Ignition/Coil/Distributor Systems Replacement for 71-240Z

[stanleyp]

I currently installed a triple Weber 40DCOE-151 carb conversion on my 1971-240Z (Automatic transmission). I am trying to upgrade the ignition/coil and ditributor and cannot get the answers for these three parts. I would like to use an MSD 6AL ignition with and MSD Blaster 2 coil but can't get the answer for the MSD distributor. I checked the Black Dragon parts supply and see that they have a Unilight-Mallory optical L.E.D. ignition listed but they have changed the part numbers in their catalog. When I call them, they only have counter help to take your order and cannot give me any technical information.

When I called Mallory, the technical staff confirmed that their new Mallory HYFYRE 6AL distributor, Model# 6853M with a Model# 29440 Street/Racing Coil would be a great fit. However, the Mallory Unilight distributor technical book only goes back to the 1974 Model year and he could not fully verify that it was fully compatible. He did say that the Mallory Unilight distributor should work.

I know I will require a mechanical advance distributor (because of my triple Weber set-up) but would like some confirmation of compatibility before spending a whole lot-of-money. My current mechanics prefer to use MSD products and we would all feel better with some other expert opinions from other Z owners!

Any help will be greatly appreciated! Specific technical information about your triple Carbs, igntion, coil and distributor would be greatly appreciated, i.e., Weber venturi size(#) & other internal part numbers; ignition, coil and distributor model numbers.

One last question, as I am not going to race this Z, I will be installing a progressive linkage on the carbs, i.e., I will be running on the middle carb when I keep my foot soft on the gas pedal. Does any one have this type of set-up and could you give me a response?

Thanks in advance!!! Stanley P.

[Arne]

One last question, as I am not going to race this Z, I will be installing a progressive linkage on the carbs, i.e., I will be running on the middle carb when I keep my foot soft on the gas pedal. Does any one have this type of set-up and could you give me a response?

Stanley, I'm confused. I can't recall seeing a manifold set for triples that has a shared plenum so that it could possibly run on a single carb. The ones I've seen all have individual runners for each cylinder. On those, there's no way the center carb could feed the four outer cylinders (1 & 2, 5 & 6). Do you have something different or custom?

[sblake01]

I think he's thinking of a progressive setup like I had on my 340 6 pack Duster. I've never seen one for an inline engine.

[240ZGL]

My set up because I too am running triples, is Mallory dual point distributor with mech advance. I then replaced the dual point plate with a Pertronixs 2 conversion kit and a Pertronixs matching coil. You can find the Mallory dual point units on Ebay for a reasonable price.

[Arne]

I think he's thinking of a progressive setup like I had on my 340 6 pack Duster. I've never seen one for an inline engine.

That's what I figured too, Stephen. On an inline engine it would require a manifold with a shared plenum for all cylinders. I've never seen one like that for an L-Series engine.

[sblake01]

Since it's an auto trans and it's not going to be raced, wouldn't an E12-80 distributor be the best route to go. Much easier install.

[ph240]

I didn't see any mention of which clyinder head, what type headers and exhaust system you plan on using and most important which camshaft. 40 DCOE sidedrafts are for racing or highly modified street engines. They will require a lot of tuning.

If you dont plan on racing and you are planning to use an auto transmission, I'd recommend a good set of early SU's (70-72), which are available from vendors on this forum. You can not set the DCOE webers to be progressive, each carb has 2 barrels and each barrel only supplies it's clyinder with air fuel. That's why there are 3 manifolds with the triple sidedrafts.

You can use the Mallory Unilight w/optical L.E.D. with a MSD 6AL and Blaster coil. But do you really need it? I like the Mallory w/optical L.E.D. dist because it is trouble free and with a higher voltage coil you will get better cold starts other than that you aren't going to get a lot for your investment. Chose wisely.

[Arne]

Since it's an auto trans and it's not going to be raced, wouldn't an E12-80 distributor be the best route to go. Much easier install.

Yes, but the E12-80 needs a certain amount of vacuum, which the Webers can't deliver. That's why he's looking at mechanical advance dizzies.

[sblake01]

The vacuum pot can be removed and the springs, etc. can be changed to allow the mechanical advance to operate in a way sufficient for the Webers. Never done it with a Nissan distributor but we used to do it all the time with Chevy and Ford distributors back in the day.

[Jack T]

Stanley I chose to go with the Mallory Unilight and it works great. Purchased from Summit Racing and saved several hundred dollars over Black Dragon. Revs keep coming all the way past 6000 with no problems. Easy install!

Jack T

[Zedyone_kenobi]

What coil did you use with your Mallory Jack T. The PO of my car has a Bosch coil that I am sure is up to the task. I currently run a pertronix on my car and it starts and runs fine, but funny things happen to my tach beyond 5500 rpm. I am wondering if my tach has anything to do with it.

[Jack T]

I used a Mallory coil part #29217.