I think the original question is fairly straight forward. What systems have been used in cars/on engines, in VINTAGE, that have set and certified a record? Sounds to me like he's trying to avoid a protest/other trouble...
That's the thing. It isn't straight forward. There have been a number of records, in VINTAGE, set by cars that have used computerized crank trigger ignition systems. Obviously, the idea behind the vintage class is to use vintage equipment but what happens when one guy sets a record with a non-vintage computerized distributorless ignition system?? Everybody wants one and rightfully so because if
that guy can set a record with a computer then why can't I? The thinking that because someone else got away with it (got a record certified) so it somehow means its legal for everyone else is flawed thinking. Unfortunately, there have been lots of records given to cars of questionable legality. The system isn't perfect so it happens and it's seemed to have happened a lot in vintage.
So, knowing that there are issues with computerized ignition systems in vintage (specifically vintage engines in vintage bodies to be clear), I personally highly suggest staying away from any kind of ignition that could be deemed a computer otherwise you risk being protested. If the system uses a "timing control computer" that allows you to "map" out the ignition timing through any kind of interface including a screwdriver adjusting a potentiometer, it's a computer. Technically, you can trigger an MSD 6A box to fire a pair of coils at TDC with a single magnet in a trigger wheel. This would be legal for vintage because there's no computer to control the ignition timing but seems rather impractical if you're running a straight 8 because you'd need four CDI boxes and four sensors on the crank. Oh, and you'd have fixed timing.
The other thing you can do is use a crank trigger as a points replacement. This would be your typical MSD crank trigger setup that has four magnets in a crank wheel. Four magnet triggers times two revs per cycle gets you 8 ignition events. You'd then use a distributor to "distribute" the spark to the appropriate cylinder - but again, you'd have fixed timing unless you added in something to control the timing but that device would most likely be considered a computer. Basically, you can't have a crank trigger ignition that has any kind of timing control without using a computer.
It's clear in the rule book that computers aren't allowed. A bunch of people have decided to try and convince the rest of the world that there are some magical unwritten rules that say that because their computerized ignition doesn't do traction control or use a knock sensor or change the ignition timing based on air fuel ratio (which isn't even a thing but their system don't do it so it can't possibly be a computer) that they're legal. You've obviously heard these magic unwritten rules because you stated nearly word for word in your first post. You'll have a hard time getting through a protest citing rules that say you can use a computer if it doesn't do this or that if those rules don't exist.
I really can't see how an official is supposed to be able to tell you what kind of ignition system you should use. Are they supposed to know what ignitions are available for a Buick straight 8? If a recommendation was made and you went out and got that ignition and it didn't work for some reason, would the person who recommended it then be liable for your cost? Are the committee reps supposed to be ignition experts and know everything about crank trigger ignitions and what Mallory, MSD, Accel, etc etc etc makes and what's legal and what's not?? Crank triggers were not used in the 40's and 50's. I'm supposing that there's a mix up in "crank trigger" ignitions and "coil on plug" ignitions. The Model T had four individual ignition coils. Say what?!?!? A coil-per-plug ignition from the 20's?? It is true but a Model T didn't use a crank trigger and computer to control the ignition timing advance. It used four sets of points and a lever on the steering wheel to control timing. Point is that an individual coil ignition system is nothing new to the vintage class considering that Model T's came stock with four coil ignition system.
