Phase III super Spark CD boxes

[PxTx]

I've always thought these were the coolest looking aftermarket ignition boxes from back-in-the-day. I've also wondered about their origin. Here are 3 pics form the same magazine in 1969.

Does anyone know what the electrical tape/ sticker is to the right of the Phase III sticker? I don't think the majority of the boxes had this, and I was wondering if it was used to cover up another manufacturer's name. Any other theories?



This pic is in several mags, but I tried to scan it form the new Motion book in hopes it would be a little clearer. Does anyone know what it might say? My pop is speculating it might have the ignition tune data.



This is a pic from earlier on in the magazine.



This is a page out of a Motion catalog.

[ssl78396]

And thats what I was after..

[PxTx]

After what?

[PxTx]

To get this of the smog tubes and headers subject andback on topic...

Anyone care to discuss these old CD boxes?

[owners2]

Just took the 2 i have out of the boxes .It say's nothing & the fin tapers on the side. Looked at it 2 & 3 times , can't figure why those have electrical tape. The sticker on the side say's "Basic tune-up specifications for computer" then at the very bottom of the basic instructions it say's (for further information contact) CLIFFORD RESEARCH & DEV. CO. INC. Costa Mesa, CA USA . Jeff

[MosportGreen66]

I have four of these original boxes, complete with wires to boot, not a single one has tape or evidence of it.

[PxTx]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: owners2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... The sticker on the side say's &quot;Basic tune-up specifications for computer&quot; then at the very bottom of the basic instructions it say's (for further information contact) CLIFFORD RESEARCH &amp; DEV. CO. INC. Costa Mesa, CA USA . Jeff </div></div>

Here is one what has the Clifford / Jacobs connection:



I've also seen them come in Red and Blue boxes, although I think the Balc is the most common and also the best looking.



Now is there a known timeline these boxes? I know the names have changed form Compusensor to several other names. Notice this one here has the Jacons name on the switch.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MosportGreen66</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have four of these original boxes, complete with wires to boot, not a single one has tape or evidence of it.</div></div>

Are you refering to a Jacobs kit like this?



Has anyone ever seen an original Phase III box and how it was delivered by Motion? I wonder if Joel got the manufacturer to apply his sticker, or if he would do it internally. You can kinda see there was an Motion specific instruction book in the catalog picture above.

[ssl78396]

I appreciate the &quot;Back in the Day&quot; look.. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
But my question.Is there a notable difference in performance?

[PxTx]

It's a good ignition box. There are several articles from back in the day that reference gains and how they enable you to tune better. I don't think we need to argue the merits of improved ignition, and historically this box has worked well and delivered serious hp. It is the only one Joel really marketed heavily for his Phase III cars, and I beleive it is because it worked and was reliable.

To tell you the truth, I feel all of the basic CD ignitions (MSD included) made in the 1970's were higher quality than those offered today. Now there are even better units available today too, but for a basic CD system, the older ones are better. Not sure if it is becasue the internal electronic parts were higher quality or if it had more to do with the lower volume and better attention during production.

MSD has had a reputation recently of making boxes that fail with greater frequency than they used to. Many racers have an extra box on hand, and end up using it. Funny how MSD now offers a lifetime warranty on ther 40yr special adition 6AL.

Given the choice between say a new MSD 6al and one of the boxes form above, would not think twice about using a Phase III Super Spark box. Matter of fact, that is what we plan to run on my sister's L88 Nova. It does help that it looks cool too.

[MosportGreen66]

Your sister has an L88 powered Nova? Is she single?