Crank Triggers... Why?

It's been known for years that a crank triggered ignition system can make more horsepower than a distributor triggered system. A crank triggered system can often make more power and produce more consistency due to its inherent timing stability. A crank trigger system is typically composed of three main components: a trigger wheel, pickup, and a pickup mounting bracket. Although the triggering components in a distributor or Pro Mag generator are very similar, there is one major difference - they are connected to the crankshaft through a series gears, shafts, belts, and other drive assemblies. Typical power transmission components include, but are not limited to, the cam drive (gear or belt), camshaft, and an offset magneto drive that also utilizes gears or belts. From the instant the throttle is opened to the second the chutes are pulled, the engine operating conditions are changing. Although the driver may never lift off the throttle, engine and drivetrain harmonics can wreak havoc on timing stability. Torsional vibrations in the camshaft and subsequent drive assemblies can combine to produce staggering fluctuations in ignition timing. Having described the shortcomings of a conventional ignition trigger system, it should become apparent that the crankshaft is the most logical place to obtain a stable trigger signal. With the emergence of RacePak's new software that can actually monitor engine timing, this fact has been proven once and for all.

RacePak has captured these dramatic changes in ignition timing, which might help explain some catastrophic engine failures and other less severe, but equally damaging, phenomenon that have been observed in high horsepower engines. Teams that are using MSD crank trigger systems have been able to take advantage of performance gains and increases in engine component life. More importantly, MSD's timing retard units can be used with confidence and precision when the trigger signal is being provided by any of our solidly engineered crank trigger kits.

MSD manufactures the crank trigger pickups that are engineered around all our timing accessories, PN 8159.

 

Benefits of crank triggers:

Hardware benefits:

main and rod bearings last longer due to less uncontrolled detonation.

Better control of timing makes intentional timing changes more meaningful and effective.

MSD does not manufacture Crank Trigger Kits for Top Fuel or Alcohol applications, please call:

RCD Engineering
17100 Salmon Mile Road
Nevada City, CA 95959
530-292-3133

PSI Superchargers
5006 South Ash Street, Suite 103
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-820-6511