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Triumph TR6 - Electronic ignition

I'm considering electronic ignition for my '75 TR6. I understand that the Petronix is good as is the Crane syetem. What are the advantages of one over the other?


Thanks.
G.A. Feigel

I don't know that I would really use the term advantages as much as difference in operational approach. The Pertronix is a Hall Effect unit, i.e. ituses a ring embedded with magnets that trigger the ignition when the magnets pass the pickup unit.

The Crane unit is an optical chopper system. An indexed chopper ring passes between a light source and a pickup unit triggering the ignition.

My own personal choice is the Pertronix tied in with an MSD6AL, there are many on this board that use the Pertronix and a seemingly similar number that use the Crane, each have their advocates.

Since you've "membered up," I would suggest that search the archives for additional threads on the subject. Lots of information, somewhat heated discussions and URLs where you can read about Pertronix, Crane and MSD.
SteveP

G.A.
Hello there,
Like Steve says, you want to visit the ARCHIVES (2nd last underlined link top this page). You will want to learn about choice of coil as it relates to YOUR Ballast resistor ignition system.
I have Pertronix with HO coil. Works great for me. I like the idea that it is virtually invisible.

Do not expect performance improvements, but more peace of mind for our old dizzys.
Rick C
Rick Crawford

Thanks Steve and Rick. Although I'm not an active participant I do follow what's going on and very mcuh appreciate everyone's input on a vast aray of subjects.

On the electronic ignition side of things, am I corect in my understanding that the Crane system would compensate for wear in the distrubutor where the Petronix system would only replace points and condensor?

Again thanks or your help. I want ot be sure that Santa makes the right choice!

Gerry
G.A. Feigel

Either will compensate for bushing and breaker/action plate wear to some extent, but if the wear is severe then you need to think in terms of rounding up another distributor. One thing that I forgot to mention is that the with the Pertronix, you do have to be selective about the rotor used. Some aftermarket rotors will not work with the Pertronix, they are physically too large and will foul the pick up. No problem with the Lucas rotors or any that are the same size as the Lucas units.
SteveP

Gerry - The crane unit is also pickey about rotors. No Bosch units,too big.
Don K.
DON KELLY

This thread was discussed between 05/12/2004 and 06/12/2004

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