Computronix - Worth the $'s for street use?

[76124]

My 2.0 build in the final stages and now I am faced with using the current Crane Xr700 setup I have been using for 10+ years or going high tech with the Computronix setup. I am using a 1438 cam tower so the dizzy will be on the block regardless for a cleaner top end look.

Motor is nothing over the top, reliable fun was my purpose for a summer driver.

2.0 Block
9.4:1 CR using forged custom pistons and total seal rings
Balanced with the FW and clutch.
Lightened FW
Ported and matched head on both ends
More aggressive intake cam (lost my note on it's specs)
34/36 DFEV carb for now

Thoughts from those who have run both? The xr700 has been flawless at it's job so far, and I don't plan on running this thing at max RPM, so is there a big enough benefit to the dizzy-less setup to justify the cost? (Rebuilding the dizzy and recurving it is about $100.

Thanks

[Daniel]

The re curving part of the dizzy is pretty simple, the small springs that control the advance are changed
the harder part would be finding spring to toy with but I've been down this road on the head mounted
dizzy. About the XR700 it's a good upgrade over points and does a good job I remember using the same
system on a well built 2.0 engine with dual Side Drafts 10.5 CR pistons and Performance Camshafts.
I could feel a gain by the seat of the pants but no dyno runs were taken to see how much improvement
took place. About the Computronix it's a better system from what I've read about it with that said
would it be worth the $$$ this comes down to the owner? I have thousands spent on a engine and car that
is for weekend driving and I'm not done spending, is it worth it for me? yes! why? because in the end I'll
have what i set out to accomplish. Some people will say yes to spend the money on high quality parts
others will not just depends on your preferences.

[So Cal Mark]

your xr7000 merely replaces the points and does not increase spark intensity. You're still faced with a coil that puts out 12000v maximum and that will decrease over 5000rpm. The Computronix unit puts out 60000v up to 12000rpm.
Now, the current Computronix unit is being replaced with a new system that features electronic timing rather than mechanical. It will be a much more compact trigger unit than the current system and will drive from the exhaust cam rather than the block location. This new compact unit will be much easier for owners to install.
We should have the new units in about 4 weeks

[MrJD]

price? I've got standard electronic ignition on a 79 presently... been thinking about upgrading for a more reliable unit. Got any pictures of the install mark?

[So Cal Mark]

the new units aren't available yet

[garion]

Mark, seems like you're on the hook for a lot of pictures recently.. Turbo's, new ignitions, etc.. Maybe you need to hire a photographer?

[76124]

Mark,

Will the new unit also be available for the block side of things? I personally like the cleaner look of two cam towers w/o the dizzy or anything else hanging off the back end. Will the price go down on the old units?

Thanks

[So Cal Mark]

we're sold out on the block mount units, and the new units will drive from the exhaust cam. The trigger unit will be quite small so it will still look pretty clean on top of the motor

[76124]

Well that takes this option off the map then. Thanks for the info.

[131lover]

Hi!
Mark! Please tell us more about the new Computtronics, if you have pics of the new units..

Cheers
Alf

[So Cal Mark]

we don't have the new units yet, so no pics. I can tell you it will have electronic timing, trigger unit will be much smaller than the current unit and it will drive from the exhaust cam location. It will also have the ability to control FI operation

[SunnySideUp]

...will have electronic timing, trigger unit will be much smaller than the current unit and it will drive from the exhaust cam location. It will also have the ability to control FI operation

Sounds like an upgrade! Any chance for a trade-in credit of the older Computronix system? Also - does the new exhaust cam mount have a heat shield of some sort since it will be sitting over the exhaust manifold and has the potential to be "cooked?"

[76124]

To put a bow on this thread I ordered the last old style Computronix unit today. Looking forward to an even cleaner look than I thought I would have.

Thanks, Mark, for checking on this for me and digging up the last unit.

Kraig

[So Cal Mark]

you would only need the trigger unit, the coil and spark plug wires will be the same so we'll try to offer some kind of deal on an upgrade