Does anybody still use the Nash Twin 8 distributors on their flatheads? I came across one and I'm wondering how or even if they are still desirable. Any info would be appreciated.
The Nash Twin 8 distributor is still being used on the dual plug flathead heads, such as the Elco twin dual plug heads. This distributor is very desirable if you want to run a set of dual plug heads. On the other side of the coin there is no real increase in horsepower, if any at all in running dual plug heads, and other than making a visual statement not that many guys are using these heads anymore. The novelty seems to have worn off. If your distributor is in good shape it definitely has value.
Thank you. I knew they used to be desirable but wasn't sure if they still were. I haven't seen any used recently. My distributor seems to be in good condition. I can't feel any play in the shaft. I suppose now the question is what's a reasonable price to ask for it.
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I have a Nash Twin 6 distributor going on my GMC. The trick is to remove half of the distributor cam lobes and make use of the dual coils in a single plug per cylinder application. This ensures a large dwell angle giving a healthy spark at high rpms in a high compression engine. The points need to be phased, could be fun keeping it tuned.
Hopefully you have the cap and rotor to go with it. Just saw one that sold at the Bohnams auction back east recently for around $300, and I thought that was a bargain. If you have twin spark heads thats the way to go if want the true vintage look.
I believe in one of the recent YouTube videos from Matt at Irontrap Garage he found a twin 8 distributor cap new in the box.
We have one at work, the few guys that use it probably could. They’ve duplicated some interesting stuff. I’ve see it making a part when I come in, and still making it the next day.
I think it would be quite tricky to 3D print one, as the brass inserts have to be incorporated into it. Plus I'm pretty sure you can't print Bakelite, which is a heat resistant plastic.
Call Kevin Johnson at American Vintage Parts (706) 336 0046 and tell him Bill McKay said to call- he should have a few twin 8 caps and his prices are reasonable!
I'm not looking for a cap. I just wanted to know if they were still used and what it might be worth. Thank you everyone for their input. Vincent
Yep, cap and rotor will set you back $200-$400 hundred. Before the advent of electronic ignitions, this was the hot set up for twin plug heads. The little I know about the twin plug set ups, I've been told it's quite a chore to get it set up to work correctly and for little to no gain. Neat piece that is worth something to someone, but if you have the cap and rotor, it would be even more valuable.
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