Ran across this yesterday while looking through hot rod parts catalog, a self contained HEI that looks just like a magneto.

http://www.taylorvertex.com/Products/pdfs/taylorcatalog27.pdf

Curiously interested (as it just looks very old school-cool) when the time comes to purchase a distributor as I need a small diameter type for my planned multi-carb set-up.

Anyone here familiar with it? It's fully mechanical advance. Would I regret that on the street?

Looks like the mag we ran In our Sprintcar motors.

That's the first I've ever seen it, but you're right. That thing does look cool. Imagine that tucked behind some Moon finned aluminum valve covers and a tri power set up. Oh, my mouth is watering already.:disco:

Looks very cool.

Just not $657 cool.......http://www.jegs.com/p/Vertex/752475/10002/-1

That's the first I've ever seen it, but you're right. That thing does look cool. Imagine that tucked behind some Moon finned aluminum valve covers and a tri power set up. Oh, my mouth is watering already.:disco:

Yup...DING, DING, DING, DING, DING !:D

I need someone who can offer experienced insight regarding a full mechanical advance system.

I read "factory fixed 12 BTDC advance" to mean there is no advance, only fixed timing?

In any case for street a vacuum advance is a very useful device to compensate for differences in engine load and the resulting different timing requirements. Check out the "ignition 101" thread for more info.

Nostalgia does come at a price, eh? You get to pay for that vintage look two ways: the direct cost, and the loss of mpg's with no vacuum advance.

Thomas

http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/830540000.jpg
Two words, ''Gotta Have''! An electronic ignition distributor that is completely self-contained, including the coil, inside a machined 6061-T6 aluminum Magneto housing. Features sealed bearings and equipped with advance weights for instant RPM response. Energy-enhanced coil and a specially configured control module provide maximum spark energy.