Points to Electronic ignition
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Rainier, OR
Points to Electronic ignition
Ok, so what is everyone using for Ignition? Points or Electronic? specifically for the 352 but if you've converted the stock distributor to electronic, I'd like to know what you used and how happy you've been with it.
!["Beemer Nut"'s Avatar](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 50 50'><circle class='avatar-circle-default' fill='%23bc5285' cx='25px' cy='25px' r='20px'></circle><text class='avatar-text-default' x='49%' y='53%' fill='white' text-anchor='middle' alignment-baseline='middle'>"</text></svg>)
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
A pre Crane XR 700 (Allison) for app 24 years, another motor has a Crane XR 3000 that doesn't use a ballast resistor hence higher secondary spark current.
Yes very happy as these units have over 600 K miles use without any problems.
.....=o&o>.....
Yes very happy as these units have over 600 K miles use without any problems.
.....=o&o>.....
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Rainier, OR
I saw some info about the ballast resistor but not sure what that is. Do I have one on my 65 F100? If so, where is it located and what does it look like?
I was looking at one of these three models.
Mallory
Accel
Crane XRi
Would these work for me? I like the Crane because of the rev limiter feature.
They all look pretty easy to install, is that true????
I was looking at one of these three models.
Mallory
Accel
Crane XRi
Would these work for me? I like the Crane because of the rev limiter feature.
They all look pretty easy to install, is that true????
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
Your 65 should be like 68-69's with a resistance wire from the ignition switch to your coil. Older cars and trucks like Dodge and Chrysler had a ballast mounted near or on the coil. A porcelain block app 3/4" x 3/4" x 4" long. This limited current flow to the coil.
If you just want to replace the points on a stock motor a XRI would be the ticket and easy to install. My way of thinking as my motor isn't stock and I wanted to increase the spark energy with a non ballast or resistor system was a XR 3000. It's a waste of money to upgrade again later, buy good once.
.....=o&o>.....
If you just want to replace the points on a stock motor a XRI would be the ticket and easy to install. My way of thinking as my motor isn't stock and I wanted to increase the spark energy with a non ballast or resistor system was a XR 3000. It's a waste of money to upgrade again later, buy good once.
.....=o&o>.....
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Rainier, OR
Stock???
does almost stock count?
I just got me engine back from the machine shop.
Originally it was a 352 now it's a 390, he upgraded the crank, rods and pistons. I also added a Performer390 intake and a Comp Cams 268H grind cam.
So is that close enough to stock? or should I upgrade?
I really like the idea of the 'Easy' button XRi
does almost stock count?
I just got me engine back from the machine shop.
Originally it was a 352 now it's a 390, he upgraded the crank, rods and pistons. I also added a Performer390 intake and a Comp Cams 268H grind cam.
So is that close enough to stock? or should I upgrade?
I really like the idea of the 'Easy' button XRi
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
I can tell you one to avoid. I got the Mallory Unilite distributor for my 390. It's a good distributor while it works. The problem is, that the module burns itself out if you even sneeze on it! Connect the battery, module burns out. Hook up wiring, module burns out. Now granted it's not every time, but often enough to make major headaches. At $40 for a new module, it hurts too.
I went back to points for the time being. At least when they burn out, it doesn't cost $40!
I went back to points for the time being. At least when they burn out, it doesn't cost $40!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
Rusty, after you let the smoke out and replace a few modules i'll bet your ignition costs way more than the initial cost of a Crane XR 3000 that is optically triggered also. Granted you have a new dizzy vs an ignition upgrade into a old dizzy but stock dizzy's are cheap. Sounds like Mallory's going to be added to my "do not use" list of ignitions like MSD's with many failures I had in the past. These units made in the USA or over in "Rice Land" with the box made in USA only? I know Crane's completely made and assembled in the US.
A not if but when failure system can give you a bad feeling while driving.
Crane have reverse polarity protection plus a LED function and trouble shooting light on the unit, can't find any faults over the years with their products.
Rusty, sorry to hammer on you this morning as I couldn't win word wise with the "WAR DEPARTMENT" this morning including the cat so your a key pad away, ha, ha.
.....=o&o>.....
A not if but when failure system can give you a bad feeling while driving.
Crane have reverse polarity protection plus a LED function and trouble shooting light on the unit, can't find any faults over the years with their products.
Rusty, sorry to hammer on you this morning as I couldn't win word wise with the "WAR DEPARTMENT" this morning including the cat so your a key pad away, ha, ha.
.....=o&o>.....
Last edited by "Beemer Nut"; Aug 6, 2006 at 12:04 PM.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
Beemer Nut loves his Crane and hats MSD, but there are people running MSD systems out in the great wide world with success.
Peter
Peter
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Well I tried to post a message yesterday, but something happened on the FTE side of things which prevented it from going through. Oh well, 'tis to be expected...
Anyway, I'll take a good hard look at that Crane system. It sounds a lot more robust than the Mallory system.
How true this is! Something's always going wrong on my truck. Usually not to the point to where it leaves me stranded, but causes a major annoyance. It's gotten to the point where I almost dont even want to drive it farther than I feel comfortable walking back home! Then when you've got jokers like Mallory selling aftermarket junk that is at best unreliable, what's a guy to do?
Anyway, I'll take a good hard look at that Crane system. It sounds a lot more robust than the Mallory system.
Originally Posted by Beemer Nut
A not if but when failure system can give you a bad feeling while driving.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Rainier, OR
rev limiter
I ordered the Crane XRi system, we'll see how easy it is to install and how well it works. I really like the idea of having the Rev limiter.
What should the max rev be on this thing?
What should the max rev be on this thing?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
I second that 5,000 limit as no matter what you do or how you drive one must keep all internal parts inside the pan not out.
Dad once told me "that damn red mark isn't a decoration" on the tach as I pushed the 215 Olds past 7,400 in the P1800 Volvo.
workingdog; ask Greg (GTEX) about his many MSD parts replacements due to failures besides other members.
I run what works not what fails no matter the "must have because of brand name" or because you saw it on TV watching NHRA of IHRA.
.....=o&o>.....
Dad once told me "that damn red mark isn't a decoration" on the tach as I pushed the 215 Olds past 7,400 in the P1800 Volvo.
workingdog; ask Greg (GTEX) about his many MSD parts replacements due to failures besides other members.
I run what works not what fails no matter the "must have because of brand name" or because you saw it on TV watching NHRA of IHRA.
.....=o&o>.....
Last edited by "Beemer Nut"; Aug 12, 2006 at 08:42 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Rainier, OR
Ok on that 5000 limit.
Well, the XR-i was easy enough to install but they shorted me a little teflon spacer, gotta call em on Monday to see if they'll send me one via snail mail.
Have you ever used the built in rev limiter on these Crane ignitions? What happens when you hit the limit? does the spark just go away?
Well, the XR-i was easy enough to install but they shorted me a little teflon spacer, gotta call em on Monday to see if they'll send me one via snail mail.
Have you ever used the built in rev limiter on these Crane ignitions? What happens when you hit the limit? does the spark just go away?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
No limit adjustments on the XR700 or XR3000 system.
I know where i'm at with or without a tach.
Not a fan of dropping spark at high rpm's and yanking rods all around vs a motor pulling hard to redline.
.....=o&o>.....
I know where i'm at with or without a tach.
Not a fan of dropping spark at high rpm's and yanking rods all around vs a motor pulling hard to redline.
.....=o&o>.....
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
I run a DUI dist....it has performed great.....until yesterday.....truck died....right when I got home.....coasted up to the curb.....it would restart...run for 2seconds and die..... I pulled the module and took it to autozone where it tested bad..... $16 and I had a new module and was up and running again.....a lot better than when my msd died.....although for a more reliable electronic ignition I would go with a duraspark with factory components....