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How to modify Magna EFI Distributor to fit VW *under construction*
mackaymanx - March 3rd, 2010 at 08:01 PM

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.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040338Small.jpg

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.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040343WinCE.jpg

- Drive out the roll pin and remove the drive gear

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040241WinCE.jpghttp://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040244WinCE.jpg

- 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

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040341WinCE.jpghttp://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040258WinCE.jpg

- 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

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040262WinCE.jpg

- 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).

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040247WinCE.jpghttp://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040255WinCE.jpghttp://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040259WinCE.jpg

- This is what you end up with,

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040347Small.jpg


mackaymanx - March 3rd, 2010 at 10:49 PM

Machining and Dimensions

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

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/MagmaDIM.jpg

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.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/VWDIM.jpg

This is how they should all line up, note the vertical dashed reference line.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/ALL.jpg

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

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040353Small.jpg

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

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040356Small.jpg

Jig installed

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040357Small.jpg

Roughed out

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040355Small.jpg

Lathe machining finished with some porosity showing.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040358Small.jpg


mackaymanx - March 3rd, 2010 at 10:52 PM

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.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m131/mackaymanx/Magna%20Distributor/P1040265Small.jpg


mackaymanx - March 4th, 2010 at 10:39 AM

Installation


annosL - March 4th, 2010 at 12:51 PM

Excellent! thank you


1303Steve - March 4th, 2010 at 04:20 PM

Hi

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

Steve


bugzla - March 4th, 2010 at 04:50 PM

thanks bud all i have to do is find one ;)


1303Steve - March 4th, 2010 at 05:25 PM

Hi

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

Steve


alien8 - March 4th, 2010 at 05:38 PM

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?


mackaymanx - March 4th, 2010 at 05:45 PM

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


1303Steve - March 4th, 2010 at 05:49 PM

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


alien8 - March 4th, 2010 at 06:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mackaymanx
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.:blush:


bugzla - March 4th, 2010 at 07:46 PM

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


colonel mustard - March 4th, 2010 at 07:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bugzla
all i have to do is find one ;)


ring repco...?


bugzla - March 4th, 2010 at 08:19 PM

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


vlad01 - February 11th, 2014 at 07:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bugzla
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.