crank triggers
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
crank triggers
like to hear opinions about the use of crank triggers with msd ignitions. are they really that much better than the HEI trigger on the distributor. how difficult are they to install.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
That's my next mod.....
My Vortec engine Timing cover has a crank sensor mount so when I built it I put the relucter ring in... it's a 12v GM sensor that wires right up to the MSD 6AL box AND I'm going to install the MSD Fixed Curve Timing Computer so I won't need the springs/weights or the Vacume advance..... To me it's the best of both worlds ..... My Dist driven tach will still work, MSD has a built-in Rev. limiter and I can hook-up a shift light!!!
As far as an aftermarket trigger .... they look pretty easy to install and it's well worth it as far as I'm thinking..... No timing variation due to Timing chain or Dist drive gear wear!!!
My Vortec engine Timing cover has a crank sensor mount so when I built it I put the relucter ring in... it's a 12v GM sensor that wires right up to the MSD 6AL box AND I'm going to install the MSD Fixed Curve Timing Computer so I won't need the springs/weights or the Vacume advance..... To me it's the best of both worlds ..... My Dist driven tach will still work, MSD has a built-in Rev. limiter and I can hook-up a shift light!!!
As far as an aftermarket trigger .... they look pretty easy to install and it's well worth it as far as I'm thinking..... No timing variation due to Timing chain or Dist drive gear wear!!!
Last edited by jcswm; Nov 25, 2004 at 08:46 PM. Reason: can't spell
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 56
From: Shawano WI
I recommend the MSD crank trigger for all the race engines I build. It is my opinion that it is the best ignition available for a race engine that wants a fully locked timing curve. The timing mark is rock solid steady.
But on a street motor you need an advance curve, You can add a timing module but that will only give you a replacement for the mechanical advance. You will not have a way to use the vaccume advance and that may affect your light tip in throttle response. It will definately affect your fuel milage (may or may not be a concern for you). If you use v-belt pulleys you will have an alignment problem because the trigger wheel will space the lower pulley out 3/8". That means you will have to find a way to space all the rest of the pulley out 3/8" to match it.
My opinion is on a race car with a fixed advance it is the best available. But on a street motor where you need a timing curve that is constantly changing it has too many negatives to overcome without any real advantage over a standard distributor.
But on a street motor you need an advance curve, You can add a timing module but that will only give you a replacement for the mechanical advance. You will not have a way to use the vaccume advance and that may affect your light tip in throttle response. It will definately affect your fuel milage (may or may not be a concern for you). If you use v-belt pulleys you will have an alignment problem because the trigger wheel will space the lower pulley out 3/8". That means you will have to find a way to space all the rest of the pulley out 3/8" to match it.
My opinion is on a race car with a fixed advance it is the best available. But on a street motor where you need a timing curve that is constantly changing it has too many negatives to overcome without any real advantage over a standard distributor.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield Ohio
I'm also considering a crank trigger with the Crane dist. The crane has a dial adjustable mechanical and vacuum advance which is pretty cool! As for pully alignment, I have custom made (by me) alternator and PS brackets that allow about 1/2" of in/out so if I add a 3/8 water pump spacer I sould be set! If you get the March brackets, I believe they're also adjustable.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield Ohio
Originally Posted by SmokedTires
exdrag how bout some pics of those brackets 
The pictures of my brackets are at the links below. (there is also a turnbuckle on the rear of the ps pump to the front motor mount bolt that's not shown)
http://www.angelfire.com/oh/theboatg...altbracket.jpg
http://www.angelfire.com/oh/theboatg.../psbracket.jpg
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Thanks for sharing your pics exdrag 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 56
From: Shawano WI
Originally Posted by exdrag77
I'm also considering a crank trigger with the Crane dist. The crane has a dial adjustable mechanical and vacuum advance which is pretty cool!
Pete
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield Ohio
Originally Posted by Pete79L82
Unless Crane has recently change their distributors, when you use the distributor with a crank trigger set-up you have to place the distributor into a locked position. This will disable both the "mechanical" and the "vacuum" advance capabilities of the distributor. The crank trigger is used for all timing changes and the distributor is only used as a rotor. This is the same as MSD. Any additional timing controls have to be done with add on boxes.
Pete
Pete
Last edited by exdrag77; Nov 27, 2004 at 04:24 PM.