How to modify Magna EFI Distributor to fit VW *under construction*

Ok, I've given myself enough room to finish this off. I you have any question so far or requests (bigger/better pics etc) post away.

Here is my how to on modifing a Magna TP,TR,TS? distributor to fit a type 1 engine.

I'll start with some links which explain the wiring on these distributors, some of the information my not be relevent to VW applications.

http://www.b2600turbo.com/turck_magnadizzy.htm

http://starion.mrbdesign.com.au/magna.html

This is what we have to start with and the end result, the drive dog has not been installed yet.



Removal Tips

If you are removing one of these yourself be aware that engine sludge builds up on the exposed part of the distributor in the rocker cover. This can make them difficult to remove, I came across one at the wreckers already broken because it had been forced too hard.


Disassembly

- Remove the distributor cap and rotor

- Twist the distributor cap spring clips off the body of the distributor. You should be able to do this by hand.



- Drive out the roll pin and remove the drive gear



- There are two screws which hold the Hall sensor plate in the distributor. Rotate the vane plate so you have clear access to the screws and so you don't bend the vanes. Remove the screws.Second photo shows the layout with the shaft already removed. DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE THE VANE PLATE



- Now you need to press the shaft out of the body of the distributor. Set it up so the vane plate doesn't get damaged as you push it out, move the terminal socket for the hall sensor plate down as you push out the shaft. There is a circlip on the shaft which requires you to remove the plate and shaft at the same time. The shaft should free up after about 15 mm. If you can't press the shaft out, tap it out lightly with a soft hammer



- Once you have the shaft out remove the bearing, only remove the seal if you intend on replacing it. Take care with the bearing as it is not a standard size (or the size marked on it).



- This is what you end up with,

Machining and Dimensions

Here are the dimensions for the Magna distributor before you machine it.



These are the dimension of the VW dizzy which you need to transfer onto the Magna dizzy. The oil lube hole and slot are not shown.


This is how they should all line up, note the vertical dashed reference line.


Trim off excess material from the body and save the bush.



If you can, make a jig to stop the body of the distributor crushing down.



Jig installed



Roughed out



Lathe machining finished with some porosity showing.

Assembly

- fit the bearing

- fit the bush, if you slide the shaft through the distributor you can use it as a guide. Use the old drive gear as a drift to install the bush.

- put the hall sensor plate on the shaft and install the circlip.

- Use a suitable method to push the shaft in, I used a drill press but this was close to the limit as it was not designed for this.
Remember to move the hall sensor socket down in the slot in the body of the distributor as you go.

Excellent! thank you

Hi

Good info. I had one in my WBX bug, it worked really well with my Autronic SMC.

Steve

thanks bud all i have to do is find one 😉

Hi

They pop up on Ebay, the one I had in my WBX bug I bought new and it wasn't too bad.

Steve

What are some benifits of running this distributor over a stock standard distributor with a drop in module?
Have you any info of the curve of the Astra/Magna distributors?
Will it clear the standard fuel pump?

They have no curve. this is for efi where the ecu controls the advance. You can not compare them.

Hi

You could use the same technique to fit a carby Magna or Sigma dizzy. I don't what sort of curve is in them

Steve

mackaymanx wrote:They have no curve. this is for efi where the ecu controls the advance. You can not compare them.

Got ya. It did not occur to me this was for EFI. Maybe I should of read the thread title correctly.😊

so what sort of dizzy does stanley use then the carby dizzy

bugzla wrote:all i have to do is find one 😉

ring repco...?

ha repco if it aint a v8 dont bother there mate well up here any way

bugzla wrote:ha repco if it aint a v8 dont bother there mate well up here any way

repco are hopeless. I can't even get the hose clamps I wanted from them.