I am currently running a Mallory Unilite Dist. w/o vacuum advance and was wondering how much timing is built into these distributors and what would be a good place to set initial timing at, currently I have it set at 12 degrees initial and doesnt seem to ping unless I run 87-91 octane,,,was wondering how much more initial I could use and if these dist. have enough timing in them for a big block? this dist. came with the motor when I purchased it and I tried using the HEI that came out of the small block that was in the car,but it definately runs better with this distributor....where's the I-Man? http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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Bob West
Monett,Mo.
1972 Malibu,.030 over 454...10.5-1 cr,oval port heads...performer RPM intake,Lunati...solid lift cam 548/556 w/310 adv. duration...mallory unilite dist. w/no vac. adv.
Holley 750 DP...Hooker 2 inch comps,350 TH,B&M Holeshot w/3.73 rears...10.90@94.73 1000ft. on street tires :)

Ive got one of those in my 68SS. The paperwork says that there is 24 degrees built in it. However i tend to disagree with that. I had 16 degrees initial and ended up with 46 total. That would be 30 degrees right? I have since taken it down to 28 degrees (trial and error). The paperwork says that every mark is four crankshaft degrees, but that isnt right either cause i moved it two marks and only got two degrees taken out of it. Im sick of this thing, even though it works. I hoping i can scrape up enough money this winter for an I-man built one http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

One other thing about these dist. The weight springs are set up for total advance to come in at over 3100 or so (at least mine is). That is too late for mine and i suspect yours also. But, im no expert so you might want to see what iman says on the subject. CHRIS

My Unilite is an older one that came with 20 degrees advance, but total advance is fully adjustable with thier supplied Key.

I've been using a Unilite since 91 without any problems. Mine came with 24 degrees advance, too. You can pretty much have the initial anywhere you want since the total advance is adjustable. There's a key/gauge that came with the original unit to adjust the advance. If you don't have that, it becomes guesswork.

What does this key guage look like? Looks like I may have to call Mallory and see if they can get me one,since this distributor came with the motor, I have no idea on how to change check and set mechanical advance...thanks guys for the info http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Rapid Robert (edited 10-28-2000).]

Hey Folks...

I just got a Mallory 50 Series Magnetic Breakerless distributor with the 396. I didn't get any doc's or anything but I found their web-site which has lot's of info.http://www.mrgasket.com/malinst.htm]Mallory Ignition Systems

I just have to figure this thing out now. I downloaded some doc's and now it's readin' time. I have been thinking of using the Promaster Series coil (28720). What about a Rev Limiter ??? I would like ot cap it at 6500. Anyone have any suggestion's ?

Thanks

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Steve Soltesz
Something about me & Canadian Car's....
Team Chevelle Gold Member #37
64 Malibu SS (ZZ4/TH350, Show'n Go)
68 Beaumont (396/TH400 Street/Strip)
69 Beaumont (307/TH350)
80 Camaro (Mrs.64's 355/TH350 Show'n Go)
WebSite http://www.magma.ca/~ssoltesz (To be Updated Soon)

I've been running a Mallory Comp 9000 for many thousands of miles now in my 350, I set total advance around 38 deg. and tune the carb to idle properly with timing set there and I have no pings, no problems. I use the Mallory Promaster coil and balast resister. Never even considered changing the factory setting.

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Life aint easy when you're fat and greasy!

Rapid Robert, There are two little set screws in the outside dist body. You will have to pull out the dist to get to them and remove the advance plate. Under this is the weights,springs, and advance limiter. For a chevy you will have to bend the little tang to the right to limit the total adv. To the left for more adv. I bought mine new and didnt have any little "key". I just used needle nosed pliers, worked great. Then line up the adv plate and screw in the little screws and you are done. CHRIS