Pertronix Ignitor VS Crane Fireball XR-700 Ignition

[1972 250c]

No more points!!!!!! I am switching to electronic ignition and am looking for advice on the following two products Pertronix Ignitor and Crane Fireball XR-700 Ignitions. One is a magnetic trigger and the other is an optical trigger. Pretty much the same in the way they function, right? any advice would be appreciated. thanks.

[grezm0nkey]

next best thing to sliced bread. i put in a fireball last fall before the winter. had enough of the points, was tweeking and adjusting every 3 weeks. it was pretty cut and dry for my install. i read the instructions online first before i bought from crane for my fireball. hardest part for me was to route the wiring thru the distributor hole, was trying not to create any sharp bends in wires and chaff in the hole. some guys in here have mentioned smelling and seeing smoke from the resistor, if u are using one, and claimed its from burning in or oils, but it burns off. i didnt have that problem, no smoke, no smell from my resistor. just make sure no wires or the sensor brakets bind up the floating advance plate in the distributor. i pulled all the guts out and cleaned it carefully with q-tips dipped in contact cleaner, then lightly greased the hold down bearing ball. also had new cap rotor and wires while i was at it. it started on first try but rough. took 2 adjustments on sensor to smooth out idle and a third tweek with a time light to set final idle. make sure u mark all positions of distributor and internals before u start anything. take note of the TDC mark on the lip/side of the distributor, if not, mark it. when timing i cleaned the grooves in the balencer and used a grease pencil to fill grooves with yellow and wiped, leaving yellow in grooves to see better when timing. good luck on ur install.

grez

[rgnprof]

I don't think you'll be able to find a Pertronix for your application - I couldn't for my 72 250. Pertronix said they would special make one for me, but $$$. So I went with the Crane XR700 and I also put in a new Crane coil at the same time. You might search by my user name here and read some of my questions/concerns from my installation - really wasn't that bad.

Ryan

[fasted]

Used a Pertronix unit in a 1967 Mustang Convertible (289 V8) for about 5 years until I sold the car. Worked as advertised. No problems to report and highly endorsed.

fasted

[tosbt]

One or the other, just do it!

[Wes Bender]

Got Crane systems running along with their hot coil on both the 280SL and the Austin-Healey. They're fairly generic as long as you get the correct shutter wheel for the number of cylinders you are dealing with. Puts an end to filing points and adjusting timing. I had one Crane system (actually Allison, their predecessor) fail about 14 or 15 years ago. Crane replaced it under warranty.

As you can tell, I like 'em.

Wes

[billrei]

I have had a Crane ignition in my W108 250SE for the past 30K miles with no problems at all. Just take the time to get the spacing and clearances set properly or it will chewup the sensor fast. The nice thing about the Pertronix system is it all fits under the distributor cap keeping a more OEM appearance.

[Anthony Cerami]

Used a Pertronix II unit in a 1967 250se coupe and a 1972 280se 4.5.
great product ........
Call customer support first to be sure you get the right application.