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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - TF Electronic Ignition Kit

Hey Guys,
I have an unused Crane Cams Electric Ignition Kit that came with a bunch of parts when I bought my 1955 TF 1500.
It's for positive ground and I converted to negative ground when I restored the car, so I didn't use it, kept the points.
If anyone wants it I would be happy to send it to you for the cost of the shipping.
I will never use it and it's still in the original package.
The model is XR-700 and the part number is 720-0231.
Respond back to this thread and we'll get in touch if you would like it.
Thanks,
Dave B.
DW Burdette

Does anyone know if it would work with an XPAG 1250 in a positive ground TD?
Jud
J K Chapin

I'd like to have it andwould gladly pay the postage. I'll send you something in return if you can use it. I have a few things I bought and never used. I have an electronic (aftermarket) tacometer. It's still in the box, too. I have an extra fuel pump and a TD steering wheel.
Chuck chucksch(at)ucsc.edu
cj schmit

Not to mess up anyones plans but I believe Moss shows the unit to work with either positive or negative ground. I have one in my B and it's far and away superior to the pertronix although at the cost of mounting a visible control box.
L E D LaVerne

cj, can you post or send me a picture of your electronic (aftermarket) tachometer. Thanks. Jud

jchapin3 at aol dot com
J K Chapin

LaVerne,

Could you give me the info as to why this system would be superior to the pertronix? I am always trying to become better educated - I am not questioning that it IS better - just why.

Thanks for the lesson,

Jerry

Jerry Chandler 1951 TD

I recall the only difference is in how it is wired up. It came with a diagram for each way. I ran that unit for several years, before replacing with the self-contained Petronix. At least back then, the mounting bracket for the pickup was pretty flimsy, but otherwise it worked great. George
George Butz

Jerry I guess the easy answer is...the Pertonix fail without a lot of provocation ...the Crane..almost never. The pertonix electronics are packed into a unit the size of a thimble....the Crane...about the size of a cigarette box.
L E D LaVerne

Guys,
Paul Jennings was the first to respond that he wanted it (only by minuets he sent me an e-mail)
If he sends me his address I'll ship it to him, if not, I'll let you know.
I'm pleased that it will be put to good use!
Thanks,
Dave B.
DW Burdette

Jerry,

Not sure of the specs on this one Jerry, but sometimes the remote box versions have added features such as a rev limiter. I'm not interested in the pertronics as I've heard of them failing now and again. The added benefit of the rev limiter would be something I'd consider swaping out my points for.

Alex
Alex Waugh



Thanks, LaVerne. I have the pertronix on the TF. May look at changing out to the Crane - may wait until it fails. What do you think about that strategy?

Regards,

Jerry

Jerry Chandler 1951 TD

I have Pertonix in my TF...second one. Positive ground which is really Rube Goldberg wiring. I started to notice that the engine would never fire while cranking but would fire imediatly after I released the starter. So instead of leaving well enough alone a ran a hot wire directly off the battery instead of through the ignition to see if perhaps I was getting some voltage drop there. It fried the module....it shouldn't have but it sure did. I replaced it with the same unit. I've found that the points that I still have on the TD will Oxidize after a month or two of no running and I have to file them clean to get fire...A PIA.

The one thing I don't like about the Crane system is the mounting bracket for the "eye". Easy to get the cap out of phase with the rotor if you don't pay attention when installing it. If I had known the Crane could have been used on the TF I would have bought it instead.
L E D LaVerne

IMHO: Best "strategy" ...carry a spare set of points set up & ready to go. Not a lick of trouble with my Pertronics in over 10 years...but I still don't trust "smd's" (small minature devices) enough to run without a spare.
Then again ...I carry a complete dizzy cap, rotor, and wires as well.
Murphy's law: carry it and it will never fail...leave it home ...forget it!
Having it in the car has got 2 TD's home though...and some nice friends!
David Sheward

This thread was discussed between 27/02/2013 and 28/02/2013

MG TD TF 1500 index

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