Jeff -
The Pertronix Ignitor and the Crane XR-700 are both kits to either (a)
convert a points-type distributor to electronic ignition, or (b) fix an
electronic dist. with a bad case of "toasted innards". There are
differences, however:
The Pertronix fits entirely within the distributor (nice if original
appearance matters to you), while the Crane electronics sit in a separate
box (nice if you can locate a cooler place for the electronics than the
inside of the distributor).
The Pertronix uses hall-effect switches, while the Crane uses
optoelectronics. No real difference in terms of operation, but the Crane
seems to be slightly more forgiving in terms of how the sensors are aligned
with the trigger.
Both are good solutions. I suppose if I were to do it over again, I might
use the Pertronix for the sake of original appearance.
I've been running a Crane unit and a Lucas Sport coil for 10,000+
trouble-free miles. The Crane units are sensitive to where the control box
is mounted, though. Needs to be a (relatively) cool spot. I've got mine
mounted on the top of the inner fender, just ahead of the wiper motor.
Seems to stay cool enough there.
I actually bought mine at a local import-parts place. Better price than
the "British-only" parts dealers. You may want to look at "hotrod" shops
as well, since they usually carry Crane's whole product line.
Chris Kotting
ckotting@iwaynet.net
On Wednesday, March 11, 1998 12:13 AM, Jeff Boatright
[SMTP:jboatri@emory.edu] wrote:
> It's time to tune the Sprite. Being very lazy (the real reason I never
> bother to put the top up), I am thinking about replacing the points with
an
> electronic ignition. I know that there are several types and there is a
> nice treatise on this point at : http://www.prostar.com/web/rsinc/ign.htm
>
> >From that page, a quick rundown of the options: 'Some retain the
original
> mechanical points whereas others replace the points with a magnetic
> "reluctor", a "hall effect" device or an optical system. These types of
> distributor driven triggers can be an input to a "TAI", a "CDI" or "MSD".
> These acronyms respectively stand for "Transistor Assisted
> Ignition","Capacitive Discharge Ignition" and "Multiple Spark Discharge"'
>
> My questions are:
>
> 1. Which products commonly available to the lbc crowd are what systems.
> I.e., what exactly is a Pertronix Ignitor or what is a Crane XR-700?
>
> 2. What are the experiences/opinions of the list with the various
systems?
>
> 3. Where can one get the best deal on these systems?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
>
> Jeff Boatright __o_\__ '65 Austin-Healey Sprite
> http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~jboatri/sprite/sprite.html
>
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