Recommendations on newer ignition and plugs

[sonofzzzap]

Hi guys, I'm a new Z'er and I am thinking of replaceing my stock ignition parts (coil and system) and also plugs and plug wires. I'm looking for items geared towards moderate higher performance but not racing spec.

I have been looking at many different items, but I would like to get everyones opinions first...

1977 280Z

thanks guys

[Victor Laury]

Nissan didn't play. They used high performance parts bone stock

plugs NGK B6ES for L28. BP6ES for L24

Plug Wire NGK NE61

Nissan Cap and rotor

Nissan coil

[Zrush]

Victor, can I ask a stupid question? What is the "P" represent in the L24 plugs, BP6ES. I thought it was the other way around BP6ES for L28 and B6ES for L24. Just curious

Vicky

[sonofzzzap]

Thanks.

What about a new ignition system? I'm sure the factory one I have is wore out a bit, it ouldnt hurt to replace it

[sblake01]

Victor has it right. The 'P' stands for projected tip and was used in the carbureated cars. I've always used Bosch Platinum in my Datsun engines but that is just my personal preference.

[Chino 240Z]

Iridium is stonger than Platinum, but you pay more too. Here is a symbol chart. Hope it can show up clear enough to read.

[Zrush]

Thanks for the chart Craig! I love the detail breakdown. Just like the post some member put up about what all the letters and numbers meant on tires. This info fasinates me. Thanks again :classic:

Vicky

[Chino 240Z]

Oh yeah, well here some more info. It will either fasinate you to excitment or bore you to tears. But this is why I have an Iridium tip! I mean tips!

Iridium:

Relatively recent advances in fabrication techniques have enabled the use of Iridium - an incredibly hard precious metal, for the construction of spark plug electrodes. Laser welding technology is used to weld the Iridium tip to spark plugs manufactured by both Denso and NGK. It's worth noting that spark plugs can't increase the potential power that an engine can generate but a more efficient spark will provide more efficient combustion and associated performance and economy benefits. A poor spark from a worn or low grade spark plug will reduce efficiency. An Iridium plug will produce a more efficient spark.

Notable properties of Iridium are its melting point - approximately 2450 degrees C, considerably higher than Platinum, and it's strength - approximately 8 times that of platinum. The table below compares the characteristics of Iridium with those of other precious/semi-precious metals commonly used in the construction of spark plugs.

There are currently two main manufacturers of Iridium spark plugs available in the UK. NGK have their Iridium IX brand and Denso have their Iridium Power spark plugs. Both are very high quality products using laser welding technology and manufacturing techniques perfected over a very long history of spark plug design and manufacture.

Advantages of Iridium spark plug types:

Because of the properties of Iridium, the spark plugs centre electrode can be made with a much smaller diameter than with platinum types (usually 0.8mm for NGK and 0.7mm for Denso), Gold or gold palladium and copper/nickel types. This means that spark plugs potential difference is more concentrated and hence less 'spark jump' voltage is required - this can be as much as 5,000 volts less than with standard plug types. Ignition is improved and less strain is placed on the ignition system. Benefits of improved ignition/combustion include better fuel economy, increased power/acceleration and especially better throttle response.

(still trying to figure out how to copy this other chart to post)

[sblake01]

Well, like I said Bosch Platinum are my preference. All plug manufacturers make claims. You race, IIRC, so those things would be far more important in your case than in my occaisionally driven street vehicles where I don't think the melting point or the stength of the material would ever really come into play.

[Zs-ondabrain]

So far you've all managed to skip his original Question. He's asking about the whole nine yards.

Yes, NGK are the recommended spark plug and will allow him to upgrade his ignition without worrying about the plugs.

Yes, Nissan had it right from the start but times change and parts wear out. Stick with the NGK brand Plugs, possibly go with some upper end plug wires like Accel 8mm or better for some real good current transfer.

The 79' 280ZX distributor ( with E12-80 ignition module, and possibly a D4K8 or D6K8 dist. body) w/ new cap and rotor) would be the next best way to go. The D6K9 has 2 vaccum advance pieces on it (used in the 80' 280ZX)

Also, Pertronics make great parts for your ign. system and lets not forget about MSD. Both make excellent upgrades to any "stock" Z or counterpart.

Hope this helps at least a little,

Dave.

P.S. I just put the D6K8 distributor w/ E12-80 ign. module in my 70' 240Z and you can't wipe the smile off my face with a sledge hammer. I now have more power, NO more points (yeh!!) better gas milage, quicker easier starts (even in the cold weather) and the performance is 100% better than stock!!

[sblake01]

So far you've all managed to skip his original Question.........

Wouldn't be us if we didn't :classic:

[Chino 240Z]

Excellent choices, with the Platinum and also the D6K9 Dist. Several ways to go with about the same results. Just because you spend more money does not mean that others won't get the same results. I thought I needed to replace my distributor or the Pertronix elect. module, but after I had a shop spin the distributor on a machine to measure its performance- there was no need to spend the money, everything was okay up to 8000rpms. So I cleaned up the unit and the wiring, put it back in and found my problem else where.

I like Pertronixs setups and no more points to worry about.