Page 11 - NM Spring_2021

(i.e. programmed, multiple timing
changes during a pass), the points
mags are a LOT of spark per dollars
invested. For the most part, as
long as the points are opening and
closing in the mag, it works. A spare
$25 set of points in your toolbox and
you are ready for that 800 mile tow
and weekend of fun.

“If you are a solid state
mag consumer, repair and
troubleshooting consists of
swapping out pricey components,”
Miller says. “You’re not going to fix
the $1,000 points box for your 44-
amp mag. And you don’t dare tow
800 miles to that big event without a
spare box because you don’t know
exactly how many laps you have left
in it.”

When speaking of the professional
ranks of drag racing, Wyman said, “Because we service all types of magnetos, we’re able to precisely test and measure
output using the same equipment for all of them.” says Spud Miller of FIE.
“Most professional fuel teams
have at least six to eight complete
magneto systems on hand. You
have to remember that, while the
alcohol teams use only one mag, the
fuel cars utilize two mags to fire the
nitro, which requires two separate
ignition systems, wires, spark plugs,
etc. Typically a team will qualify
with one engine and two mags, and
then put in a fresh motor and mags
for race day. I’ll usually see those
mags back here at the shop every
third race or so.”

Because of the size of the
magnetos along with being rather
hard to spin on its own, it is
extremely hard on those internal
bearings. The amount of heat also
has a tendency to heat the grease
in those bearings, making them a
must-replace during a rebuild.
Bob Wyman of System 1 Pro Ignition is a veteran of the magneto business and says,
“As part of our blueprint process,” “With the amount of nitromethane that today’s racers are flowing into their engines,
says Wyman, “we install high temp spark duration is only one of the ingredients that keeps the fire lit.”

SPRING 2021 Nitro Madness Magazine 11