Mallory uni-lite problems?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 1
From: Westminster Maryland
Mallory uni-lite problems?
Has anyone here tried a Mallory Uni-lite in place of points/condensers? I did this for reliability, performance, and wanted to keep the original look of the ignition setup. Now, after leaving the key on , it won't spark. Of course I am going to hear how bad these are, but I heard all good things from locals before I bought it. So now, what is a really good system? C'mon, let me know how stupid it was to use this Uni-lite! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
The bad thing about a Unilite is not its performance or quality, but that it can blow out with a voltage spike. Maybe continuous voltage running to it when the engine is off might do the same...I don't know.
Mallory makes a voltage filter for it which, as far as I'm concerned, should either be standard equipment with it or the filter circuitry built in. Nevertheless, it sounds like that's your problem.
Basically, it's a quite good distributor, but it needs that filter. Mallory could have avoided a lot of bad rep and unhappy customers if they would build that filter in.
BTW - I missed the big cruise-in in Westminster last Sunday. I have a miserable case of bronchitis that simply won't let go. It would have been nice to meet if you had been there.
Mallory makes a voltage filter for it which, as far as I'm concerned, should either be standard equipment with it or the filter circuitry built in. Nevertheless, it sounds like that's your problem.
Basically, it's a quite good distributor, but it needs that filter. Mallory could have avoided a lot of bad rep and unhappy customers if they would build that filter in.
BTW - I missed the big cruise-in in Westminster last Sunday. I have a miserable case of bronchitis that simply won't let go. It would have been nice to meet if you had been there.
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I have one in both my 61 and my 65. They run great but after about 5 years the module goes South and they cost about $125. As roughrider stated they are succeptible to voltage spikes blowing out the module. That's probably what happened to yours. The filter does help but it's still not foolproof. I replaced the modules last year in both cars after I was getting no spark. I stuck with points in my 68.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
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From: Lake Norman NC
I have one on my 383...it works great. I have no complaints..just make sure you get the right coil for it. I burned up 2 coils before buying the mallory coil that was recommended..might have just been coincidence??
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Cataumet MA
Has anyone here tried a Mallory Uni-lite in place of points/condensers? I did this for reliability, performance, and wanted to keep the original look of the ignition setup. Now, after leaving the key on , it won't spark. Of course I am going to hear how bad these are, but I heard all good things from locals before I bought it. So now, what is a really good system? C'mon, let me know how stupid it was to use this Uni-lite!
Before you go out and spend the bucks for a new module, get out your multi-meter, and test the unit. The test procedure can be found on Mallory's web site, and is relatively easy to perform.
Good luck!
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I've looked for a new ignition kit for my 1969 l-46 SB, but I'm a bit confused by all the alternatives. Mallory have the Comp S/S42, Comp S/S32, the Unilite and the 75-series. All have tach-drive. Which one do I choose? I'm looking for smooth ride, tuneable and dependable. Not hi-rev racing.
Bjorn
Norway
Bjorn
Norway
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
Voltage spikes are a bad thing for many electronic components, however some are more vulnerable than others. A steady voltage can have a lot of benefits, especially for ignition systems (not only reliability but also in functioning)
Here's a nice solution, has been around for some time, hardly see people using it:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Here's a nice solution, has been around for some time, hardly see people using it:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
My experience is similar. In the mid 70's I had one failure maybe a year after I installed it on my 70 Z28 & Mallory backed it up by sending me a new module at no cost. It's been perfect ever since.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 5
From: ingleside illinois
I have had the same one on all my big blocks-same module with the new motor.I think they work excellent-must have a ballast resistor.I think i have had this distributor for at least 15 yrs.[IMG]
[/IMG]Mine is a unilite comp 9000
[/IMG]Mine is a unilite comp 9000
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 1
From: North Bend Ohio
I used a UniLite in my '70 LS5 for years with no problems. I used the stock resistance wire and coil for the hook up. Never had a problem with it. Installed it then forgot it was there.
BigBlockk
Later.....
BigBlockk
Later.....
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
unilite
I just put a unilite in my dads '66 cadillac and I can't get it to start. the top half of distributor is the same as most gm one of the time because the shaft is shorter I can't use an hei one and is it normal for the shutter gap to pass 2 to 5 degrees after rotor passes the contact in the cap. the plugs fires and the unilite test good. the distributor turns clock wise.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
The probability specified that a device will perform its objective adequately, for the period of time, under the operating conditions specified.
Nope, Mallory units are not reliable. Points and condensers are.
Performance:
Nope again. These conversion POS cannot by design improve engine performance. The coil creates the spark, not the on/off switch.
Looks:
OK, one out three ain't bad.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 8
From: Where are the Smoky Mountain Cruisers? Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I installed a Mallory Uni-lite distributor, mechanical advance with tach cable 5 years ago and have not had any problems.
I installed a large ballast resistor too. 
Here's a link to a site that offers goobs of information.
http://www.centuryperformance.com/mallory-spg-69.html
I installed a large ballast resistor too. Here's a link to a site that offers goobs of information.
http://www.centuryperformance.com/mallory-spg-69.html
Last edited by 74 vert; Jun 19, 2008 at 08:14 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have put it off a couple of days because I know I put the distributor together right and time it about right so the distributor should not have been far off and I was seeing spark and it was running before so?????? but come back to and want to find some thing else wrong and for some odd reason it stop pumping gas and it has gas in the tank, this is odd because it has a new fuel pump I put on 3 months ago and it chose now to go out weird and it is not electric