Crane Optical Ignition

Elfer · 03-02-2002, 07:38 PM

Hello all. Well I posted a thread a couple of weeks ago regarding my ignition problems and have diagnosed that the distributor needs rebuilding, especially the vacuum advance/retard mechanism. Ive decided to convert the points to the Crane Fireball optical conversion kit sold here at Pelican. Just wondering if any of you guys are using this and if you have any feedbacks on it. Either that or go with the Electromotive HPV-1 setup.
Car currently has 40 Weber IDAs.
Thanks.
Clint

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

I've just installed a Crane XR700, easy job and no problems to speak of. You may have fun trying to work where to put the box though. I went with the left side of the engine bay towards the back....had to make up a mounting plate out of aluminium sheet.

I think you'll be happy with your decision.

Cheers

911pcars · 03-02-2002, 10:52 PM

Same experience as John's in my '69. I installed the XR700 4 years ago and I haven't had to open the distributor cap yet. Works fine; even the tach works. However, I'd better take a peek inside and add some oil to the dist. shaft. I remember it was a tight fit inside the dist. and had to slightly modify the rotor disk to fit.

I'm going to push my luck by installing Crane's Hi-6S unit along with the XR700 and see how it runs. I moved things around the left side mounting plate to fit the Crane box. Now I gotta find a good spot for the Crane coil.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars
www.seinesystems.com

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

Sherwood, can you let us know how the Hi6 goes as it's an addition I'm considering.

Cheers

Elfer · 05:58 AM

Guys,
As I understand, the disc and the optical led replaces the points but you still use the stock rotor, correct? I didnt know that rotors could last 4 years without having the need to replace it?
Ill be picking up the XR700 tomorrow at Pelican and hopefully theyll have one in stock.
BTW, what type rotor are you guys using? The Crane website states that resistor type rotors should be replaced with non-resistor type. Im planning to use the regular ones without the rev limiter.
Thanks for the responses and ill update on my results.
Clint

Jim T · 03-03-2002, 07:55 AM

I used the XR700 in my 914 for 10 years. It was great!

Yes, you use the stock rotor. Not sure on a 911, but on my 14, I just used a stock, non-rev limiting rotor.

It really is a great update, imo. Worn distributor bushings don't really bother it. And you don't have to worry about wearing points, points out of adjustment, etc.

With my 914, it made tuneups a snap! Just throw a new cap and rotor on, swap out the plugs, adjust the valves and change the oil and filter and I was done! In the 10 years I used it, the XR700 was totally reliable and "invisible."

911pcars · 03-03-2002, 11:08 AM

[b]"..can you let us know how the Hi6 goes as it's an addition I'm considering."]/b]

Installation completion is held up a little as I'm contemplating going with a compatible stock-looking coil rather than Crane's recommended PS-91 coil (a rather bulky object). Packaging all this inside the engine compartment near the distributor can get busy. So far, I installed the Crane box next to the fuse box/relay/voltage regulator panel on the left instead of the bulkhead because I wanted visual access to the rev limiter controls.

I use the factory rev-limiting rotor and the same stainless steel core spark plug cables as before the conversion; no difference in radio reception. We'll see if the cables (Crane recommends resistor wires) affect the ignition box.

Sherwood Lee

911pcars · 04-06-2002, 10:35 PM

The car has been on stands for about a month while I try to find time to work on it. It had the Crane XR700 box and optical unit and everything has been fine since installing it in '98. I decided to keep this setup and add the Hi-6S to the system.

I mounted the Hi-6S box on the regulator mounting plate awhile back. Had to move some components around for needed space. Finally got around to connecting the wires today. Still using the stock coil for now.

It seems to work fine (idling on stands). I haven't yet increased the spark plug gap as recommended, but the engine starts fine and it seems to idle smoother than before. However, the car tach now reads high at idle speed (about 1300 rpm) while idling at around 700.

I'm pretty sure this installation combination (XR-700 + Hi-6S) is not as common as connecting one or the other. Does anyone have any suggestions about the tach before I call Crane tech support on Monday?

Thanks,
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

TimT · 04-07-2002, 06:49 AM

I had the whole crane ignition system on my car, the crane xr-700,Hi 6, and PS92 coil. The car ran fantaslically!!! you will need to get the crane Tach adapter, the VDO tach on the earlier cars needs a differewnt tach signal than what the crane box gives.

Ive just twin plugged my car, so I sold my whole ignition (w/911S distributor) to a friend who had Idle problems (popping, plug fouling stubling from a standing stop) in his 911T. We installed my old ignition into his car, ands it was a night and day difference,

ALL his headaches were gone. the crane system works

Mow Im just waiting for my box from richard clewett with my electromotive goodies

911pcars · 04-07-2002, 10:36 AM

Tim T,
Thanks for the info. I was afraid I'd need the tach adapter, but at least I know that's the solution. BTW, what do these things cost?

Sherwood

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

GUYS>>>>>

As musch as I go to Pelican for parts, I can show you my invoices, the Crane ignition systems are MUCH cheaper at Summit Racing. Trust me. Compare.