Centrifugal Advance Distributor?

modeleh

modeleh

Senior Member
A friend of mine is doing some maintenance on a pal's '23 Touring and would like to install a centrifugal advance distributor to replace the timer and simplify the operation of the car, I guess this guy can't grasp the concept of spark timing.
We checked in the Mac's catalog and it appears all the distributors they offer require manual input for the spark control.
Did automatic advance distributors ever exist for the T's? and where could we find one?, or is my friend "remembering" something that didn't exist?
 
I have never seen an auto advance dizzy for a T, but there could be one out there. Why not use the stock set up? It is simple and easy. He could get a new e-timer.
 
Bosch front plate type distributors ( replaces the timing cover, not a clip on that replaced just the timer) did have an automatic advance built in. They also had a manual advance. The idea was that you manually retarded the spark for starting and when running you advanced the lever. The internal automatic advance was supposed to cover most spark control needs during normal driving. This is the only use of automatic spark advance on a T that I know of and it worked only marginally well.
 
We build a automatic unit with a low rpm advance curve, that fits the Texas t distributor adapter. I run them on three of my Ts and they are great...
The advantage is a perfect spark curve not possible with the timer etc..:eek:
 
Check carefully on what this modification will cost and if it will work. If you're getting into the $400.00 range for all this stuff you'd be better off with an E Timer. I know people that have them and they totally swear by it and it will do every thing you're looking for. To top it all off it doesn't show. (if that bothers you).
 
I have a Bubba's distributor on my T and I LOVE it! It works great and Bubba sells them very reasonably. I will be putting one on my Model A next.
 
BUBBAS IGNITION said:
We build a automatic unit with a low rpm advance curve, that fits the Texas t distributor adapter. I run them on three of my Ts and they are great...
The advantage is a perfect spark curve not possible with the timer etc..:eek:
Click to expand...

I have one of Bubba's automatic units as well for my '26 T roadster and can't wait to put it to use! My T motor will be a bit more "potent" then a stock mill....so I want the best curve and hottest spark I can get for the best performance.

....especially with the full-race cam and the twin Stromberg 81's :D
 
I have a Bosch distributor on my 25 TT. You still use the advance lever to start then move it to the advance position and away you go. It clips right over the timer position and the advance rod atatches at the tab you can see on the left. PK
 

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Thanks for all the responses. The etimer looks like an interesting option, though I do prefer the simplicity of a points style distributor. This car has been in their family since new, is rarely driven now, and will be likely handed down someday to other non-mechanically minded family members and I don't think the benefits of electronics would ever be realized and could pose confusion decades from now, if the product isn't supported.

Kelly, Is the Bosch unit on your TT sold by any vendors that you know of, or is this something that would have to be found at a swap meet, etc.?
 
Guys we make and have shipped qite a few Mallory single point distributors for the model T engine. Ours is a single point new unit with centrifical advance weights calibrated for full automatic advance. See my picture on "my wifes cars " on the forum for the unit on a engine. Our unit fits the manual advance Texas T front adapter and replaces their manual version of the VW distributor.

Another option is TW ( Tony Wilshire) of TW Components here in Indy remakes ( casts) the orginal Bosch front plate for the model T and offers both a manual and autmatic version of the VW Bosch distributor.
His number is 317-577-1238
He also make a TDC tool for the T to be exact on timing ....
 
This is a period unit. I found two good bodies with points on ebay cheap. The truck came with this set up. There are other makes from that time on ebay on a regular basis. The Bosch is not that common. I found a manual for this distributor in pdf form as a free download, what luck! I'm going to check out this TW outfit. PK
 
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