What Do I Need For A Crane Electronic Conversion?

JuiceMan · 05-13-2000, 07:23 PM

Ok I'm from the 912 section but it's almost dead over there and you guys seem much more talkitive

But anyways I have a 69 912 it's stock except for Dual IDF60 Webers (w/K&Ns) and a Bursch exhaust.

It still has the stock Distributor and everyhting but it does have a Blue Coil. It's about time for me to replace the points but I don't really want to fool with points anymore on this car since I drive it a lot (at least 100 miles a week) so I have been looking at upgrading to a system that doesn't require replacing/adjusting the points.

I am really confused as to what all I need.

I am looking at only the Crane products. I do not understand which items I need in order to get my desired results which are:

1. Hardly never have to replace or adjust
points.

2. Faster starting and smoother power.

3. Maybe 4-5 more HP if I'm lucky.

So what do I need to do this and do it right?

Do I need a HI-6 and an XR-700 or just an
XR-3000 or what? I am just totally confused as to what I need to do this.

Help me out guys!

DK914 · 05-13-2000, 07:29 PM

FWIW, I've had excellent luck with a Pertronix unit that replaces the points and condensor. Fits entirely inside the distributor, and connects to the coil with two leads. It's a magnetic pickup system, where I believe the Crane system is optical. I paid about $60--well worth it to never adjust points again.

oredith · 05-13-2000, 10:51 PM

well.. here's a link of what's been said in the past..
http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/Forum2/HTML/001347.html
but a short re-itteration of my experience.

1. pertronix worked great, never adjust points again, good price.
2. pertronix = shoddy construction, (only lasted a few months for me) your results may vary. these are just my opinion, i just don't see superglue as quality construction material.
3. switched to crane xr-3000. cinch to install (easier than the pertronix), fair price (just over 100) no parts to fall apart, has been running reliably for a long while now.

both ignition system work great, but in my opinion, you're taking chances with the pertronix. why the xr-3000 instead of xr-700?.. no reason, price was almost the same at the place i bought it, so why not.

both systems work with the blue coil, although i think neither list it as a "recommended" coil.

good luck with your decision..

Jeff

JuiceMan · 05-14-2000, 04:58 AM

Well what would be the advantage of me going with the HI-6 Unit over or with the XR3000?

I am not even going to fool witht he petronix stuff I've heard to many bad storys. So will the XR3000 come with everything I need besides the tach adapter?

Should I invest in a HI-6? To my understanding the only difference between the HI-6 and the XR3000 is that the HI-6 is Multi-Spark and has a rev limiter, is that correct?

Thanks guys!

HarveyH · 05-14-2000, 02:59 PM

The HI-6 unit is a capacitive discharge - multi spark unit ONLY, it does not include the point replacement function
Harvey

JuiceMan · 05-14-2000, 03:22 PM

Ok what else would I need to convert the points as well? An XR700?

Or would I be better off just buying an XR3000 and forgetting about the Multi-Spark. Does the Multi-Spark make much difference?

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

With the HI-6, you would still need an XR-7000 or XR-3000 to replace the points. The HI-6 is a high-powered multi-spark capacitive-discharge ignition. Much like the MSD. Below 3500 (not sure of the number) RPM, you get several sparks during the power stroke--one at a time, but several sparks. This supposedly helps smooth out the idle a bit, and might help make a little more power. Above that RPM, there isn't enough time for multiple sparks, so it reverts to single spark.

You'll need a tach adaptor for the HI-6. The XR-7000 and 3000 will not require a tach adaptor. They might possibly give you a microscopic amount of power over a reasonably-functioning points-and-condensor ignition, but it's far from definite. They should give you a bit smoother idle, eliminate points "bounce". Plus you'll never have to mess with the points again.

The Pertronix is a Hall-effect (magnetic) unit. The Crane is optical. The Pertronix looks to be a cleaner install--it all fits inside the distributor. The Crane sounds (from the posts here and elsewhere) to be better put together. The Pertronix is less expensive.

I personally think that either would do the job pretty well for you. If you really want the most out of your ignition, then pick up one of the multi-spark setups. MSD or Crane, it doesn't seem to make much difference. Also install a hi-po coil, big plug wires, and cooler plugs with larger gaps. That may get you a few HP. But it isn't something to really count on.

--DD

Germain · 05-15-2000, 05:04 AM

Well, heres my take. The Crane 700 will give you an optical pick up. Just installed one on my car. The MSD systems sound neat, but in reality they can't do much. Think about it yourself for a second, the first spark causes an explosion, then second now does what? What fuel/air could it possibly burn that would help increase power? If you purcase the versital Crane 700 system, all parts you need come with the box. You remove points, and the condenser. If you want to spend the money on the MSD system, it won't hurt anything but your pocket book. Up to you.

AlexO · 05-17-2000, 06:20 PM

Dave, what difference will the colder heat range plugs make? Do you only go one range colder?

Neal Colingham · 05-18-2000, 06:45 AM

I just installed a Crane XR3000 in my 76 2.0
I went through same indecision, I was looking
for a system that was an easy install. It took me 45 minutes to install the CD unit and
optical trigger. My car has carbs and would pop and fart when cold but after installing the unit that went away. The part # for the XR-3000 is 3000-0231 and 700-0231 for the XR700.I used a Crane PS60 coil and MSD 8mm coil wires. What follows are what Crane says are the differences between the 700 and 3000.
XR-700 and XR-3000 Specifications
Operating voltage
6 to 18 volts, reverse polarity protected, negative ground only except as
noted. Special 6 volt units can operate down to 3.5 volts.
Coil current limit
4.5 amps for XR-700 (limited by ballast resistor) 5.5 amps for XR-3000
RPM range 6,500 RPM for XR-30006,000 RPM for XR-700 (RPM range higher for 4 and 6 cylinder engines) Primary voltage output
400 volts (inductive discharge).
Primary energy output
90 millijoules for XR-3000 with PS91 coil. 60 millijoules for XR-700 with PS20/40 coil.
Peak spark gap current 100 milliamps for XR-3000 with PS91 coil. 60 milliamps for XR-700 with PS20/40 coil.
Spark duration 300 microseconds at 6,000 RPM.
Operational limit Continuous maximum RPM at 185 degrees F.
As noted in a previous post a tach adapter is not needed.I did not go with colder plugs I just gapped them at about .045.
Hope this helps

JuiceMan · 05-18-2000, 11:39 AM

Yea I will probably go with the XR3000 and the PS91. Did you notice any difference at all in power or starting & idling?

Thanks!

Neal Colingham · 05-22-2000, 07:12 AM

I can't say for sure about the power, my motor has 160K on it and 90 psi compression
so it's long in the tooth. I can say that starting and warming up were greatly Enhanced. I have webers and before the conversion my car ran like $%&*% when cold now it starts and idles almost like it had a choke. I would do this conversion as soon as possible. My car runs quite abit smoother also.