I've installed the Crane Cams XR700 electronic ignition in my alpine. I've
got the 1600 engine with a 32/36 DGV, and positive ground. The kit is a
photocell system. After removing the points and condensor, you install a
disk with 4 slots (shutter) just below the rotor, along with an optical
trigger. When the shutter opens (i.e. slot passes under the optical
trigger) the coil sparks. I'll leave a more accurate description of how the
system works to the electrical engineers amongst us. The trick is getting
the photocell pickup installed in the correct location.
The advertisement in V.B. claims "It takes a maximum of one hour to
install." I doubt the average first time installer could actually get the
unit installed and working correctly in one hour. Perhaps the condition of
my distributor contributed to the length of time it took to get it working.
However, I found that when I installed the cap, it pushed the photocell
pickup into the rotating disk. In addition, the rotor actually came in
contact with the photocell pickup. I'd say if the cap was larger, allowing
greater freedom of movement of the pickup mechanism, it could be done in a
couple of hours. I'd say the SECOND time through, it could be done in an
hour.
I now have the system installed with over 500 trouble free miles. 500 is
not really that many miles, but its some measure of correct installation. I
have yet to correct my tach since installation. The RPMs read about 5500
when I believe that the engine is only turning about 4000.
Regarding the coil, I'm using a standard coil (Diamond brand #LB-89 12V
75K3) with an internal ballast resistor. The instructions indicate that IF
the XR700 runs very hot to the touch after only 10 to 15 minutes of
operation, you may have excessive coil current and to add a 1.2 to 1.9 ohm
resistor.
I believe that the 'two' Jarrid was referring to would be two XR700s. At
$120, not a small sum of money, but well worth the savings in hassle and
tow if a problem arises any substantial distance away from home.
Some day, I'd like to install the XR700 unit on the inside of the firewall,
and just run the wires through a grommet in the firewall to the distributor
and coil. This would be more appealing than having the gold anodized
aluminum module screwed to the inside fender well. I believe Rex has done
this.
Brad Sahr
brsahr(at)imation.com
The Mole <dbilesky(at)cln.etc.bc.ca> on 09/29/98 06:59:41 PM
Please respond to The Mole <dbilesky(at)cln.etc.bc.ca>
To: alpines(at)autox.team.net
cc: (bcc: Brad R. Sahr/MIPP/Imation)
Subject: Fwd: Re: Electronic Ignition
I think that V.B. sells them too.
V.B.
also has the CraneCams 'FireBall' XR700/XR3000 Points conversion ignition.
Any thoughts?
It is a photo cell system ----> ?
Which part do you buy two of...the kit is $120.00
V.B. also sells a CraneCams Street coil 40,000 v and a chrome coil 70,000 v
both with resistors
dgb
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