Crank Trigger

[js72mav]

Wondering what the pros and cons are of using a crank trigger over a billet distributor? Does one make your car faster than the other, or is one just better for the valve timing, etc.

Thanks!

[Mike Taylor 3601]

The crank trigger should give you more stable timing than dist.. I have dynoed w/both I never have seen real power difference,however if you have mechanical advance in dist. and timing is not stable,can see timing marks moving around bouncing,not staying steady when advanced it will hurt power,and can be fixed usaully by locking advance,take dist gear off ,shaft out,under where weights are there is nut that takes 11/32 wrench remove it w/bushing and rotate 180 degrees where there is hole that stud will fit through and reinstall nut and reassemble dist.
One advantage I see w/crank trigger is when using alot of retard,like with nitrous is that you can phase rotor when timing is retarded.
There maybe some power in crank trigger,but have seen alot change and not go any faster.
Crank trigger or dist. won't have any effect on valve timing,they will only effect ignition timing.
Mike Taylor 3601

[js72mav]

Thanks Mike!

[201250]

I am no expert on this subject, but I can give you feedback when I changed to one. Mike is right when it comes to the stable nature of the crank trigger. The marks were very stable, which allowed for small adjustments to be made. The other change I made at the same time was installing a Jessel Belt drive. You cannot believe how stable the entire valve train was. Quieted the noise and vibration completely. No numbers to back it up but the engine was making more power. This was a big block Mopar.

Terry

[1320racer]

All I can tell you is claims of more stable timing aside, my 950HP engine, turning 8000 in the lights in my nearly 3200 lb. ride that makes 250+ passes a season, prints time slips WITHOUT a crank trigger and no belt drive either.

[buzzinhalfdozen]

Originally Posted by 1320racer

All I can tell you is claims of more stable timing aside, my 950HP engine, turning 8000 in the lights in my nearly 3200 lb. ride that makes 250+ passes a season, prints time slips WITHOUT a crank trigger and no belt drive either.

Nope, crank triggers are no good the OE manufacturers spent millions of dollars putting crank trigger initiated ignition systems on their engines for no reason. There is no doubt you can run a dist. ignition system on a race engine, ran mine to 10,000 + rpm using one. I now use a coil near plug system with a 60 tooth crank trigger to REALLY know where the timing is. When you are taxing an engine a lot you need the very best control over your timing. Put a timing light on an engine using a dist. then put it on a crank triggered engine and tell us what you see. I already know but try it. My .02 And BTW it's not a "claim" it's FACT

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by buzzinhalfdozen

Nope, crank triggers are no good the OE manufacturers spent millions of dollars putting crank trigger initiated ignition systems on their engines for no reason. There is no doubt you can run a dist. ignition system on a race engine, ran mine to 10,000 + rpm using one. I now use a coil near plug system with a 60 tooth crank trigger to REALLY know where the timing is. When you are taxing an engine a lot you need the very best control over your timing. Put a timing light on an engine using a dist. then put it on a crank triggered engine and tell us what you see. I already know but try it. My .02 And BTW it's not a "claim" it's FACT

Pay him no attention. He's a know it all blowhard, that's well past wearing his welcome out here

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

Pay him no attention. He's a know it all blowhard, that's well past wearing his welcome out here

Really Chad? I have been looking to him for advice!! LMAO!!

He still can't find the et bracket section. LOL

[SStockDart]

Originally Posted by 1320racer

All I can tell you is claims of more stable timing aside, my 950HP engine, turning 8000 in the lights in my nearly 3200 lb. ride that makes 250+ passes a season, prints time slips WITHOUT a crank trigger and no belt drive either.

disregard....not worth my effort

[Pedigo Perf]

Originally Posted by 1320racer

All I can tell you is claims of more stable timing aside, my 950HP engine, turning 8000 in the lights in my nearly 3200 lb. ride that makes 250+ passes a season, prints time slips WITHOUT a crank trigger and no belt drive either.

Where can I get a time slip printer for my car?