Ignition system advice
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 669
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Ignition system advice
I've got my 390 back together and I keep thinking I should replace the old points ignition with something better. I was going to put the crane xr-i points conversion in but now I'm not so sure. I like the rev limiter that the xr-i has but apparently it does not increase the spark energy. Now I'm thinking of going with the crane XR3000. Has anyone had experience with this?
My goals are to increase engine performance, increase reliability, decrease maintenance time, and protect engine from overrevs. One more thing...I've spent so much on the engine that I'm on a limited budget now. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tracy
My goals are to increase engine performance, increase reliability, decrease maintenance time, and protect engine from overrevs. One more thing...I've spent so much on the engine that I'm on a limited budget now. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tracy
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
Just about anything will increase the spark energy of points. If you just want to add one part to your already existing set up, go Pertronix. If you don't mind swapping out a distributor, get a mid-70's FE electronic distributor and add a brain box. There have been numerous discussions regarding these detail, do a search and make yourself comfy in your chair... Price range for the move to electronic, using all new stuff, about $70 on up.
--Mike
--Mike
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
I've got a Mallory Unilite on my 390. It works good, but there's a few things to consider if you're going with it. First, get the power filter for it. This way you wont blow up modules. Second, get the advance spring kit for it. This way you'll be able to set the advance curve to your motor. Third, wire it up correctly the first time or it zaps itself and you'll have to send it back for a new one.
If you want a good clean installation with no used parts, the Unilite is the way to go IMO. You can also use it to trigger a Mallory or MSD ignition box, with multi-spark discharge and a rev limiter. I'm still considering doing that.
If you want a good clean installation with no used parts, the Unilite is the way to go IMO. You can also use it to trigger a Mallory or MSD ignition box, with multi-spark discharge and a rev limiter. I'm still considering doing that.
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Elder User
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update...I got comfy and did the search thing....whew...I think my problem is that there are so many options and no one way that seems clear cut the best way to go. On the XR-I or XR3000, the local speed shop said go with the 3000 that they didn't carry the xr-i. I finally called crane...they said the XR3000 was 20 year old technology and the XR-I was new technology and the best they had to offer. At any rate, I finally just ordered the XR-I and the matching Fireball coil. My budget is getting tight so this will have to do for now. I hope I'm happy with it. Thanks for the reply's...I may look at the unilite with MSD for later because I'd really like to change the dizzy and I like the sounds of the multispark
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
I dont know alot of guys talk bad about the Mallory Unilite? I havent ran one lately..But used one on my 69 GTO Judge IV..and it worked great..Drove it daily to and from work ..and at the strip on the weekends..and never had any problems??
Russ
Russ
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Kalispell, MT
I think I am going to get a D.U.I.(davis unified ignition) distributor. I am getting it just because of the simplicity of the hookup and the fact that it has the distributor, Coil, and ignition module all built into one unit that has a one 12v wire hookup. It will really clean up the engine compartment and get rid of all those 30 year old wires. They have a web site( www.performancedistributors.com ) and I like the looks of it. The coil is 50,000 volts. They are pricey at around 375 but it has the entire ignition system not just the dizzy. Anyone have any experience with these units?Jeff
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Thanks for providing yet another dizzy ignition system alternative...LOL. I had never heard of this one before. I checked their web site. It looks pretty good actually, although It kinda reminds me of a GM dizzy and I'm not sure I want that look on my Ford. I do like it that they curve it to your engine. Doesn't look like it has a rev limiter though. I got the Crane XR-i and Fireball coil in today. It didn't take too long to install and I kinda like that the distributor looks stock. Maybe if I'm lucky I'll get this engine back in the truck in the next week or so and see how it runs.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
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From: Texas
I really like the DUI setup as well. But, I don't know how you get a rev limiter for it.
Just get the non-points hi-power setup going and watch your tach :-)
Just get the non-points hi-power setup going and watch your tach :-)
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: UTI student
I know Summit has a kit that allows the user to run an MSD 6A or 6AL by replacing the in-cap coil with a Blaster coil for HEI's. Isn't the DUI just a modified HEI for vehicles other then just GM? I run MSD Pro-Billet dist. MSD 6AL and a Blaster 2 coil and still seem to have less wires then the original setup. Or maybe the new wires just make it look like less wires. Still looks nice either way.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by hatemakings/n
I know Summit has a kit that allows the user to run an MSD 6A or 6AL by replacing the in-cap coil with a Blaster coil for HEI's. Isn't the DUI just a modified HEI for vehicles other then just GM? I run MSD Pro-Billet dist. MSD 6AL and a Blaster 2 coil and still seem to have less wires then the original setup. Or maybe the new wires just make it look like less wires. Still looks nice either way.
The DUI is just a modified GM HEI. A lot of guys are silly enough not to run it because it's a GM looking part on their Ford motor. Whatever, it comes in Blue!!! There is nothing even close as far as simplicity and reduced clutter. And they custom curve it to your engine. I wish I'd have known about it before I bought the MSD 12 piece program. The DUI actually cost less than all the MSD stuff put together. And, I've been through 2 6AL units, 2 Blaster coils, 4 caps/rotors and 2 magnetic pickups in about 4 years. I'm sure it's mostly operator induced, but it's still a PITA.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: las vegas nv.
DUI experience
I bought it because I wanted something clean and better...it's been spinning for about 6 years give or take.parts are easy to come by..like almost everywhere.I liked dealing with the people and I just plain like the performance,reliability,looks!but note?...I tried their wires and thought they were pricey and didn't seem so much better.I have a set of Moroso Blue Max wires now,if I manage to wear them out,I'll buy a new set.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
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From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by seetwisted
I bought it because I wanted something clean and better...it's been spinning for about 6 years give or take.parts are easy to come by..like almost everywhere.I liked dealing with the people and I just plain like the performance,reliability,looks!but note?...I tried their wires and thought they were pricey and didn't seem so much better.I have a set of Moroso Blue Max wires now,if I manage to wear them out,I'll buy a new set.
Why didn't you like the Performance Distributor wires? What was wrong with them? Poor quality? Or just pricey compared to the competition? Just curious...
biz
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
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From: "Islander"
Crane XR3000, LX-91 coil and their 25 ohm per/ft Fire-Wires on a stock dizzy with the old style washer shim vacuum can and advance spring kit. Ran Allison (Crane XR700) for over 20 years with no problems or parts failures.
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