Crane HI6 finally died, what ignition box do you recommend?

[Badfish]

So, after about ~30 years, I think my Crane HI-6TR has finally died. Blast from the past, I initially had this box on my 1990 Integra, back in the mid-90s. At the time, they didn’t make ignition boxes for sport compacts, so I had to use a V8 box and dial in the rev limiter. Been running it on the cobra since 2004.

I’m still doing some troubleshooting, but I think I isolated my issue to the box. Not sure if when I used a NOCO battery jumper that it surged the system, or it was just time. I’m not getting enough voltage to the coil. Replaced the magnetic pickup; and even did the jumper test bypassing the pickup.

So, Crane is out of business. I was looking at the following: MSD 5520 Street Fire Ignition

My setup is a dual quad carb, with 85 distributor. Converted / modified from 1987 EFI about a decade ago.

Thanks in advance!

[bobl]

Check out Daytona Sensors. They took over some of the original Crane HI 6 technology.

[Badfish]

Thanks, will do. I didn’t know that.

Check out Daytona Sensors. They took over some of the original Crane HI 6 technology.

[StangRacer]

So, after about ~30 years, I think my Crane HI-6TR has finally died. Blast from the past, I initially had this box on my 1990 Integra, back in the mid-90s. At the time, they didn’t make ignition boxes for sport compacts, so I had to use a V8 box and dial in the rev limiter. Been running it on the cobra since 2004.

I’m still doing some troubleshooting, but I think I isolated my issue to the box. Not sure if when I used a NOCO battery jumper that it surged the system, or it was just time. I’m not getting enough voltage to the coil. Replaced the magnetic pickup; and even did the jumper test bypassing the pickup.

So, Crane is out of business. I was looking at the following: MSD 5520 Street Fire Ignition

My setup is a dual quad carb, with 85 distributor. Converted / modified from 1987 EFI about a decade ago.

Thanks in advance!

Have you considered using a Duraspark?

When I raced in CMC I ran the "carb spec" option and we were restricted to the use of the Duraspark ignition and the 85 distributor like you are using. I used a "blue strain" Duraspark box but mounted it in the cabin to keep it away from heat. I found it to be a very simple, inexpensive, and reliable system. I always carried an extra Duraspark box in the trailer JIC but never had to use it.

[Badfish]

Thanks for the intel. I've actually been researching the Duraspark option, especially since I've got the Duraspark distributor. An MSD (or other aftermarket) box would be 100% plug & play, appears the Duraspark module will require some slight modification. Looks like the DSII (blue strain) requires a ballast, but the DSI (red strain / California, hotter spark?) can be used with a straight 12 volts. Looking at wiring diagrams now!

Have you considered using a Duraspark?

When I raced in CMC I ran the "carb spec" option and we were restricted to the use of the Duraspark ignition and the 85 distributor like you are using. I used a "blue strain" Duraspark box but mounted it in the cabin to keep it away from heat. I found it to be a very simple, inexpensive, and reliable system. I always carried an extra Duraspark box in the trailer JIC but never had to use it.

[StangRacer]

Thanks for the intel. I've actually been researching the Duraspark option, especially since I've got the Duraspark distributor. An MSD (or other aftermarket) box would be 100% plug & play, appears the Duraspark module will require some slight modification. Looks like the DSII (blue strain) requires a ballast, but the DSI (red strain / California, hotter spark?) can be used with a straight 12 volts. Looking at wiring diagrams now!

When I was researching the Duraspark I found mixed opinions regarding the ballast. With my CMC car I used a TFI coil and did use a ballast just to be on the "safe side". IIRC, the ballast I used was from a Dodge/Chrysler of some sort. I seem to recall the blue strain box being the one most recommended. I don't recall any modifications I had to do to use the Duraspark... When I wired the CMC car, I used all GM Weatherpack connectors. I sold my CMC car about a month ago and with it went my notebook with all the wiring diagrams so I am going off of memory and, unfortunately, my memory is not as accurate as it once was...

[Badfish]

Thanks. Yeah, most posts I saw were with the blue strain too. Found a post over on VMF with a link to the Pantera forum on the red strain that was interesting. Also saw other posts that the ballast is needed more for the coil than the module, so maybe not needed with the TFI coil.

I hear ya on the memory! Trying to figure out / remember my own wiring…1987 harness, modded for carb, TFI coil, old school starter relay, 1965 ignition switch, Crane ignition box (with some GM connectors) and who knows what else!

When I was researching the Duraspark I found mixed opinions regarding the ballast. With my CMC car I used a TFI coil and did use a ballast just to be on the "safe side". IIRC, the ballast I used was from a Dodge/Chrysler of some sort. I seem to recall the blue strain box being the one most recommended. I don't recall any modifications I had to do to use the Duraspark... When I wired the CMC car, I used all GM Weatherpack connectors. I sold my CMC car about a month ago and with it went my notebook with all the wiring diagrams so I am going off of memory and, unfortunately, my memory is not as accurate as it once was...

[Badfish]

Here’s a few of the threads on DS1 I mentioned:

https://www.vintage-mustang.com/thre...istor.1180215/

https://www.vintage-mustang.com/thre...page-2#replies