If they (speed shop)really said these things as stated, then they indicate
that they really don't know of what they speak, or were misinformed.
Most of the original is snipped, but the pertinent information is noted and
corrected-
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>They said that the MSD operated
>off a regular set of points installed with no gap.
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There has to be SOME gap or you won't have anything to trigger the system.
If your using the points, you have a mechanical switch. This is what
"tells" the electronic box when to turn "on" and "off " the supply voltage
to the coil. If it were installed with the points set with NO gap, then
the "switch" would be constantly on. There must be a gap setting for the
points if used. However, it may be a reduced gap for some reason, although
I don't see the benefit if it's truly a digital system the gap would seem a
mute point (see more below) and actually, I would think there would be a
greater chance of point bounce, and a faulty trigger, with a reduced gap
(IMHO)
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> They also said the Crane units
>are solid state and can be damaged by leaving the ignition on for
>extended periods of time while the MSD's are digital and do not suffer
>this damage potential.
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Not quite correct again. BOTH units are solid state. The term (solid
state) referring to the internal construction of the units I.E they use
some sort of semiconductor in it's construction, be it either transistors
or I.C.'s. Analog or digital refers to the way they operate, NOT the
construction of the units, and in no way reflects the reliability rating.
The type of operation (analog or digital) may however give one unit an
advantage in how well it processes adverse inputs, and it's ability to
deliver a more controlled triggering signal, but it won't make one unit
last longer or survive incorrect assembly or operating conditions. That
would have more to do with the internal design and construction of the unit
in question and how well the designers safeguarded these perceived
conditions. Now, having said that the MSD may well be designed better in
this respect then the Crane unit. I can't say since I have never looked at
either design internally. I can however, say that I have used a Crane unit
in one form or another (when they were Allison) for over eighteen years
with nary a problem. The one in the GT6+ has been working faithfully (with
it's Lucas Gold Sport Coil) for over eight years now-
Barry Schwartz (San Diego) bschwart@pacbell.net
72 FI, V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
70 GT6+ (when I don't drive the Spit)
70 Spitfire (long term project)
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