Dumb question on Sniper install with Crane XR700

[jhynesrockmtn]

I am working my way through my Sniper install on a 77 FJ40 that had been modified by folks prior to me. It was running a Weber 38 copy and also has a Crane XR700 optically triggered ignition. I have the basic fuel hose wiring done. I am using a Robb MC surge tank and external fuel pressure regulator.

This may not fit anyone's experience here, but my question is, I've read conflicting information on whether the XR700 is a CDI (most responses say no, it is basically a pertronix alternative to replace points). ChatGPT says it is The Sniper instructions are very firm that the yellow wire that connects to the negative side of the coil not be used with a CD type ignition system. It will damage the ECU. So, can I use the conventional wiring with the XR700 or does it put out more power than the sniper can handle even if it isn't a CDI box?

I will be installing the hyperspark distributor at some point. I just want to get the thing running for now and the Holley instructions say to start with a non timing controlled setup.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Too bad you can't ask the maker
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Crane Cams is no longer active. While Crane Cams was re-opened under new ownership in 2009 and was actively engaged in manufacturing and sales, it is now permanently closed.

Maybe Sniper can answer your question. One false move and chips can fry - the reason I don't like black box ignition/fuel injection...

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

Too bad you can't ask the maker
AI Overview
Learn more

Crane Cams is no longer active. While Crane Cams was re-opened under new ownership in 2009 and was actively engaged in manufacturing and sales, it is now permanently closed.

Maybe Sniper can answer your question. One false move and chips can fry - the reason I don't like black box ignition/fuel injection...

Good points (see what I did there?)

I am on hold with Holley now.

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

I ended up talking to a Holley tech. He wasn't directly familiar with the Crane XR700, but I walked him through how it was wired and that the tach is connected to the negative side of the coil. There is no separate tach out like on an MSD box. He said go ahead and use the coil for the tach signal (yellow wire) on my setup. His premise is that if the Crane diagram shows a tach taking its signal from the coil, I can use that for the Sniper.

Hopefully that makes sense. I hate electrical.

 

[Jdc1]

I ended up talking to a Holley tech. He wasn't directly familiar with the Crane XR700, but I walked him through how it was wired and that the tach is connected to the negative side of the coil. There is no separate tach out like on an MSD box. He said go ahead and use the coil for the tach signal (yellow wire) on my setup. His premise is that if the Crane diagram shows a tach taking its signal from the coil, I can use that for the Sniper.

Hopefully that makes sense. I hate electrical.

With that being said- the sniper hates dirty electrical. Anything that you can do to simplify and cleanup your ignition system will be beneficial.

 

[JohnnyC]

I have been running the crane cams XR700 ignition and the predecessor Allison for over 40 years … it is NOT a CDI

It is only a controller for the optical trigger

Great system … sorry to hear they are not making them anymore

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

I have been running the crane cams XR700 ignition and the predecessor Allison for over 40 years … it is NOT a CDI

It is only a controller for the optical trigger

Great system … sorry to hear they are not making them anymore

Thank you for that confirmation. I will be going hyperspark eventually with this. If you need a backup xr700, happy to send it your way.

 

[zerotreedelta]

Funny, mine also had the XR700. It's simple, so it should work...I just jumped to the Hyperspark right away so never tried it.

Mine's also on the shelf if anyone ever needs it.

 

[jembourbe]

Those Crane modules are still made and available from FAST (Fuel Air Spark Technology), although it looks like only the XR-3000. That may be a good thing because the 3000 can operate on full 12v (no ballast resistor), whereas you can fry the 700 by bypassing the resistor.

I've been running a Crane XR-700 on my 2F since the mid-90s, and I've never had to clean or reset points or timing in that period. And since 2003 the Crane has been providing spark/tach signal for a fuel-only Megasquirt EFI. The Megasquirt can take a spark signal from the coil, like the Holley. If that's what you ended up doing, and if the Sniper is not liking the tach signal, you can clean-up the signal by putting a resistor in-line in the signal wire.