Hi. I've a 1966 amazon, same problem with my dizzy. I use now a MSD 5 ignition box plus points (previously I use a pertronix-like compufire units, but it not fit good on my dizzy and was damaged after some months of use).

>1) Where is the best place to buy the Crane XR-700? Any parts place?
On crane itself (www.cranecams.com) or ipd (www.ipdusa.com). On ebay it surface from time to time at cheap prices (some risk, you take the chance).

>2) Is there a specific kit with the XR-700 that fits the old 122s?
IPD sell one for many of the dizzys found on amazons (check you dizzy model number first)

>3) What type of coil to buy with the system?
With IPD kit you can use the original black coil, otherwise you can use a blue bosch coil (available from VW stores) plus a standard ignition key system.

>4) How tough was the installation? Can a newbie do it?
If you know DC basics, yes. If yourself don't change the fuses or lamps on your car, don't try.

> Are the instructions supplied with the kit understandable?
On the case of compufire and msd, yes. Crane: I dont know.

>5) What are the key things to watch out for during installation?
The miminal space betwween circlet and reader (into the dizzy) are critical. Set the crane box on a aired and not too hot place (i put my msd near to battery, other people put it over the id plaque on the area near the brake master cylinder).

>6) Are you happy with the results?
Yes, my erratic idle changed to regular idle.

>Any regrets are things you'd do differently if you had to go back?
In my case, go directly to msd external ignition box (my dizzy are very old model, internal units dont fit good). Also, now, if the msd unit goes south, now I only need to put it out of the line and the ignition return to the original setup. (If you use a internal unit on place of points, you need to take a set of points and condenser on your glovebox as a safeguard, plus screwdrivers). Internal units (point replacement) due heat and other factors sometimes goes south (on my case, in middle of the highway).

If you use a tachometer, it could be report wild values (a minor price to pay from my point of view).

Hope it help,
Happy volving

Joaquin
Rojo 121 Amazon
Lima Peru