Ignition Upgrade

[morfirst]

In the Motorsport catalog, an electronic ignition black box and a 12 volt high output coil are available to be used in conjunction with the standard single point distributor. It looks like the total investment would be around $230.00 . Does anyone have an opinion on this configuration?

[beandip]

Yes I have an openion, Really I have been driving my 240 for the past 18months with a '79zx ignition that I bought at All Z , it's a local boneyard here in Portland Or. , any way I installed the whole thing including coil . I even took the plugg wires because they looked new and were 7mm silicone filled . The inprovement has been remarkable and performance is great past red line. I couldent ask for better. I t works for me , and I still run the stock tach. If you look for this set up be sure to also obtain the mount that the dist. bolts on to because the early one is not compatable aslo get the coil mount , the new coil is larger. Another thing there is a module on the side of the dist . and it is marked 12 80 that is the one that you want , the newer units after '80 wont work right . My complete set up cost $75.00 and thats was every thing.

[morfirst]

Could you provide some direction on where all the ZX ignition components are located for salvage. I believe the electronic ignition box is located under or by the passenger sides, underdash area.

[m240]

What mount for the distributor are you talking about? Is it the plate that the bolts go through to hold down the distributor or something else? I am doing this conversion to my 73' right now and want to be sure I have the all the right parts.

Thanks,

Mark

[beandip]

the part that I am talking about is the part that is between the bottom of the dist. shaft and the engine block. The dist. bolts on to it. The dist. has a short shaft , about 5" long and this bolts onto the part I am talking of, and then this part is fitted to the block. I cant think of another way to describe it. There is one on the stock 240 but it will not work properly with the new zx dist. I cant remember if it is too short or long or what I just know you need the one from the zx. If need be I can dig around and see if I can find the old dist , I am pritty sure I saved it . Why I dont know, I guess I am just a pack rat. Gary P.S. If you have any futher questions e-mail me direct it is much faster. gmoisant@attbi.com

[beandip]

all the ignition parts are right there on the dist. the module is mounted on the side of the dist, it is a little black box and is marked 12 80 and it has two blade connecters on the bottom I think they are marked A & B I dont remember for sure but If there is a question I have th e info in my library.

[m240]

Thanks for the reply! I installed the dist from a 79' in my 73' using the original 73' mount and I can't get the timing right. I guess this explains why.

Thanks,

Mark:classic:

[beandip]

If when you get the engine started and if the tach dosn't work reverse the two wires to the dist. the tack will work with the zx ignition . You know that you remove the ballest resister and just connect the two wires togither. The new systime runs on 12volts as apposed to the old unit that started on 12 and ran on 8 so that you dident burn th e points. Did you get the zx coil and mounting bracket also?

[beandip]

I am going to be out for a few hours so if y ou dont get a reply right away thats why

[m240]

I did not get the zx coil and bracket. I was running it with the original coil. The engine would run but the timing was way off and it would run on after shutting it off. I'm going to put the old dist back in this weekend and run it with that until I can find the right bracket for the zx dist(it didn't come with one), and the right coil. Thanks for clearing up this problem.

Mark:classic:

[beandip]

there is a web site Zcar.com and in that site go to 70-83 Tech Discussions Forum and if y ou look in the upper margin there is a search , click on that . When it comes up type in a search for john240H and he has posted a detailed step by step how to , for this modification. If you have never used this site I think y ou will find it a good source of info. After dealing with the different people on this site I have found that for the most part the people that answer do so just to see there name in print , and only a few really know there stuff and John is one of them. Another is normthe12secdude He is vary knowledgeable, and can spell too, he is into drag racing and is from Seattle area. johnH240 when you type in his name put in also ignition upgrade .

[m240]

Gary thanks for the link! It has alot of good info. I looked at the dist again and I think it has the right mounting bracket on it. My problem seems to be I can't turn the dist enough to get the timing marks to line up. I loosened both the adustment screw on top and the bolt underneath but I can't get it over enough. The engine runs, but a little rough. It also chugs on when you turn off the key. Any ideas? I guess i'll just keep playing with it. Thanks,

Mark