Which dizzy is this???

[Weasel73240Z]

I'm planning the Winter upgrades, and getting rid of my points dizzy is job #1. When I first got the car, a guy i bought a header from threw in this dizzy with the sale for $25. I didn't know what it was at the time, but now I know its not the E12-80 that everyone seems to agree is the best Z ignition system. However, I installed it while I was still getting the car running this past Spring, and it seems to work great, throws a bright blue spark, way better than my points dizzy. I kept my original points dizzy for this year because I was trying to stay as stock as possible, but I'm ready to upgrade. I have found an E12-80 dizzy in a local boneyard that I can probably get cheap.

So what model did this dizzy come from, and is it as good as the E12-80, or should I buy the E12-80 I found at the local boneyard? Should I still run it at stock (7 BTDC) timing with the new dizzy? Also, once I upgrade the dizzy, what spark plug gap should I go with? Thanks.

[sblake01]

Looks like a 75-76 280Z distributor. The 77-78 is a similar setup but it has different transistor ignition unit. It's not as easy to hook up as a E12-80 but it can be done. Though I've had no problems with the unit in my 78, I'd go with the E12-80 if I ever did. It's just easier to work with.

[sblake01]

Also, I run my E12-80 (in the 810) at 10 degress and the plug gap at .044. It's EFI but I think the same settings would work fine on a carbureated car.

[Weasel73240Z]

Just got back from the boneyard. I got the E12-80 for $50 (good deal?). It looks like new inside, the vacuum advance even still works.

[sblake01]

Great deal considering that the advance works. Did the module come with it also?

[beandip]

I am running the 12 80 in my Z also but since there are two different advance curves. I am not positive on what the max setting is for your dist. Mine is from a manual '79ZX and I set mine at 15* Plug gap at .044. Now this is on a ZX engine with a P-79 head. I did use the same dist on the L-24 engine that was in the Z before and it worked super. It was a '73 engine which is a low compression engine. Arne tried one of these dist on his bone stock '71 and had pre ignition problems even at 7* advance. I think because of his high compression coupled with the older head/combustion chamber design caused this. I don't have any proof of this but it could be the answer. 15* advance will give you a total advance of 32* On a manual advance dist.

Gary

[Weasel73240Z]

Great deal considering that the advance works. Did the module come with it also?

It came with everything, module, wiring, base plate. Even had a new looking cap and rotor.

I'm running a stock 73 2.4L motor with the stock (rebuilt) E88 head, only thing not stock is the new ZTherapy carbs. The new dizzy also came out of a 79 ZX with a 5 speed. I'm thinking I'll try about 12 degrees BTDC and .44 gap and see how it runs.