Updating 240Z's Ignition System to Electronic

[MAX]

I am looking to update my 73 240Z's ignition system from points to an electronic one. I'm looking at various options such as the Pertronix Ignitor 2, Crane XR700/XR3000 or the 280ZX distributor with the e12-80 module.

I've read through the varioius archives on this site and still haven't come to any conclusion:

I am leaning to the Pertronix or the 280ZX options....one reason being that the additions don't involve adding an extra box under the hood...perhaps this is not a very good reason though...

280ZX:

In the research I've done it appears as though the 280ZX option may not be compatible with the 240Z's tach. Is this correct? Do I have to add the 280Z tach too..

Otherwise the 280ZX dizzy will just basically bolt on in place of the 240Z Dizzy...Right??

I have already purchased the Crane PS-40 coil. Can I go ahead and use it with the 280ZX dizzy and E12-80 option? And if so, will I need to retain the OEM ballast resistor or eliminate it?

Pertronix Ignitor 2:

This is a new product from Pertronix and I haven't seen any discussion on it.

Have any of you guys out there used this one and do you have any comments about it or Pertronix products in general?

My 73 240Z is mainly intended for moderate street performance. The rebuilt engine has the larger 260Z valves and a moderate Street cam and dual webers.

OK...so here we go........

Help me to decide the best setup to use..

Many thanks...

[Arne]

280ZX:

In the research I've done it appears as though the 280ZX option may not be compatible with the 240Z's tach. Is this correct? Do I have to add the 280Z tach too..

No. I have had the 280ZX ignition in my yellow car and had no problem using the 240Z tach. I know of several other people who also have the same set up, also with the 240Z tach.

Otherwise the 280ZX dizzy will just basically bolt on in place of the 240Z Dizzy...Right??

Yes, as long as you have the 280ZX distributor base bracket (the pedestal that bolts to the timing cover) as well.

I have already purchased the Crane PS-40 coil. Can I go ahead and use it with the 280ZX dizzy and E12-80 option?

Should work fine.

And if so, will I need to retain the OEM ballast resistor or eliminate it?

Don't use the resistor, the ZX ignition is designed to use full voltage at all times. Make a small jumper wire to connect the two resistor wires to each other.

[hd240z]

I tried the Pertronix lobe sensor model on a GM car and had several problems which resulted in me switching it over to the original Pertronix model with the ring which mounts below the rotor. I has been working fine, but it only eliminates the points. You still have an old distributor with worn internal parts.

I am one of the many who run a 280ZX dizzy with the E12-80 module and MSD Blaster 2 coil. The original 240Z tach worked fine after I added a resistor to the tach wire.

Good Luck

[MAX]

Hey Guys,

I should have included this link to the Pertronix Ignitor 2 product. It looks like it micro based and can actively control the length of the dwell and spark energy.

does the E12-80 have any intelligent control that can vary the dwell like this?

http://www.pertronix.com/ignition_products/ignitor_2.htm

[7T1240]

... but it only eliminates the points. You still have an old distributor with worn internal parts.

I am one of the many who run a 280ZX dizzy with the E12-80 module and MSD Blaster 2 coil. The original 240Z tach worked fine after I added a resistor to the tach wire.

Good Luck

Hi Henry,

I just took a peek at your profile and gallery...nice car! Anyway, my question is did you (or can I) source the 280ZX distributor and E12-80 module as new parts, thus addressing the "You still have an old distributor with worn internal parts." part of your statement? I thought the E12-80 was hard to come by, and maybe only available used?

Max, if you go this route, how will you source your changeover parts?

Gary S.

[MAX]

I have a friend who is an X Nissan mechanic and he has a new 280ZX distributor he wants to sell me...I'll have to verify with him if he also has the E12-80 module.....

[Marty Rogan]

Pertronix Ignitor 2:

This is a new product from Pertronix and I haven't seen any discussion on it.

Have any of you guys out there used this one and do you have any comments about it or Pertronix products in general?

My 73 240Z is mainly intended for moderate street performance. The rebuilt engine has the larger 260Z valves and a moderate Street cam and dual webers.

I may be wrong, but I believe they don't make an Ignitor 2 model for the 240Z. I have used the Pertonix for several years and had been very satisfied with the performance till this year. I had one go poof on me and the magents came out of the other one. I am looking into the 280ZX solution too. My only decision is whether it is worth the extra money to use an MSD box as well. I am leaning toward going with the box too. It is supposed to make starting easier and provide a nice, smooth idle. I also don't really want to mount something extra under the hood. There should be no reason that you can't mount it inside the car and just run the wires into the engine compartment.

Like you, I have not seen anything that clearly says "Ah Ha!, that's the way to go!"

Marty

[a7dz]

I bought a 79 ZX dizzy from our local parts house this past summer and it came with the 12-80 match box. How rare took a week to get. No big deal on my thoughts.

[hd240z]

7T1240

Thanks for the compliments.

I was trying to make the point, that just adding a Pertronix ignitor will solve one of the many possible distributor problems (points adjustment). You need to check all the wear items and especially the ignition advance systems.

I got my E12-80 dizzy from a salvage yard and "rebuilt" it, cleaned up the mechanical advance and replaced the vacuum advance. The Nissan dealer was able to order the vacuum diaphragm for me, but that was a few years back.

I have been looking for them on my recent trips to the salvage yards but haven't seen any for a while.

Apparently full rebuilt units are still available from some of the parts dealers as A7DZ reports.

[7T1240]

Thanks for the compliments.

Well deserved Henry. Your car has the type of ownership history that is envious and sought after.

I bought a 79 ZX dizzy from our local parts house this past summer and it came with the 12-80 match box. How rare took a week to get. No big deal on my thoughts.

Hi there Jim.

I think I have a line on one as well through a similiar source. Do you recall how much yours cost you?

Gary S.

[MAX]

Hey Marty,

Well, I never checked with Pertronix to see if the Ignitor 2 was compatible with the Zs. I will look into that...

I like your idea of installing a black box inside the car rather than under the hood. Are you thinking of under the dash? Let me know what you come up with.

Good luck

[240ZMan]

I've tried all three options here:

1) stock 73 dizzy w/pertronix

2) stock 280zx dizzy with nissan module

3) stock 280zx dizzy with MSD 6AL

I'll be honest and say that the only differences I have been able to tell with my butt-o-meter is that the car drives much better with the advance curve from the 280zx dizzy. Keep in mind I'm running an L28, cam, headers, triple webers. The main reason I upgraded to the MSD was because it had a rev limiter. I saw a friend miss a shift and over-rev his roadster motor and bent a few valves. I figured this was cheap insurance.

As for the benefits of the multiple sparks at lower revs with the MSD box, I can't say I noticed a difference. I'd like to think that the exhaust doesn't smell as bad at idle, but if there is a difference, it's very small.

For a moderately driven stock L24, the pertronix is an excellent solution. It's solid all the way to at least 6k rpm and once you set it, you never have to deal with it again. It also keeps the "stock" look.

If you have modified your engine, or have carbs that don't have much intake vacuum at low revs (meaning you can't take advantage of the vacuum advance of the dizzy), then the 280zx distributor is the way to go.

If you do swap to the 280zx dizzy, and are worried about the reliability of the ignition module, there is a simple mod to swap in a GM HEI module that's cheap and readily available from any parts store for about $25. Search on "GM HEI" and I'm sure you'll find the details.