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electronic ignition

XJRpilot

Jedi Hopeful
Offline
i am going to a "pointless" electronic ignition. as far as i can tell i have two choices.
pertronix ignitor or crane XR-700. the pertronix
is a magnetic rotor with a pickup. the crane is a infrared optical triggering system. any pros and cons? any experience with any of them? comments?
 
I have used the optic setup before from Mallory..It was fantastic, but either one should work just fine for you..

Go for the less expensive one..

Make sure it will work with positive earth if this is what you have.. diode circutry (sp)is one way only..

[ 01-06-2003: Message edited by: TypeRboy ]</p>
 
I use the Petronix unit and have had no problems...Easy install.

Just make sure you carry either a spare dizzy or points and condenser just in case.

John
 
I installed the Pertronix ignition in August on my '71 and have been very pleased. Would highly recommend!

Frazier
 
Check the newest issue of Grassroots Motorsports. It compares the ignitions.

They found that the ignition on their B had the best gains with a Lucas 45D distributor, Ignitor and 35 degrees total advance. They had a 4 hp gain at 2000rpm, 2 hp at 3000 rpm and a peak gain of 5hp.

They also reviewed some other setups as well as exhausts and air filter setups. A great read and some helpful info if you can get the magazine.
 
I have used Crane and Petronix with excellent results. Petronix is easier to install. Performance is the same. I think the advice to carry a spare module with you is good but I have not had a Petronic fail yet.
 
I had to replace stock on my '77 B and used the crane. You have to be very careful lining up the optics to get the best performance. I've had mine on for about 1 1/2 years with absolutely no problems.
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I installed a Pertronix setup on my Spit 1500, and I'm very happy with it's performance. Nice smooth idle, and smooth power all the way up the revs. And no more shoddily built points to deal with. Also, the elec. ign. can deal with dizzy wear and slop that the points can't.
Looks totally stock, too...

Ron
 
So, what coils did everybody use?? I have been told that if you use the Lucas Sport Coil, the Petronix is prone to failure! True or false???
 
That is why I'm asking, maybe some of these guys have been running the Lucas for years and maybe that is why that one guy (I forgot his name) has had 2 fail on him!! Let's see what happens!!
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I'm using the Lucas Sport coil...
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Ron
 
How long have you had it running Ron?? The reason I am asking, is that a master MG mechanic in Memphis, said it will not work, yet Octagon in Vancouver B.C. sells that combination all the time!! So I have a Petronix ignition (which I am reluctant to put in) and a Lucas Sport Coil, and was wondering what everybody has found????
 
Hi All,

I'm running the Lucas Sport coil and the Petronix...'Bout 1000 miles since the install...No problems that I am aware of
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John
 
thats the problem gary. over 1500 members and nobody wants to post. i've been following this
post for my own decision whether or not to use the pertronix ignitor coil or lucas sport. i've decided to go with the pertronix ignition. as for the coils, we will just have to wait for a post or experiment on our own.
 
I have the Lucas sport coil & Pertronix installed on my TR6 .. at least since the weekend. I will let you know how it goes. One thing to remember is to take off your ballast resistor with the Lucas coil. I think I read on the Pertronix website that leaving your ignition on for extended times with no engine running can damage the module .. but that was a while back and I though it was a bit odd.
 
Ive got the crane xr700 box on my 914 and it has been wonderful. Havent decided which one will go on my moms B yet. There are a number of 914 owners who have had the Pertronix one come apart in the dizzy so thats why I went with the crane. Crane does have a new conversion that needs no external box and has a built in rev limiter. Anybody know if that will work with the B?
 
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