Technical 4cyl Scintilla magneto to v8?

So, after a Couple of beers a while back me and a couple of friends started talking about how a mag-ignition would be the perfect thing for my blown model a.
After looking around and posting some "wanted"-ads here in Sweden I realised I actually have one laying around. Thing is, it's off of a 1200cc beetle engine from an old waterpump.
Now my brain is spinning around thinking to convert this to my needs. Is that at all possible? What differences is there internally between v8 and 4-cylinder varaietis? Offcourse I Will need to find some way to graft it on to an old chevy distributor to fit it to the block, but thats minor right now.

 

The main things to consider are direction of rotation (it must match the new engine), the replacement of the points cam (you now need 8 lobes) and the necessary parts to go with it ---> points, condenser, 8-cyl cap, etc..

In almost all cases, the mag needs to be serviced to recharge the magnets as well as checkout the coil, amperage, advance mechanisms, etc.. If it is a Vertex/Scintilla mag, all the parts should be available - the question is how much and who can do the work.

In the States, it is frequently easier to just buy a used Vertex SBC 8 Cyl mag, have it serviced, have the correct advance plates put it and modify the base for a flathead timing cover (if your engine is a late 49-53 version).

If you are running a 32 - 48 engine with a front-mount distributor, then you need a Vertex angle drive and the necessary mag base and gear that goes on the mag. Once you have to start finding/buying angle drives . . . things get VERY expensive, very fast. Best of luck! B&S

 

This is what I setup for my 32 Cabriolet - 1942 Merc engine, 32 fan, etc . . .

 

You might be better off to find yourself an 8 cyl. Chevy mag and have it built to your needs. 4 cyl. and 8 cyl. mag's have different housings and magnets. Not to mention all the other stuff you would need to convert yours.