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  #1  
Old 08-22-2014, 02:46 PM
n10 n10 is offline
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w108 280s Crane or Pertronix?

So I am thinking of diving into this conversion but I am torn with what to go with

I have heard good things on both products and may be leaning to a Crane XR700 part number 700-0231. What else would be needed along with this...? A new coil too?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crn-700-0231

I have no expierence with converting point to electric but I do understand the benefits.


1969 280s gas with dual carbs

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  #2  
Old 08-22-2014, 07:28 PM
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Crane or Pertronix

Like you I have no experience with either....I believe both systems and very good.....some say that Pertronix is easy to install and is more reliable....

Pull up the instructions PDF for the crane....

Cannot find detailed instructions for Pertronix.....much discussion by our members on this forum.....
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  #3  
Old 08-22-2014, 07:53 PM
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If you're willing to wait another two weeks, I have a Pertronix + MSD 45kV coil ordered. I'll throw it in as soon as it arrives and let you know exactly what I did and what the results were.

FWIW, it was a huge improvement in cold start quality on my old W114.
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Old 08-22-2014, 09:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mosu View Post
If you're willing to wait another two weeks, I have a Pertronix + MSD 45kV coil ordered. I'll throw it in as soon as it arrives and let you know exactly what I did and what the results were.

FWIW, it was a huge improvement in cold start quality on my old W114.
Right on mosu, let me know!

In the meantime folks please feel free to chime in
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  #5  
Old 08-23-2014, 01:45 AM
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Pertronix

I have a Perortronix and mine and it works great! I was using the wrong coil first (for a 4 cyl), but with the correct coil it is super.

I've heard 2-3 cases of the Cranes failing, so I'd stay away. It's way more complicated too. It does not get much simpler than the Pertronix.
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  #6  
Old 08-23-2014, 09:44 AM
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Pertronix is what I used, installed , never looked back...
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Old 08-23-2014, 10:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by meltedpanda View Post
Pertronix is what I used, installed , never looked back...
X2. Installation's easy (step by step photo essay is in archives). Just don't leave key in ignition position without firing motor for over 10 seconds or they get cooked.

If you've got $450 or so to throw at the problem, the replacement 123-brand replacement distributors look like a great solution. I think user Palolo is running one in his 108.
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Old 08-23-2014, 07:29 PM
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Both are good upgrades. I've used both. I lean towards the Pertronix more since there are no external components. The Crane uses an external control box. Nothing wrong with it, it's just an additional bit of wiring. I ran the Crane for 3 years and until I blew it up, it worked flawlessly.

I fried the opto-receptor in an attempt to direct drive the coil. Oops!
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Old 08-23-2014, 11:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JMela View Post
X2. Installation's easy (step by step photo essay is in archives). Just don't leave key in ignition position without firing motor for over 10 seconds or they get cooked.
Jmela
For some reason I heard this issue was fixed with the ignitor 2...or would that be the same all around?
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Old 08-23-2014, 11:37 PM
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Think you may be correct, but all that was available for my 280s (a few years back) was the original Ignitor.
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Old 08-24-2014, 12:14 AM
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May I suggest a better solution. The 123 Ignition.
123ignition electronic ignition systems for classic cars
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  #12  
Old 08-24-2014, 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by twinockchef View Post
May I suggest a better solution. The 123 Ignition.
123ignition electronic ignition systems for classic cars
Britton, did the 123 make a noticeable difference in performance? It's definitely a cool setup.
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  #13  
Old 08-26-2014, 01:04 PM
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So I decided on the Pertronix which should be delivered shortly.

Now I have another question on the install...

I have the instructions and am now confused
So if I am running a stock Bosch coil do I bypass the resistor or keep it in line?


Instructions say it can go either way...
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Old 08-26-2014, 01:14 PM
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Also with the distro...
I asume the pertronix unit wires go out the direction of the yellow arrow. Whats going on with this ground circled in red? Do I bypass that as well?

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  #15  
Old 08-26-2014, 01:31 PM
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There several reasons why the 123 is superior.

First the other systems of electronic ignition (Crane or Pertronix) require that the original mechanical centrifugal advance system be still fitted which suffers uneven wear and consequent lumpy running of the engine because each cylinder has its own inaccurate ignition timing. Furthermore they all require a separate box for the associated electronics.

The 123 ignition is different, all is contained in one simple module which just goes in place of the original points box, the points operating cam is removed along with the advance weights and their bearings which wear, two strong, small magnets slip onto the drive pins which previously held the advance weights.

The most important advantages of the 123 ignition system is simple to installation without mechanical adaptations.
It has a smoother engine torque curve.
No maintenance – ever again!
Variable dwell angle to prevent low speed overheating of ignition coil and make a better spark at all speeds.
Better starting.
Better emissions.
Better fuel consumption.
Built in LED for simple static ignition timing.

I used a Crane and it failed after one year. The 123 is designed to last substantially longer.
My 68' 280se coupe has run very well since I installed the 123.
I believe any 40 year plus old auto should switch to this system.

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