start with 34 degrees full at 3500 and check the dyno. Had an extended drive today and it just feels so alive. But that's subjective - anticipate a dyno day sometime late next week. I am proceeding cautiously despite my enthusiasm...
There is a slight possibility that my performance cams can be rescued, will know in a week.
The offer for a burger still stands...
Until then here are a couple of more photos at different angles.
Many thanks
rt

 

Mark - you have mail.

Anyone else that would like to join for a dyno day in DC can get special rates for this week from Saturday if you're interested.
best
rt