Flathead ignition

So I'm mid rebuild on my flathead 255cu for my 49 Merc. I'm adding 3x2 carb setup with aluminum heads. I'm putting in an electric low pressure fuel pump and converting to a 12v system.

I've ready that I need to upgrade to an aftermarket ignition system though and I'm not sure where to go with this. The options I've looked at are the Pertronix Ignitor, MSD distributor or something else??

Anybody have suggestions or have done this type of setup before?

I'm not looking to beat muscle cars but want a decent looking setup that runs well for cruises or just showing off on the weekends.

 

All you need to know: Bubba's Ignition Service(GMC BUBBA)
http://www.lindertech.com/bhrs/services.htm

Bob

 

MSD plug and play. Need to taylor the advance and starts before you let go of the key.
I like mine.

 

The Pertronix Ignitor is by far the best igntion system you can use on your flathead. Its simple to wire and theres no addtional control box required. Using a pertronix conversion the supercharged flathead in my race car has run 165.9MPH in the measured mile.
The pertronix igntion is very reliable. The one I use on my roadster has been in servive for over 6 years with no issues whats so ever they are very good.
Ronnieroadster

 

Call bubba's thay got what u need.... My flatty never ran so good..

 

Ditto on call Bubba...Ive got 2 of them.....they are amazing

 

Just don't confuse the two aspects of a distributor: Namely the coil triggering system and the advance system. Pertronix and MSD address the triggering aspect by replacing the breaker points with an electronic device. Pertronix devices placed in your stock distributor will make a more reliable spark generator but won't take care of the biggest weakness of the stock '49-'53 Ford Loadamatic distributor: the totally vacuum operated advance mechanism. It was bad enough in the stock application but add multiple carbs and you're asking for big problems. MSD does offer a total ignition system to replace the Loadamatic (Maybe Pertronix does too.) but Bubba's conversion of a Chevy Delco disributor is one of the better, if not the best, solutions to Flathead ignition weaknesses. While it can be had with Pertronix internals, it offers a centrifugal advance system especifically calibrated for the Flathead plus the virtue (if points are retained) of easy tunability and everywhere parts availibility.

 

X2 I have 2 of his and have installed others in friends cars they all have never ran so good and have had 0 failures or problems.

 

The HEI ignitions are unsightly over and above being unusually obese.
They stick out like a humpback whale in a goldfish tank.


...On the other hand, There's nothing wrong with using your old original Flathead Ford points distributor to fire an MSD 6AL or similiar.

An MSD 6AL is by far the most widely used, reliable aftermarket ignition out there (bar none) and by using your original points distributor just to trigger the MSD, you save on having to put out for a new distributor thus cutting the cost of your electronic ignition in half.

The last thing I would do is put a petronix in it.
Petronix has a very poor reputation with many customers re-purchasing 2 or 3 in a short tiem frame (no warranty) because the first one died.

The Mallory Unilite distributors have a poor track record as well. -many complaints regarding 'dead from day one' all the while Mallory has the same "no refund/no exchange/no tech support" warranty as Petronix. (but they will gladly sell you 2 or 3 replacements on your hope that one of them will stop dropping dead)

As far as your Flathead is concerned, it will fire from the original points distributor as is or you can very easily insert the MSD ignition into the system and then the original distributor/points are just used to trigger the MSD. And because you are only triggering the MSD, your original points will last indefinitely (no maintenance)


I have used all the above systems and like many others will never purchase or instal Petronix or Mallory ever again.
The choice of using a nice small/proportional distributor versus the obese whale of a poorly designed HEI is a sanitary one.
The HEI is so big and ugly it detracts from the under hood looks of what is usually a beautiful Flathead V8.


And yes I know there are plenty of people out there that haven't had their "Petronix" or "Mallory" fail on them YET.

jmho
.

 

I have been using Mallory dual point dizzies in all my flattys. No problems no worries.

 

Except, as was pointed out, the ignition curve won't be correct for any engine other than completely stock.

Bob

 

I had "Bubba" go over my dual point original Mallory dizzy and make it an electronic unit for my flatty which I had just rebuilt. Triple carb setup, Aluminum heads, 12 volt generator. Started on the first try. Best money I ever spent.

 

Another vote for Bubba's.....mine is 6v with points, works perfectly!

 

I use a Mallory crab electronic on my flatty and works great

 

On a 49-53 Flathead with 2 or more carbs there is no way you can use the original dizzy & have it run & perform right. You'll be changing fowled plugs every 1 or 2,000 miles. I take the old GM Accel dual point dist & modify it to run in my cars. Small cap & some take Ford points, some GM or put whatever turns your crank in them.

 

I never said a word about using the GM HEI. The Delco distributor that Bubba supplies is the old breaker point distributor with the "window" cap. It's not significantly larger than the original Ford. And it can be had any way you like it: points or electronic. If one really wanted the HEI, Bubba will supply it as well.

 

I love my Chrysler electronic ign. conversion using the old Mallory dist. Pertronix makes a drop in unit for these and you can't tell by looking at it. A Chevy dist can be cut down to work in the 8BA flathead and are often cheap at the flea markets.

The only draw back (for me) is that it starts so quickly that you lose the iconic sound of a flatehead starting up.

I use the same system in my 352 Ford also.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, I called Bubba's and placed an order.