Which to go for ignition?

[red_dog007]

60,000 Volt Flamethrower Coil with a Ignitor II or something a long the lines of an XR700 electronic ignition system. Also, if I do get that, instead of the coil, is there anything else that I should get with it?

[red_dog007]

I've got my trigger finger ready, and I am leaning towards the coil/ignitor. If anyone has any advice please let me hear it before I order. I just placed $150 worth of parts just now, (5 parts total) and next Friday I should be placing the order for my tires.

[hd240z]

I have used the original Petronix on my old Nova, which works fine, but on my 71 240Z I use a 280Z distributor with the E12-80 module which was basically a straight swap. It works great and keeps it more original looking if thats what you like.

[tsouk]

I have used the original Petronix on my old Nova, which works fine, but on my 71 240Z I use a 280Z distributor with the E12-80 module which was basically a straight swap. It works great and keeps it more original looking if thats what you like.

You mean the BMW E12?

[Arne]

You mean the BMW E12?

No, he's talking about the complete distributor and ignition module from a '79-80 280ZX. It's a very simple conversion.

[hd240z]

You mean the BMW E12?

No the one I am referring to is an OEM Datsun igniton module and distributor used on some 280Zs about 1979 or 1980. The E12 80 is the simplest to swap into an older Z, but some claim other modules can be adapted. Here is a link to more engine ignition info and you can do a search here for E12 80 also.
http://datsunzgarage.com/engine/

Good Luck

[red_dog007]

Could exact links to buying it be provided? When I go looking around for this stuff, I have no idea what I am looking for, and get confused on what to get. The ignition and the brake conversions are what I am having a heard time understanding on what all is needed as there are many different ways to do this that are easy and complicated.

I am going to try to get to order this part tonight as I won't have time tomorrow. I get to work 14hrs straight from 9am. At least I should get a couple hours overtime. I just hope that this is with my new pay rate.

[Arne]

To go with the ZX ignition, you need three things:

1.) Distributor from a '79-83 non-turbo 280ZX.

2.) Distributor mount tower also from a '79-83 280ZX.

3.) The ignition module from a '79-80 ZX. The later ('81-83) are not good as they require input from the injection computer. Other Datsuns also use this module, which is marked "E12-80". I know that some 510s, 210s and some pickups used the E12-80 modules as well as the ZXs.

[red_dog007]

Sweet, thanks very much Arne.

Now, all I have left is roughly $100 to spend. Now, I am taking that this is totally going to be worth the some extra $100 for the whole thing right?

Am I still going to need to buy a new coil?

[hd240z]

You don't have to buy a new coil, but using a newer ZX coil or something like a MSD Blaster 2 coil will give you a hotter spark.
As far as buying a 280ZX distributor on a budget, the salvage yards, ebay, or Zcar web sites like this one would be possibilities. Be sure to check any used distributor vacuum advance for leaks as it will likely be worn out if its still the original.
Good Luck

[hd240z]

To go with the ZX ignition, you need three things:

1.) Distributor from a '79-83 non-turbo 280ZX.

2.) Distributor mount tower also from a '79-83 280ZX.

3.) The ignition module from a '79-80 ZX. The later ('81-83) are not good as they require input from the injection computer. Other Datsuns also use this module, which is marked "E12-80". I know that some 510s, 210s and some pickups used the E12-80 modules as well as the ZXs.

I think the Nissan Maximas also used the same distributor and module in 79 and 80.

[ZSaint]

I converted my '71 over to the 78 electronic system. I installed the 'box' up high on the passengers kick panel. Ran my color coded wires through the wire bundle/firewall and it works very well. I did get 2 wires mixed on the box and the thing would not run, at first. Double checked everything, found the problem and the engine now is trouble free. No more point and timing changes!

[Blue Meanie]

Sweet, thanks very much Arne.

Now, all I have left is roughly $100 to spend.

Arne takes tips!