Electronic Ignitions

[GregP]

Hi,

After reading the posts on electronic ignitions and doing a search I am confused on what to do for my 73 240z w/automatic. Am I correct in my conclusion that because there is dual points that I can't use something like a Petronix system? Is there another system available? Is my only choice having to upgrade to something like a 280z distributor? My apologies if i missed something already posted.

Greg

[Bambikiller240]

AFAIK, the Pertronix is only for distributors on Manual tran equiped cars. Probably the best bet would be a ZX Electronic Dist and Module.

Just my $.02

[landmizzle]

Hi GregP,

This may be stating the obvious but, I'll venture the suggestion anyways. You could also install a dizzy from a 240z with a manual transmission into your '73 240Z auto Z. I have '72 240Z that originally had an automatic transmission and this was one of the first modifications I did. Shortly after I swapped the dizzy, I installed a Petronix Ignitor into the dizzy.

It should be noted that the manual dizzy ran just fine even before the Petronix install. So, if nothing else, if you can find a manual dizzy cheap enough (240Z), you'll elimatinate the dual points with no ill effect. Now, maybe things would be different with a '73 but, I kind of doubt it. I'm sure someone will chime in if my assumption is wrong.

Best Regards,

Landmizzle '72 240Z

[Bambikiller240]

I believe that he only reason the Automatic Trans equiped Z's had the dual point Distributors was for emissions. At idle the engine ran on one set of points, and at a predetermined RPM, it switched and ran on the second set of points.

I know Pertronix doesn't make a kit for the dual point Distributor, but I can't think of a reason you couldn't do as landmizzle says and swap in a single point 240Z Distributor. Just hang on to the old Dist in case Arnold and the backstabber boys change the smog check requirements again.

[GregP]

Thanks for the imput! I recently purchased my car from Ca. I am on the East coast so Ca. emissions won't matter. Using a distributor from a manual car sounds like a great idea. I was also just looking in my new Motorsports Catalog and saw they carry single point "new genuine Datsun replacement" distibutors for $150. (The dual point is $300) They also carry Mallory Unilite electronic distributors for $499. Anyone have any experience with these? Do any of these changes effect the tach?

Thanks,

Greg

[Bambikiller240]

The "new genuine Datsun replacement" distibutors are in fact "Nissan OEM Remanufactured" units. I bought one from Nissan and paid less than that (around $125) less than a year ago. It works very well with the Pertronix unit. If that is the route you plan to go, I'd check with Chloe at www.midwestz.com ; she can probably get it for you cheaper than MSA, and maybe even cheaper than I paid.

[beandip]

I agree Chloe is a great sorce . I went with the '79zx ignition at least 3 yrs ago and it works really good . I also have and '73auto , and dont want to change to a manual. I bought the ignition complete with coil ,its mounting bracket ,plug wires and cap ,with the module , everything . $75.00 at the bone yard. If you decide to go this route the one to get come from '79 through 83 but the correct module is found on the '79 and '80 . It is marked with 12 80 on the side. the later ones had one marked 12 94 and will not work properly. The stock tach will work with this set up. and it all runs on 12 volts not 8 , also get the mount that connects the dist to the engine , from the ZX . The 240 part will not work correctly with the new dist. :classic:

[GregP]

Thanks for the info. You guys have great advice!

Greg

[Zhead]

Is there a difference between the automatic & standar dizzy's from '79 through 83. I'm also upgrading to electronic ignition.