MAGNETO IGNITION SYSTEMS

    The Mallory magneto ignition systems are designed for engine applications where a CD amplifier system is just not going to deliver enough energy. This is the case with exotic racing fuels such as alcohol or nitromethane. These applications do not need extended spark duration or timing controls that a CD unit would offer. What an engine running an exotic fuel needs is a big, fat, high amp spark that only a magneto can deliver.

When should I use a magneto?

    We are regularly contacted by customers that feel they either need a magneto on a gasoline powered street car, or can get by with a CD box on an alcohol fueled engine application. Both are wrong.

    To get the most power from your gasoline powered engine you need extended spark duration and a variety of timing controls, like high speed retards, retards for nitrous or supercharger use, etc. You do not get these features with any magneto setup. Spark output for a gasoline engine (using a CD amplifier) is measured in millijoules (mJ) per spark. In magneto systems the spark energy is measured in amps of output from the generator, and in milliamps of spark plug current. There is so much more fuel going into one of these engines, versus a gasoline engine, that you need a massive spark just to fire it. Add in the high cylinder pressures from a supercharger or extreme compression ratio and nothing else but a magneto will be able to ignite the mixture. 

    Our recommendation is that you use a magneto system if you are using alcohol or nitro for fuel, and only in gasoline engines if your are in a racing category class that does not allow electrical systems. This is the case in some push-start sprint car/circle track classes. Because truly, a magneto kills some power potential in gasoline engines. Magneto application guide

Magneto Styles

    Mallory magnetos are organized by their output power, cap style, and whether or not they have a mechanical advance system or a locked-out advance. We will start by describing the various magnetos Mallory offers along with their intended use. A magneto does not use a typical coil, it uses a transformer to take the charge from the generator and distribute it to the spark plugs.

SUPER-MAG III & SUPER-MAG IV SERIES:

    Designed for use in Monster Trucks, Tractor Pullers, Drag Racing, and other short duration motorsport venues. These magnetos are an excellent choice for supercharged engines using alcohol/methanol or nitromethane based fuels.

Super-Mag III Features:

• Locked advance
• Available with either the large diameter pro-cap, small cap, or low profile flat cap styles
• 3.8 - 4.0 Amp generator delivers 50-55 milliamps of spark plug current
• Available with our without a mechanical tach drive
• Available for popular 4 and 8 cylinder engines (some special order only)

Super-Mag IV Features:

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Magneto application guide

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SPRINTMAG SERIES:

    Mallory's famous Sprintmag series magneto offers superior reliability and performance for Sprint Car, Midget Modifies, Supermodifieds, Drag Racing, and other forms of motorsports.

Sprintmag Features:

• Excellent dependability at an affordable price
• Low-profile cap for use on tight space applications
• Locked out advance system
• Available for popular V8 engine applications
• 2.3 Amp output delivers an extra long spark with 28-30 milliamps of spark current

Sprintmag II Features:

• Excellent dependability at an affordable price
• Super-Duty standard, or large cap design
• Locked out advance system
• Available for popular 4 and 8 cylinder engine applications
• 2.3 Amp output delivers an extra long spark with 28-30 milliamps of spark current

Springmag III Features:

• Lightest weight magneto system available
• Super-Duty standard, or large cap design
• Locked out advance system
• Available for popular V8 engine applications
• 50% more powerful and never needs recharging
• 3.0-3.2 Amp output delivers an extra long spark with 40-44 milliamps of spark current

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Magneto application guide

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MAGNETO ACCESSORIES

    To complete your magneto installation there are probably going be a few extra parts to purchase. Though most magnetos are sold as a kit (magneto, transformer, and plastic case), there are separate parts that are important to the installation.

Transformers, part #MAL-28900A & MAL-28900B - Click on the link for more details.

Magneto Kill Switch - You need a positive action kill switch to shut your ignition system down. Sure, some people will opt for a toggle switch, but a better push-in style knob with a safety lock is a much better choice. Part #MAL-26072 for single magneto ignitions, and part #MAL-26073 for dual magneto ignition systems.

Magneto Start Assist Box, part #MAL-660 - A magneto normally requires a pretty good crankshaft speed to produce enough ignition output to start the engine. Trying to restart a warm engine with a warmed up magneto takes even more cranking speed to fire the engine. The Mallory Magneto Start Assist Box is designed to electronically connect to the magneto to the starter solenoid. During cranking the unit boosts the magneto output, creating a stronger starting spark even at low engine RPM. NOTE: You must make some minor modifications to your magneto to use the Start Assist Box.

Static Timer and Continuity Tester, part #MAL-28355E - The new electronic Static Timer is specifically designed to meet the needs of professional tuners. An audible sound and a red light signal indicates breaker point opening and closing so that setting the ignition timing can be accomplished without starting the engine.

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Magneto application guide

Mallory main section page