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MG MGA - MGA Twin Cam Distributor and Advance
I�d be grateful for some expert opinion from someone out there who is familiar with Twin Cam history as I am trying to sort out my distributor spec. on a newly acquired Twin Cam. Having browsed websites such as MGAguru.com and the various relevant old MG Confidential Service Memoranda (particularly MG/282, MG/288, MG/296, MG/301 and MG/325) it would appear that the latest �correct� ignition arrangement was the 23D4, non-vacuum advance distributor set to a static setting of TDC, for the high compression 9.9/1 pistons, and up to 8 degrees BTDC static setting for the low compression 8.3/1 pistons. As for the advance curve, this is where my confusion starts! MGAguru quotes a graph/curve taken from the mga twin cam engineering Technical Data Book, dated November 1959, http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/twincam/tc304.htm , which gives very specific advance curve maximum and minimum figures whereas the latest relevant Confidential Service Memorandum on the subject, MG/288, also dated November �59 http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/twincam/csm/MG288.pdf , on page 2 quotes higher levels of advance through the 2000-5000rpm revs range. Would anyone be able to clarify (i) if the 23D4 distributor set to a static setting of TDC (high compression) or up to 8 degrees BTDC (low compression) is correct, and, (ii) which of the two advance curves is �most correct� and would the same advance curve apply equally to either high or low compression engines. Grateful for any words of wisdom. Bruce |
B Mayo |
Bruce, the factory became obsessed with ignition timing as they were convinced that was the source of the very expensive piston burning warranty nightmare the Twincam quickly became. It wasn't - it was a lean burn situation arising from vibration and float bowls. If you have a factory distributor, just time it as specced. If you don't, go find a Cooper S competition distributor without vacuum advance - they are a plug in for the Twincam. |
Bill Spohn |
Bill Thanks for the response. Bruce |
B Mayo |
I're recurved a few twin cam dizzys and they were all orignally set up to be all-in at 6000 rpms. That's a real dud of a curve for power, but as Bill said, the factory was trying to save the engine with a "reserved" curve. Jeff |
Jeff Schlemmer |
B Mayo: If you don't already know or belong perhaps you should consider the twin cam and deluxe group: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/mgatwincam It has over 300 owners on line, many archives, files, photos, litereature, and searchable messages. Regards, Blake |
Bullwinkle |
Jeff and Blake Thanks for your comments. Bruce |
Bruce Mayo |
This thread was discussed between 18/02/2007 and 25/02/2007
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