Pentronix in a Mallory twin point

R

rooboy

Member
Can anyone tell me if a Mallory 8ba twin point will accept a Pentronix setup .....Or can i use it in the stock Dist. setup....Thanks.........
 
Pentronix change over

Need to know if it's feasible to fit a 8ba Mallory twin point with a Pentronix setup........Or would the stock distributor be a better option to use .....:D
 
It depends on the carburetor that you will be using. If it is a completely stock setup, you will be best off using the stock distributor. If you are going to a different carburetion setup, then a Mallory will work. Not being a fan of Pertronix setups (especially 6 volt versions), I'll leave that question to those who are.
 
First, you would have to determine if Pertronix has a kit available for the model distributor you are talking about (early,late,part number etc.)
Most if not all Mallory point distributors for flatheads were mechanical advance so vacuum source is irrelevant.
 
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If I am not mistaken, there is a fellow that makes a retrofit setup for a late model Chevrolet distributor or some variation of it that will work in a 8BA that I have been told works very well, his name escapes me at the moment, but you can find a link on here somewhere or someone not having a old timer moment will know who I am talking about LOL He is somewhere around Indianapolis I think??
 
Ron_r1959 said:
If I am not mistaken, there is a fellow that makes a retrofit setup for a late model Chevrolet distributor or some variation of it that will work in a 8BA that I have been told works very well, his name escapes me at the moment, but you can find a link on here somewhere or someone not having a old timer moment will know who I am talking about LOL He is somewhere around Indianapolis I think??
Click to expand...

CharlieNY a member on here has an awesome chev conversion.
 
rooboy:

A few years ago I converted my Mallory Mechanical Advance Dual Point Distributor
( Model YL2527501) to electronic using a Pertronix unit. The system is 12V. Engine is 1953 8BA with a 390 Holley.

The first two photos show the same Mallory distributer with the dual points and rotor.
The 3rd and 4th photos show Mallory distributor with the Pertronix kit installed. Stock Mallory dual point rotor is used. It is an easy install. Just route the wires and screw down the module.

The tag in the last photos tells which Pertronix kit and coil to buy. Ballast resistor is not needed with this kit. My electrical system is 12V.

PS: Previously, I had converted the same Mallory dist. to electronic using the Unilite conversion kit. Modules kept burning up so I switched to Pertronix. So far, so good.

Hope this helps. Jim
 

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"Bubba" has retired and is not making these any more. As stated, "Charlie ny" on this forum does an excellent job converting the GM distributors for flathead use. Some may not know it, but he will also convert an SBC Mallory for this as well. He did one for me and it is an excellent job.

The whole mechanical/vacuum/Load-a-Matic advance subject is quite complicated and if you don't understand it exactly, it can be very confusing and misleading. I personally find a mechanical-only advance Mallory distributor to be a perfect fit for a flathead with it's limited advance characteristics.

I would suggest that you best course would be to contact "Charlie ny" by PM here and see what he advises. Make sure you tell him exactly what you have, distributor model, proposed carburetion, and any other engine modifications you are contemplating. I am sure that he will give you the very best advice.
 
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It should be mentioned in passing that distributors initially intended for use in SBC's have a total advance of around 36 degrees built in. Flathead like a total advance in the low twenties. I had an MSD flathead distributor years ago that still had the SBC curve that caused chronic overheating problems. All aspects of the conversion need to be taken into consideration.
 
I would think they would make one for the 8BA Ford Mallory. I have a Pertronix set up in a Chevy YC machined to fit a 8BA. It had to be a custom order for a four lope, 6v, positive ground. Go to the Mallory site. If your not sure, call sales.
 
Thanks for all your help , i'll see if i can get it setup in Australia, if not i'll try and contact Charie in NY......
 
In Australia talk too Performance Ignition Services in Nunawading, Melbourne Victoria. Regards, Kevin.
 
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