Pertronix vs Crane Fireball XR700

[Anonymous]

Hey everyone,

I've been reading up in here for awhile now for tips on keeping my cars running and thought I'd finally join in. I'm still pretty much a beginner on cars but I've learned A LOT just keeping my cars up and running.

Anyway, a lot of people on here switch to the pertronix ignitor when they do a points conversion or a DSII upgrade but has anybody tried something different like the crane xr700? If so, what do you think about it?

Personally, I'm running both. I have the xr700 on my '66 and it's been running great for the past 6 years. I've only had one problem with it and that was loose wiring. And on my '67 I have the pertronix on it.

My preference... the xr700... but only because my '66 has more power and just seems more fun to drive!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Watcher75,

Wecome to the forum. First time out and a very interesting question. I have never heard of the xr700. Tell us more. Where did you get it? What is it, a complete dizzy or a conversion?

As to the difference in the performance of your two cars, this could be the result of a number of issues, i.e., engine condition. However, there is also a material weight difference between the two cars, the convert being quite a bit heavier.

Again, welcome - Steve

 

[Anonymous]

http://www.cranecams.com/import/xr700xr3000.htm

 

[addo]

Steve, the XR-700 is an opto-electronic add on for the factory distributor. It uses a slotted plate to "break" a light beam, triggering the module. The OptoSpark is similar in action. There's probably more brands again.

Adam.

p.s. I'm curious as to why the transformer type coils aren't common. They are cheap here, and reasonably widely in use.

 

[CobraSix]

Isn't it like the mallory uni-lite or whatever it's called.

It looks like a combination unilite with a CD control box like MSD.

Definitely looks interesting, but I've heard of some problems with light beam systems. So I wanted a more solid state one.

I think the real key is that any upgrade from the old points system is a good thing.

Also, welcome!

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Watcher75,


As to the difference in the performance of your two cars, this could be the result of a number of issues, i.e., engine condition. However, there is also a material weight difference between the two cars, the convert being quite a bit heavier.

Again, welcome - Steve

It's definitely the engine condition between the two cars. The convertible has the original engine and when we bought it it seemed like everything was put together quickly to make it look nice.

As for the '66 it had a rebuilt '77 block with a '75 head. It runs a little rough and the whole car vibrates on idle at a stop light... when it runs smooth I always get the feeling my car stalled so I dont mind a little vibration. I've had this car for about 7-8 years when I first bought it in Vegas so I have a sort of an attachment to it.

Now for the weight difference, the convertible was actually lighter. I forget by how much but it was around 100lbs lighter I think. We have to pay a weight tax here so the convertible is cheaper for registration by about $10.

Anyway I picked up the crane xr700 from autozone. It was a fairly easy install and the only problem I've had with it was a loose wire (after fiddling with everything for months and THINKING I fixed the problem each time). I had an msd 6a box with it but I was having problems with that (found out it was the grounding) and I was going to install it again when I moved here to Hawaii but it was lost during the move. Oh well...

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