i have a '46 flathead, 59AB, and was wondering what the best way to go is with ignition. i don't know yet if i'm going with a 6 volt or 12 volt, but know speedwaymotors has the dual point distributor with a new coil that can work with a 6 or 12 volt. my question here is my budget restoration is for a driver, not a street rod, so would a newer ignition system make that much difference? a rebuilt distributor is around 150 and the one from speedway is 250, so would the 100 bucks be worth it? any input, opinion, or experience would be appreciated. thanks for your time.

 

The stock ignition in a stock motor works fine.
If you Hop Up the motor, a hotter ignition is required to get the full benifit.

 

Check out this link; some of the guys over on the Jalopy Journal are converting Mopar distributors to use in Flatheads. Most posts are for the 8BA, but there is one on the 59A, it's using Mopar guts in the stock unit

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=64765

Rod

 

Save your money and stick with the stock distributer and convert over to 12 volt. I played with 6 volt for years and finally switched. Now i hit the starter and she starts every time.

 

By the way, the stock distributor is dual point in the 59AB. Follow like said, if you are leaving the motor mostly stock, then stock should do you well. Remember, millions of these motors were made, and most saw daily driver use with the stock distributors. If you decide to add more HP to the motor, then upgrade to a newer ignition...when I start hopping up my flatty I'm going to add a Mallory elec ignition, until then, sticking with stock.