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Posted by: 2-OH! Aug 9 2004, 12:19 PM

1975 - 2.0 - FI - Stock Motor

OK...I'm ready to convert from points to Electronic Ignition...whats the favorite...

2-OH!

Posted by: SLITS Aug 9 2004, 12:25 PM

Like a__h___es, everyone has one.

My favorite is the Allison\Crane Optical ( around $130).

For cheap - Petronix & Permatune (around $60).

Your choice - they all work!

Posted by: georgia914 Aug 9 2004, 12:31 PM

Anyone give advice on installing/troubleshooting the crane xr3000 setup in a 1.8? just put one in and have no response... no spark?

Posted by: SLITS Aug 9 2004, 01:45 PM

No response from what?

The one I have (XR700) has an led indicator on the unit that lights up when the light beam passes thru one of the slots. Very useful in setting the initial timing.

Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Aug 9 2004, 01:58 PM

For simplicity and ease of installation, the Compufire unit is a great deal, even at the higher price they ask. Dead reliable, installs in about 10 minutes with virtually NO hassle. It doesn't come with any type of CDI unit like the Crane Allison has. I have seen far too many Pertronix units fail, and you don't even want to get me started on Permatunes ................ HTH, The Cap'n

Posted by: 2-OH! Aug 9 2004, 02:24 PM

OK, Cap'n...which model of Compufire ???

Yeah I know, the one for the 914...

2-OH!

Posted by: bperry Aug 9 2004, 11:35 PM

A bit off tipic but anybody ever use the "Accu-fire". It looks
like a Compu-Fire ripoff. Looks exactly the same but its half the price.

I have used the Compu-Fire and have been very happy with it.
Its really easy to install.
There are 2 compufire versions for VW distributors.
1 for the 009/094/050 (model #21100) and 1 for
the "stock" distributors with VAC advance (model #21101).
From talking to Comp-fire they are exactly
the same other than a small spacer that comes with the
VAC advance version - which is the one that will be needed
for your setup.
I'm not sure why they sell 2 versions since they said that the
VAC advance versions works in both types and the cost to
customers is the same.

Some reading material about install:
http://www.geocities.com/vwresource/compufire.html

Tons of guys carry them.
CB has them: (they use their own part #s)
http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=345

--- Bill

Posted by: p914 Aug 10 2004, 10:34 AM

I got a 75 2.0 and put on the Jacobs I.C.E. Pak. Great results.. Run a colder plug when using the electronic ignition.

http://www.jacobselectronics.com/products/energypaks/icepak.htm

Posted by: Dave_Darling Aug 10 2004, 11:17 AM

Just to clarify--that ICE pack (whatever) is a CDI, not a points replacement. It's just like an MSD or a Crane HI-6; it's a capacitive-discharge ignition which has multiple-spark capability. It uses the stock points, or whatever points-replacement gizmo you like.

As for points replacements, I like the Crane. It doesn't melt down if you leave the key on for more than 30 seconds without the motor running. The Pertronix can and does. I've also seen the Compufire melt down (funny, looks just like the Pertronix when that one fails...).

The Crane is an uglier install, with the extra box on the firewall and extra wires running around. But I prefer its "relatively" bullet-proof construction. I also like the principle better than the Hall-effect used by the Pertronix and Compufire.

--DD

Posted by: jgiroux67 Aug 10 2004, 03:56 PM

I just got a Crane xr700. What do I need to do to install it? What do you need to take out? Where is the best place to mount it?

Posted by: jgiroux67 Aug 11 2004, 07:31 PM

anybody?

Posted by: Dave_Darling Aug 12 2004, 06:55 PM

There should be instructions with it... If not, check Crane's website out; they have 'em. (Google for it.)

You need a place to mount it; I put mine on the firewall in that area. I needed to drill mounting holes; but I'm sure there are alternatives that don't require drilling. Apart from that, there's a pin-extractor tool that comes in handy, a few wrenches for messing around with the distributor (10mm and 13mm; I use a socket for the latter), and a flat-head screwdriver. Oh, and some RTV or something else to plug the hole in the side of the dizzy.

--DD

Posted by: SLITS Aug 12 2004, 10:54 PM

I mounted control unit to firewall near battery with self tapping sheet metal screws.

Removed points/condenser - used plastic plug that came with them (drilled out wires and spade terminal) - ran Crane wires thru it - mounted sensor, etc per instructions-Love It.