I have an early 74 260z 2+2 with factory E12-05 transistor ignition and stock electronic dizzy. Car was starting up and idling fine 2 weeks ago. Last week went to start car and it fired once then nothing (no spark). After testing the coil (pertronix flame thrower 1.5 ohm rating (1.1 ohm primary and 8.99 kohm secondary as tested)), pick up coil in dizzy 6.99 kohm at plug and to transistor box, and ohm'd wires from transistor box and all seems ok. .

Then I noticed that I would get a weak spark when the key was turned to start , nothing while cranking ( would get a weak spark once in a while), then would spark when key was released back to on position.

Me and my buddy have spent several hours trying different things, Which leads me to believe the transistor box is bad. I have no way of checking the box.

This was my fathers car and he had told me he changed the E12-05 at least on two occasions while he owned the car from 1976 to 1982.

I have searched this and several other forums and there are so many different ways o go about this it makes my head spin.

So after all this I am looking for a reliable ignition system. I am not into keeping the car stock If there is a better item I am all for it.

My thoughts are:

1) crane xr-3000 with ps-91 coil (motorsport auto recommendation) This is my choice as of now.

2) msd 6al (expensive)

3) 280zx distributor E12-80 module (30 y.o technology)

4) pertronix ignition unit ( would I need a 240z dizzy)

I have not seen a lot of feedback on the xr-3000

Any Help is appreciated Thanks Mike

Consider the GM HEI module swap if you want to go inexpensive. It might be the best value for the money out there, but does take a little bit of wiring work. Combine it with an HEI coil and you'll have a true high energy system, designed for .040" or greater spark plug gap. At least one of your options above (Pertronix, no offense to users) is electronic but not high energy.

If you have a dual pickup distributor you're going to lose one of them in any case except a stock replacement. Not really a big deal, the second pickup is an emissions and convenience item.

I might have one of those boxes laying around. I think this was from a late 73, but I can check the numbers on the box. Just about give it away, since I will never use it. I know it came off a runner, but it's been sitting around forever. PM me if interested, I can check when i get home.

123Ignition.com has a totally new, fully programmable, standalone dizzy and ignition controller for us. L6 and L4. Two wires to the coil, done.

Hey Jim,

I looked at 123ignition and I didn't see anything for Nissan. Do you have any more details?

Thanks for the replys. I have to try a few suggestions this weekend. Then I will make my decision.

Madcaw, I will let you know. Thanks again. Mike

Check 123ignitionusa.com

My HEI retrofit has been in service for a pretty long time now, with no issues. I highly recommend it.

For those 280Z owners reading this thread, I'll mention that the MSD 6AL is incompatible with the 280Z's ECU. You'll end up with plenty of spark, but also fuel problems. It's no problem for the 240 or 260.

Thanks for the 123ignitionsusa link. Not cheap, but not terrible either. I run the ZX dizzy and so far, it works well.

Thanks for the 123ignitionsusa link. Not cheap, but not terrible either. I run the ZX dizzy and so far, it works well.

Not cheap , but less involved then Megasquirt. Great option for ignition curve tuning if you don't plan on going FI

I've had great luck with my ZX dizzy too

Thanks for the 123ignitionsusa link. Not cheap, but not terrible either. I run the ZX dizzy and so far, it works well.

Not cheap , but less involved then Megasquirt. Great option for ignition curve tuning if you don't plan on going FI

I've had great luck with my ZX dizzy too

My 240Z has a Mallory Unilite system. Was in the car when I bought it in '98. Never have had any problems with it. Tach works correctly. Looks like they run about $450 now days.

Edited February 15, 201411 yr by jwtaylor