Technical Vertex mag and Corvette Mechanical tach?

Simple question...can I use the tach cable from a 1972 Corvette to connect to a Vertex mag with tach drive? If not, would I need to get a different cable or a whole new tach?

Thanks in advance,
Dep

 

I believe you can....only because my Accel dual point mechanical tach drive swapped into a 1964 Corvette with no modifications.....having previously been a back up for street use on a Vertex Magneto mechanical tach drive SBC Chevy II. Not exactly what you asked.....but when driving to and from....it was common for him to yank the Mag out, and plug in the Accel. I recurved the Accel unit and used it in my neighbors Corvette. I would surmise that the Vertex would also work in said Vette. Call Vertex if no one else chimes in.

 

There are at least 4 different possible sockets that could be in the tach drive in your mag, Corvette is the most likely, but that doesnt mean thats what it is. Corvette (and Accel BEI) is a .104 square drive, could also be a .187 round tang with a key on one side (common on Ford, some Mopar, and brace yourself, Vertex), a .152 round with a tang (mostly Mopar and some aftermarket chevy), and a hex. So no, its not a simple question, and the answer isn't simple.
Its probably Corvette, and you will probably get lucky. Odds are quite high it could also be .187 with a tang, the other two are possible, but less likely. If its wrong, you need to get a new cable made, most big marine shops can handle it.

 

Guess I better drag the Vertex out to the garage and see if it fits. I'll post the results here.

 

Well the Vertex was the round .187 tang with the key. Next question...can any of the mag rebuilders change it to the Corvette square drive, which is what I have?

 

Let me know the length of the tach cable and housing you need and we can make one up for you.

 

Thank you sir! I will measure it ASAP!