Technical Mallory Magspark Transformer with Rev-Pol Distributor? Mallory Says Yes, Honest Charley Says No ???

Disclaimer: Yes, I have searched the forum and read all of the threads regarding the Magspark system. Yes, I fully understand the difference between the Magspark system and the standard Dual Point and Double Life systems- I still have not found the answer to my question.

SHORT VERSION OF MY QUESTION-

Can a Mallory Magspark Transformer be used with a Rev-Pol distributor? The Mallory paperwork says "yes" the Honest Charley catalog says "no". Who is right?

THE LONG VERSION OF MY QUESTION WITH PICTURES-

In my research I am finding conflicting information about using the Magspark Transformer with a Rev-Pol series distributor.

The original paperwork (1958ish) that came with my Mallory Magspark Transformer says the Magspark can be used with any Mallory "C" model distributor- as in YC, ZC, YCM, ZCM. The difference is in the wiring of the points- Magspark (YCM/ZCM) acts as two separate sets of points with separate leads, while the Dual-Point (YC/ZC) uses one wire to both sets of points and functions as a traditional dual-point setup- I got all that, I understand that, we're all good there.

I have a Mallory ZC-294-A Rev-Pol dizzy for my Studebaker 259. It has all of the same internal and external components/part numbers as earlier ZC dual-point dizzys, with the exception of the 4-lobe cam, other than that, the points, condensors, leads, etc. are all the same as earlier "Magspark" and dual-point ZCs. The Rev-Pol also has two separate leads for the points (identical to the earlier Magspark setup). You can jumper the points in a Rev-Pol (per Mallory) and use only one lead, thus changing your Rev-Pol to a conventional Double-Life dual point system- Got it, we're all clear there.

Here is my question (and please see attached photos) -

My circa 1958 Mallory paperwork clearly says the Magspark can be used with any "C" model dizzy (mine is ZC-294-A) as long as the points are wired properly (dual leads, no jumper between points, dual condensors) for the Magspark system. I got out my stack of vintage Honest Charley catalogs and all of them from 1961-1964 say the Magspark transformer CAN NOT be used with the Rev-Pol distributor.

I can see absolutely no difference between the Rev-Pol and earlier Magspark specific dizzys, except for the 4-lobe vs. 8-lobe cam- same setup internally, same part numbers, etc. I have read up on the Rev-Pol transformer, and it sounds almost identical to the Magspark transformer in how it functions- Looks (to me, and I'm no electrical expert) like the Rev-Pol was the next phase in the evolutiuon of the Magspark theory.

So who is right? Mallory or Honest Charley?

 

I would like to know as well. I have been collecting old Mallory ignition components for a while. I generally want the "standard" stuff, but have picked up a few Magspark units along the way when the price was right. I've ignored them up to now, but would like to know more about them. As I understand it, they are a kind of early "multiple spark" system.

 

Well it says "discontinued Magspark transformers..." so was that a product they dropped in favor of another? Perhaps one that does work. Is what you have the discontinued version or the "new" one? I feel your pain, sometimes reading all this **** turns into contradictory word salad. Just experienced that with some gl*** channels for a Ford.

 

I have small question as you and am studying this myself. I dont think the rev pol will work w magspark as is, I believe it has to be wired for two systems as you discuss. So I think any dual point distributor , Mallory or otherwise , so long as its wired correctly w two condensers. I think the big question is when the distributor is half the lobes. I think the answer still might be use but I haven't read this anywhere. I think wire it up and see what happens. I struggle to understand the double life.distrib strength and limitations. Ha I have both and will be using these in flathead straight 6 mopars, primarily plymouth ls 1950s 1950s. Happy to correspond anytime hard to find anyone playing w these Mallory systems. Wondering where to get any replacement parts, whether the vacuum advance actually works, if tension springs are avail and what modern capacitors can be used. Hollar if u want to correspond. My name is mike schmitt 8183709168, in socal