The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Vertex magneto tuning

I am interested in using a vertex/ronco magneto in my 42 pickup with a small block in it. I haven't had any luck learing about the tuning of them. Any one know where to learn about how streetable they are? I understand that there isn't a vacuum advance and the total mechanical timing available is 14 degrees. Combined in a stock engine with an initial timing of 10 degrees limits the total timing to 24 degrees. Small blocks like a total of 36 degrees...WOT. So anyone out there have any experience setting them up and can help me sort this out? Thanks in advance!

http://www.taylorvertex.com/PDFS/Magneto_Instructions.pdf

"7. Before starting the engine, determine the
proper initial advance setting by the
following method:
a. Determine proper total advance for the
engine. For most engines, this will be
34-40 degrees BTDC at the crankshaft.
b. Determine the crankshaft degrees of
advance built into the magneto by
DOUBLING the figure on the red build tag.
c. Subtract (b) from (a). This will give you
the proper initial advance setting."

I knew there were brains in this outfit that could solve any problem :p

Thanks Chuckthetruck for all the information you shared.
I have a question on the "red build tag". What and where is that on the magneto? Do you also mean the timing plate, which can still be bought separately with different timing settings from Taylor?

The stamped metal tag riveted to the body.
http://www.taylorvertex.com/PDFS/vertexCatalog.pdf