Magneto Query

Chris Launders

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Hi there you magneto specialists, I'm thinking of fitting a magneto to my Norvin (twin) instead of the coil ignition, I have KVFs but would like something a little better, I've come across this Lucas SR magneto which is for a single but has asymmetrical magnets and corresponding pole pieces, surprising enough around the right angle to suit a Vincent, has anyone any experience with one of these (not SRs in general, just this one) and do you think it worth making a cam etc to try.
Chris.
 

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Marcus Bowden

VOC Hon. Overseas Representative
VOC Member
It looks likes rotary magnet job which I much prefer like my Scintilla as it is very easy to turn them into coil ignition if the occasion arises as I've had to change a couple of times on the road.
 

greg brillus

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
I've seen an SR 2 on a Norvin years ago, that run a drive gear for the rotor arm, and a cap with 2 outlets. I don't think the stock SR 1 come with a twin spark outlet cap and HT coil like the Joe Hunt magnetos do. The speedway boys here in Australia use to run 2 SR 1 mag's one in the normal location and one bolted to the outside where the ATD cover attaches. The only other consideration is the front exhaust header pipe will almost certainly hit it, and this was the same when I ran the twin spark Joe hunt on the twin racer I built a few year back. I had to modify the front pipe to clear the mag housing, not a problem for the Scintilla as its housing is much smaller, but parts availability would be an issue these days. The SR 1 , or Fairbanks Morse style magnetos are far better than the rotating coil style, I would use another Joe Hunt on a race engine again just for the reliability and simplicity of it.
 

Chris Launders

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
The SR is a rotating magnet type and yes the twin one has a distributor in the end cover, as does the 4 cylinder one but that has an internal reduction gear and runs at engine speed, I'm also familiar with Fairbanks Morse and Joe Hunt mags (I have two Triumphs, one with an SR2 and one with a J-H) but they all have symmetrical magnets and pole pieces whereas this doesn't and I'm wondering if this would lend itself better to a V-twin application.
Chris.
 
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