Isn it better to have a mag that is “locked out” verses one with some kind of advance mechanism in it?
It depends on the application. Most drag race motors seem to do fine with a locked out mag that contains no centrifugal advance. Many high compression gasoline engines however kick and buck against the starter. Employing some kind of advance mechanism allows the static ignition timing while cranking to be much lower allowing it to start easier. Once the motor is started, the advance can be set up to come in quickly so that it’s “all in” early. When used in this way, it really is more of a “start assist” than anything else. In street applications, some centrifugal advance can really help power and prevent detonation. The advance mechanisms can become sticky and corroded over time however. Mags that have not seen service in a while can become “locked out” on their own as the mechanism gums up and quits moving freely. • If a mag is so powerful, why can I run a .045″ plug gap with an electronic ignition and only .018″ with a mag? By running a tight plug gap, you are making sure that the sp
