Credit_Card_Guy

Looking to change over to a MSD ignition and change from points to the optical replacement on the distributor. Wanting to do this job myself. Anyone has experience with this? Everything I have read leads me to believe it is a relatively easy switch.

Ps -- this is on my 74 S.

Input please.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Kevin,

JMHO, but if you do the conversion, I would use a Pertronix in lieu of the optical unit to trigger your MSD. Make sure the MSD is VERY VERY well grounded and use the white/orange wires to trigger it from either points or Pertronix.

Its very reliable and easy to do.

Credit_Card_Guy

interesting .... I was thinking of going with the Crane precision optical ignition and the MSD. Anyone no the advantages of going with the MSD 6AL vs the 6A ignition control?

LaughaC

I went thru the same decision and hated the optical setup. I only chose the 6AL because it has a boost retard port that I intend to use someday when I install a turbo.

Credit_Card_Guy

Chris,

Why did you hate the optical?

LaughaC

The optical kit relied on a thin, brittle plastic wheel that spins between a narrow gap in the pickup sensor. After a great deal of adjusment I was never satisfied that the sensor was secure and felt the wheel was destined for a destructive collision sooner or later.

At first I didn't trust the idea of a magnetic pickup, but a Porshe 356 racer convinced me and installed it in about 3 minutes. It has been rugged and reliable for several years now, and cost less than half as much as the optical.

Credit_Card_Guy

So -- I take it you used this on your 77S? If so, which one did you go with?

LaughaC

I had to go look.

Yep, I have the Pertronix Ignitor. Very simple installation and noticable low-end improvement with the MSD.

The adjustable rev-limiter on the MSD 6AL is also nice. All I had to do was add a 6500 RPM plug that I bought from the local parts store. It came with 6000 and 7000. I'm not sure the 6A has the rev-limiter so that's something else to consider.

butzip

I'm running a Crane Cams Hi-6 ignition w/rev limiter, Ps91 coil and pertronix on my 912. This set up is a massive improvement over the stock points etc.. Install was pretty straight fwd except for the tachometer adaptor. The pertronix 'ignitor' install was a snap. I've run this set up for the last 10 years flawless performance no adjustments. I don't exceed 6200rpm but if I remember it's good up to 10,000rpm. Money well spent in my opinion, get the module with the adjustable rev limiter, you'll welcome the flexibility at the track. Good luck!

911pcars

FWIW, I've had the Crane Optical trigger unit in my Bosch distributor for 10 years. No problem yet (knock on wood).

I think the Crane and the latest Pertronix versions are fairly reliable.

Sherwood

Credit_Card_Guy

WOW -- Thanks everyone. I am really looking forward to this conversion.