I am thinking about buying the Crane XR-700-0231 for my car. However, a couple of questions: how difficult is it to install and will I need any other new parts (ie distrubutor cap)?

Thanks

Xr-700 comes complete and installation instructions are good.
I reccomend pulling the dist. to make it easier to work on. It will only go back one way, so there is no concern on tooth timing.

No other parts are needed and the stock coil is fine for the better optical switching.

You will notice much faster starts and
smooth running.
i recommend gapping the plugs a little larger with the new ignition.
Arthur

I put a Crane XR700 in my '70 280S and could not believe the difference. I thought I had lean carbs because when the car was cold it was a unbearable until it heated up.

I started it up after dropping in the Crane and a Bosch Blue coil. Car starts and doesn't skip a beat now.

Saved me from fooling with good carbs.

Installation was very simple and I tucked everything where the transistor module was.

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Frank

I would recommend the Pertronix Electronic Ignition also...Check out www.pertronix.com

Would the Crane system discussed offer a similar improvement - and is it available for the fuel-injected 4.5 V8 engines?

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1972 280SE 4.5

Tom:

I believe the Crane system (I have one on my 250C) would be an improvement on any point system. Crane systems fit "almost every" point system. When I did my conversion (2 years ago) I got the "new" conversion kit which was a universal kit for 4-6-8 cyl engines. I talked with the Crane reps before I got the kit and they said that the kit fit all Bosch distributors - no exclusions.

My .02.

Dan

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Dan Taylor/ Tulsa, OK MBCA
'84 300D/'90 Jaguar XJ6/XJ40

So, where do we get 'em? Steve

They are available locally (Tulsa, OK) at speed shops and import auto parts stores. They are also available from JC Whitney.

Dan

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Dan Taylor/ Tulsa, OK MBCA
'84 300D/'90 Jaguar XJ6/XJ40

The Crane Cams unit is excellent. I have installed it on my 190SL and my 230SL. You can get it directly from http://www.cranecams.com/CraneCams.htm

You can also review an installation by bstreep, a consistant mercedesshop poster, on his 190slgroup.com site.

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Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-speed, 95 E320 Wagon, 01 E320 Wagon, MGB, Boxster 'S', 190SL "Barn Find"