has anyone installed a cran cams or similar ignition
 

To begin, my XJS is a 1984 5.3 HE, has anyone installed a crane cams or other ignition module. If so do you have either the wire schematics on how you did it or some pics. I believe I saw someone who did, but have not found anything in my search hear.

Thanks Guys

I installed the XR3000 with the PS90 12 volt coil on my 71xke. It worked great for years, and was when I sold the car. I've read where some guys use the XR700 system, but a Crane rep told me that the 3000 was more capable of handling the firing requirements of the V12. I still feel that the 12 volt coil makes a huge difference

i have used the Crane XR700 box for 20yrs on my jag V12, it still works fine for my pre-he engine.

i tried the 3000 box and had misfires at WOT, so went back to the 700.

talked to the actual guy that designed the 3000, he said the technology in the 3000 was not proper for a 12 cylinder engine(he went on explaining but duh).

anywho couple pix of mine. 20yrs and counting, to be honest there are much improved systems out today that may be better,donno.

That wasn't my experience at all. I would turn my 71 V12 7K plus all the time. Ran the 3000 with the 12V coil, and Bosch platinum plugs. Never a misfire ever. I didn't write down the name of the rep at Crane, but was definately told that the 3000 was superior to the 700. But, if it works for you, thats great! I still say it was the 12V coil. The coil that we all know is designed to get 12V during cranking, but the ballast resistor drops it to 6V once it cranks. The 12V coil is 12V full time.

to both ronbro and superccharged, thanks for the input, I was told by someone, don't remember who, that the 700 is not compatible with the HE V12 which is what I have, guess I will have to do some serious research on this. would love to get some more spark. I have heard that the MSD 6 line is suppose to work, but also heard of problems with the MSD. I will have to look at the crane cams 3000 and read up on that one

You can't deny ronbro has good experience . I still say my success with the Crane xr300, was using the 12v coil. A standard coil can't keep up with the firing of the v12

The ignition systems on a V12 E Type, or on a pre HE XJS are simpler to change than on an HE. The Lucas system on the HE that you have is actually extremely reliable and efficient. A change will not give you any more MPG or a better performing engine.

To make a Lucas system for your car perform 100% like new only requires:
* New dizzy cap and rotor
* Lubricate advance mechanism inside dizzy (see K Palm's book)
* New ignition amp
* New plugs and HT leads
* If you want to be 100% sure, new coil.
* New vacuum advance module
Total cost 250 USD using all OEM parts.

And it probably does not need the amp or the coil.

However, as these things are linked to the ECU and have a bearing on the injector pulse, swapping them out for a Crane system is not that straightforward. So, in reality, doing the above will make your car's ignition system as good as it can be. Mapping a new system to the correct adv/retard/load/revs plot is not something that can be done except on an engine dyno, I believe, and this is the real trouble with installing a new system onto any car.

Greg

My next V12 will have Crane ignition with dual 4 barrel carbs. That will increase reliability.

My lucas single coil set up and fuel injection has proven reliable for the past 8 years.

Greg In France, and JTsmks, appreciated you opinions, and I think I will just stay with the current system since I am going over all the wiring, cleaning the connectors, along with cleaning the engine (which is much, much needed) and have all the other things you both mentioned. Maybe it was just a curiosity thing, but you renewed my faith in myself on keeping the original. Haven't posted any new pictures of the engine compartment cleaning and all lately, will have to get some new one put up for everyone. As mention time and time, I did go to trade school for auto mechanics, but that was back from 1973-1974, and when I went into the military haven't kept up or done much on cars, the bug bit me when I saw and bought the XJS and from taking my youngest son to car shows. (maybe I should blame him for all this LOL)