Technical Cam Button for Flathead?

I think I figured how to get spark from a pick up wheel mounded to crankshaft in front of 48 flathead V-12. Now what to do with the hole where the front mounted distributor used to be? The cam was reground for solid lifters. Do we need a cam button to keep cam from walking, or is the grind always such that a slight push to the rear is applied to the camshaft, like a flat tappet Chevy? If needed, what cam button to use? exposed camshaft end is about 1 1/4"
Thanks
Abe

 

The teeth on the timing gear are beveled to 'go off to the left'...Hence, the cam being driven is in constant force to the rear.
24 valve springs are sufficient to not allow cam to freewind, it is always in 'drag' with the crankshaft.
I would use a 'button' that could be counterbored and Torrington-bearinged into the front cover plate as assurance everything stayed as tight as it would with the distributor...

 

Might use the Ford button that came on Y block Lincoln engines and maybe on Ford/Merc. Don't know about them. You would need to fab a mounting adapter.

 

This is very interesting! I,m in the process of working on an upgraded ignition for my v12 lincoln as well. In current discussions with alky digger who makes the hei vertex magnetos for v8 flatheads, about using the offenhauser alloy front timing cover and a helical gear that is bolted to the front of the cam.we are looking at making a v12 hei unit that looks just like a vertex magneto. I am not certain that the v12 cam and timing cover are the same as a v8 flathead yet? Does anybody know?? Johnny

 

And lovely engine!Hogan heads? Is that the factory Lincoln green ? My car is/ was the same colour johnny

 

Yes, those are Hogan heads from New Zealand. Still need to fabricate some pipes to connect the rear water outlet with the front. Lincoln V-12 is a 75 degree engine, so V-8 front cover won't fit. I did consider getting two 8BA front covers and splicing so I could use two 6 cylinder distributors, but the distributorless seemed easier, just get a Holley toothed wheel and mount on crank.