Restoration

Over the years manufacturers have made a number of changes to the basic internal combustion engine. One of the most important advancements by far was doing away with the contact points and going to electronic ignition. Just as when carburetors were replaced with electronic fuel injection, going to a digital ignition improves drivability and eliminates maintenance.


For owners of older cars who want to benefit from this advancement in technology, a number of aftermarket retrofits are available. For instance, Crane Cams XR-i electronic ignition module is designed to replace conventional breaker points on Chevrolet and Ford V-8 engines.

Just in Time
The kit converts points distributors into fully digital technology. In addition to the benefits already mentioned, this system means you won't have to replace or set points again, and it features super accurate ignition timing with a built-in adjustable rev limiter.


So how does it work? According to Crane, the XR-i ignition uses a Hall Effect Sensor to detect the lobes of the distributor points cam. Dwell is controlled by the battery voltage and engine rpm to provide maximum ignition energy and minimum component heating. (Note: Dwell meter readings are meaningless with electronic ignitions and should be ignored.)


The mechanical and vacuum advance mechanisms work the same as with the original breaker points. All of which means, you'll be able to update your ignition system so that it's both pretty and pointless. www.cobraaccessories.com


Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2009



 
Photo Guide

On this particular install, we'll be working on a Ford 429 engine. After removing the distributor cap and the rotor, remove the e-clip holding the vacuum linkage arm to the points plate with a small screwdriver.

Remove the two screws for the vacuum mechanism from the distributor body and set them aside.

Carefully remove the two screws holding the points plate assembly to the inside of the distributor. Lubricate these screws generously to avoid damage to the threads in the distributor body.

Remove the points plate assembly from the distributor. (This assembly should be saved because replacements are not available for this particular component.)

Here are all the parts needed for the conversion. Press the nylon center ring into the bottom plate and ensure it is fully seated. Press the four supplied nylon slides into the top plate from the bottom side. Now assemble the adapter plates and the center ring. Align the two small cutouts in the top plate with the mounting holes in the bottom plate.

Place the adapter plate assembly into the distributor and align the holes in the bottom plate with the holes in the distributor body. Now place the larger ring terminal of the jumper wire on one of the supplied 8-32 screws with the flat side of the ring terminal facing away from the head of the screw.

Secure the adapter plate assembly to the distributor with the 8-32 screws, plastic washers, and aluminum spacers as shown. (Note: It is recommended that a thread lock compound be applied to the screws before installing them in the distributor in order to keep them from vibrating or working loose.) Route the XR-i wire harness through the hole in the distributor. Install the supplied grommet over the wire harness and insert into the cable end of the distributor.

Apply thermal grease to the bottom side of the module. Install the module with the 6-32 hardware, but do not tighten. The jumper wire must be installed on the mounting ear with the metal pad. The flat side of the ring terminal should contact the mounting ear. Push the module as close to the points cam as possible without touching the points cam lobe. Tighten the hardware to secure the module in place.

Replace the vacuum mechanism and secure with the two screws. Connect the black/yellow wire of the module to the Coil-terminal of the coil with one of the ring terminals. If the coil has an external ballast resistor wire, use the Scotchlock connector to connect the black/red wire of the module to the switched +IGN supply. If the coil has an internal ballast resistance, install the other ring terminal to the black/red wire of the module and connect this to the position terminal of the coil. Replace the rotor and distributor cap, and then start your engine and set the ignition timing according to manufacturer's specifications.



Related Articles
Leaf Spring Resto
Positraction Install
Carburetor Classics: The Notorious Stromberg 97
Exhaust System Insulation
How to keep Drum Brakes cool


autoMedia Car Blog
Nissan Back on Track with 2010 Lineup
In the late ‘90s, Nissan brought a handful of automotive journalists into its California headquarters. The company was struggling, and it seemed as ... more...

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs
It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each.SEMA is not quite ov ... more...

Pricing: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan
Suzuki is coming out swinging with its all-new Kizashi sedan, striking at the vital midsized sedan segment. Each Kizashi features all-wheel drive and ... more...


Forum Highlights
Re: Aluminum wheels and a flat tire
I am sure you have your tire changed by now, but this is a common problem when using aluminum wheels.  Once you realize you have a problem, hitti ... more...

Re: Chevy 3.8L Engine cutout
 I would call it in intermediate job.  You will need some special tools to do it, but if you have some experience doing repairs, and not jus ... more...

Re: The correct Voltage/Amps for Horn??
I'm not sure I have ever seen an actual horn go bad.  When they do stop working, it is usually an electrical issue.  You want to make sure i ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!
Zip Code

Used Car Buying Guide


2000-2009 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.