ignition box question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Azle TX
ignition box question
I posted this in the C3 forum but got no response. Do any of you have experience with boxes other than the MSD. Specifically, Mallory, Crane or Jacobs. My 6A has been acting up and I'm looking to replace it. Any comments on other manufacturers?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Santa Ana CA
Originally Posted by 62C1
I posted this in the C3 forum but got no response. Do any of you have experience with boxes other than the MSD. Specifically, Mallory, Crane or Jacobs. My 6A has been acting up and I'm looking to replace it. Any comments on other manufacturers?
The box results in a smoother idle and because the dwell is set by the box, the adjustment of the points is far less critical. For instance, with the box plugged in the car runs OK, but the points can be off so far that the car will not even start with the by-pass plug in place.
The only disadvantage is that you need to use the by-pass plug and pull the box's fuse if you jump the car or you will burn out the box. This is clearly stated in the instructions, but when the car was in the shop, they didn't know this, jumped the car, and burned out the box. I came down to the shop and inserted the jumper and it ran fine until I replaced the box.
Using the box, you by-pass the ballast resistor so the box sees a full 12 volts. I have a jumper wire on the ballast resistor with a plug that I unplug if I need to go to points.
Also, I use Accel high performance points that don't bounce. When using the Mallory, the points only serve as a switch, so they carry no current. As a result they don't burn or need any attention.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I run the Crane HR6. Mounted in front of the wipers. I have a picture of it. You can remove it from the system in under two minutes. just pop the hood and unplug and replug two jacks. it a wonderful sequential misfire for the rev limiter. I could leave my foot on the floor and the rpm would never go over it's 7500 rpm setting.
Just click on MY corvette Photos under my Avitar.
Just click on MY corvette Photos under my Avitar.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Azle TX
Thanks for the insight. My MSD apparently shorted inside taking out my tachometer with it. The box was an older 5A unit that was converted to a 6A unit by the factory. The tach, however, was a year old Autometer memory tach. I'll definitely look at other options.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
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From: eville in
Originally Posted by 62C1
Thanks for the insight. My MSD apparently shorted inside taking out my tachometer with it. The box was an older 5A unit that was converted to a 6A unit by the factory. The tach, however, was a year old Autometer memory tach. I'll definitely look at other options.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
I just saw an article on "stand alone" boxes. Is there anything I can add to my stk HEI that will increase the amount of mech advance over and above the 12-13 in the dist? I want easy starting and top end.
Rick
Rick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
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From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Your going the wrong way whith advance for easy starting.
Originally Posted by Taijutsu
I just saw an article on "stand alone" boxes. Is there anything I can add to my stk HEI that will increase the amount of mech advance over and above the 12-13 in the dist? I want easy starting and top end.
Rick
Rick
Now the eng does idle better with more adv but thats what the vac adv is for. U need to choose a vac can that can bring in the vac adv u want at idle rpm - or install an adjustible vac can. I used a Mighty-Vac break-bleeding hand pump connected to the vac can to measure where the vac starts and drops out. Ex, mine is full vac adv at 15"Hg and out by 5.5psi (WOT).
Sorry 62C1 as i may stepped on your thead a little here but hope this will help steer Rick to the right direction on initial adv.
cardo0
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
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From: Meriden CT
Originally Posted by 62C1
Thanks for the insight. My MSD apparently shorted inside taking out my tachometer with it. The box was an older 5A unit that was converted to a 6A unit by the factory. The tach, however, was a year old Autometer memory tach. I'll definitely look at other options.
I've really gotten my $$$'s worth from AAA since I started driving after the frame off!!!!!