Oops, 81 zx dizzy for my 73

[dcraigbrown]

I've read a lot of threads here about upgrading a 240z's ign to electronic with a 280zx dizzy. I decided to upgrade my 73 the same way and got an 81 dizzy on ebay for ~$20. I know that the later 280zx modules won't work so I looked up the part on the Autozone website (and Checker) and found that they list the same part number for 79-81, the picture on ebay didn't show the module clearly. Well as many of you have probably guessed, it's the wrong module. Before I start looking for the correct module I want to make sure that there's no way the 81-83 type will work. If it will work is the wiring the same? It looks like there's a second connector on the 81-83 module vs the 79-80. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Arne]

The later module will work, but without changes to the advance mechanism the advance curve will be messed up. The simplest option would be the correct module.

[cunniwj]

I'm thinking about changing my 72 to a zx dizzy. Let me know how it goes

[beandip]

There is a way for the newer module to work as Arne stated. You have the right Dist. There is a Z Guru in Idaho that has sent me the instructions to modify your present ZX set up to work vary well with a Carburated Z engine. Send me your email address on a PM and I will forward the information. I haven't done this my self but I personally know the Guy and value his knowledge. This information also will apply to injected engines as well to achieve faster throttle response. It is a simple modification really. The module you have now requires a computer input or it will go to retard timing . That is the problem with it unless you add this little mod. That you make your self. You just need to buy a different vacuum pot. You can contact him directly if you wish, but have patience because he is sometimes slow to respond to email. Kim Blough Idaho Z Car smokyyaro@velocitus.net All the best Gary

[barth4567]

I will put my two cents on this one. Originally I went with the E1280 module distributor conversion on my 1972. Howwever I had some issues due to the wrong coil and such and lost a couple of modules. I admit the car ran real well compared to the points system. Beandip ( Gary) helped me with the process. Well due to the cost of modules ($300.00+) from Nissan and the headaches of chasing a used one down in the junkyards I went to a Pertornix ignition. I was able to use all my original wiring and simple two wire connection and away I went. In retrospect I wish I would have done the Pertronix in the first place. Simple and only $90.00 from NAPA. Plus you get a 30 month warranty from them. My car is stock and it runs just as well as well with the Pertronix as the E1280 Module. Mileage has stayed the same. I will add that the coil I was running was a MSD Blaster 2. My tach would jump around and after about two weeks the module died. However I have read threads on here that other guys use them with no problems.( with E1280 Module) I am still wondering about that part of it. Not an expert. Finally I will say in my opinion that the Pertronix is the way to go due the simplicity of installation and the long track record of excellent performance. It is working very well for me.:classic: Will add that I called Tech support for Pertronix and they were very helpful with some questions that I had.

[red_dog007]

How do you know if the module died?

I did the swap in mine and have the E12-80 module. I think that it does just great, and is SUPER easy to get all together.

Though the car acts a little funny past 70mph and I think that it might be the dizzy. I used to be able to pull to 90/95 without a hitch, but now it hates going past 70mph without losing all power basically.

[beandip]

Dog , when you put the timing light on the engine is the timing steady or does it waver ? If it wavers you likely have worn bushings in the Dist. and the shaft is wobbling . I had the loss of power with my car . I am running a ZX 12 80 ignition and what I found finely was that I needed to adjust the floats in the SUs. Now she doesn't hesitate to 5500 rpm. to answer your question about the death of a module. I have had one fail in the 5 years I have run this ignition and when it failed the engine just quit like the switch was turned off. I checked the wiring to see if something had come loose, and found nothing wrong. Tried again to start he engine and it fired and ran fine for about a month or so. One time I went to take the car out and couldn't start the engine. No spark , nothing. I had a spare module and installed it and she fired right up. That was almost 4 years ago . I went to my friend that is far more knowledgeable than me when barth , was having the issues with his ignition and I was told by Kim to get ride of the Blaster Coil, that it was frying the Modules. I have always been running with a OEM , ZX coil. By the way I have my timing set at 16* BTDC Gary