Electronic Triggered Ignition Systems (again)

[Gary Godula]

Looking for recommendations for a reliable electronic triggered ignition system for FF Bosch distributor. I had an Ivey-installed Pertronix system that lasted 3 race weekends, and just had a Crane/FAST XR700 system fail this past weekend after a season of use. Both systems were using the recommended low impedance Pertronix Flame Thrower coil. Is there anything else out there that lasts more than a season? Points and condensers are a lot cheaper than $140 for the Pertronix and $120 for the Crane/FAST system.

[chrisw52]

I have been using the Crane Fast XR700 system flawlessly for over a decade. I use their ignition coil designed for the system.

https://www.jegs.com/i/FAST/244/730-0040/10002/-1
or
https://www.jegs.com/i/FAST/244/730-0020/10002/-1

I tried using the fast system with other coils including the stock Bosch ignition coil and always ran into issues. The "stock" Bosch coils were hit or miss.

your problem might be the choice of coil in your setup

[Rick Kirchner]

I've used a pertronix with a bosch blue coil for probably 15 years.

[kea]

I've used a pertronix with a bosch blue coil for probably 15 years.

Compared to a number of 1600 and 2000 racers I know, you've been blessed.

[old 59]

I've used a pertronix with a bosch blue coil for probably 15 years.

This for me too…it’ll probably die next event now that I’ve said it…

[pooch776]

I have had similar results to Stephen and Rick. I have used both Pertronix I (black) and Pertronix II (red) modules in Bosch Distributors with great success for the past 10 years. You must use the black module with a 3 ohm (Bosch Blue) coil and the red module with a .6 ohm (Pertronix) coil or the module will fail.

I have only had two failures in the past 10 years. Both self inflected. The first because I left the ignition on and the second because I connected the distributor to the wrong terminals on the coil. That said, I always keep a spare Pertronix distributor and coil in the trailer just in case.

YMMV, Joe

[Gary Godula]

From everything I have read and heard, the older Pertronix systems appear to be reliable. Apparently anything manufactured over the past 5 years or so is subject to failure, regardless of which coil you use with it. If you have one of the older systems, hold onto it.

As for the FAST coils to work with the Crane/FAST XR700, there was no reference in any XR700 material stating to use a specific coil, just a low impedance unit. Additionally, the FAST coils that are reference above are only rated to 6500 rpm, which is not high enough for racing usage. How well do they function in the 6500-7000 rpm range?

I never lost track time due to a points/condenser failure, but these electronic units and their random failures have cost me way too much track time to want to reinstall one anytime soon.

[chrisw52]

From everything I have read and heard, the older Pertronix systems appear to be reliable. Apparently anything manufactured over the past 5 years or so is subject to failure, regardless of which coil you use with it. If you have one of the older systems, hold onto it.

As for the FAST coils to work with the Crane/FAST XR700, there was no reference in any XR700 material stating to use a specific coil, just a low impedance unit. Additionally, the FAST coils that are reference above are only rated to 6500 rpm, which is not high enough for racing usage. How well do they function in the 6500-7000 rpm range?

I never lost track time due to a points/condenser failure, but these electronic units and their random failures have cost me way too much track time to want to reinstall one anytime soon.

I run my engine up to 7k all day long with no issues from the ignition system. Don't know why there is no reference to the coil, but Crane did purchase the FAST system from another company, so maybe that's it.

I also have a MSD-8728 rev limiter installed with a 7000 rpm module installed.

Just a thought, if the XR700 unit led still flashes when you crank it, then it is still most likely still functional. That tells me its a coil impedance issue.

[Offcamber1]

I never lost track time due to a points/condenser failure, but these electronic units and their random failures have cost me way too much track time to want to reinstall one anytime soon.

I haven't either, but I have lost lap time on a track due to a failing condenser.

They always work fine in the paddock...

[Rick Kirchner]

I haven't either, but I have lost lap time on a track due to a failing condenser.

They always work fine in the paddock...

Yup. Lost probably half a season chasing a bad condenser that acted like a soft rev limiter taking a couple hundred RPM off each successive weekend....

[Gary Godula]

Just a thought, if the XR700 unit led still flashes when you crank it, then it is still most likely still functional. That tells me its a coil impedance issue.[/QUOTE]

We were getting complete ignition cut-outs and electrical popping sounds with ignition on, engine off. The unit did the same with two different coils. We went from running flawlessly for a season to toasting 2 coils in less than 10 minutes of track time, which tells me there is something within the unit which is failing the coils.

[chrisw52]

"We were getting complete ignition cut-outs and electrical popping sounds with ignition on, engine off."

yeah, that's not good. The ignition cutouts I experienced in the past before I switch coils, but the electrical popping with the engine off is not good..
that's a bummer dude. Personally, I would try another unit, but it sounds like your done with Crane...

[tstrong]

So Ivey is now using a new Lucas based electronic unit (I know, LUCAS). We have had good luck with these units and the pertronics low impedance coil. You need to make sure it is the epoxy filled coil and not the oil filled. They make both and I have had a failure of the oil filled one, but not the epoxy one (I do carry a spare so likely will never need it). Several of us in CA are running this setup with pretty good success. Not perfect but better than anything else I’ve tried. Also agree points and condenser used to be bulletproof but now you can’t get quality parts for them either. Todd