Ignition modules from other cars that can be swapped in to the 1978 280Z

[Zed Head]

Tomohawk asked in another thread about modules that might swap in to the 1978 280Z, from other models or brands of car.

 

Here's one possibility - http://datsun1200.com/modules/mediawiki/index.php?title=B-210_Electronic_Distributor_Swap

 

I haven't figured out if the modules are the same in the cars listed or just other parts, but it's a start.  Of course, most of these cars are just as hard to find in a junk yard as the 1978 280Z.  That's the main problem, everybody only used the big box for a few years before everything got small.

 

I used a 78 module in my 76 car for quite a while, by building a simple terminal panel to allow the wire ends of the 76 to be input to the plug of the 78.

[Zed Head]

Here's the control module info broken out.  Notice that four and six cylinder are the same.  So there's a list of old hard-to-find cars to look for in the wrecking yards. 

 

Control Module

UNIT-TRANSISTOR IGNITION
22020-H7281 CAL+FED.0877- FED(GFU).1276-
22020-F1703 CAL 0775-0777 <> 22020-U6800
22020-U6800 CAL -0675

Ignition control module (ICM)

• Nissan 22020-H7281 UNIT-TRANSISTOR IGNITION (HITACHI E12
  • marked 'Hitachi E12-27 12V 7298'
  • 1978 B210
  • 620 0877-0678
• Airtex/Wells 6H1202
  • 22020-H7281, 88921666, JA114
• Standard Motor Products/Intermotor/Ultrapower: LX-513
  • 12334610, 22020-H7281, D302, E1909

Make --- Model Year NISSAN ---

200 SERIES 78    

280 SERIES 78    

510 80,78    

810 78    

B210 78-77    

F10 78    

PICKUP 78

Edited May 12, 2015 by Zed Head

[EuroDat]

The GM 4-pin HEI module is also an option, but its not plug and play. Some basic knowledge of the systems and the possibility to fabricated mounting plates etc.

 

Changing over to a 280ZX distributor is also an option. Amazon sell remanufactired units for around $120. http://www.amazon.com/Cardone-31-619-Remanufactured-Import-Distributor/dp/B000C46L52

It would need alterations to the wiring, but it is possible.

 

Edit: Found these two on E-bay. Not cheap, but it is plug and play so to speak.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ignitor-Standard-LX-512-fits-75-77-Nissan-280Z-2-8L-L6-/151675480353?fits=Make%3ANissan%7CModel%3A280Z&hash=item2350902921&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ignitor-Standard-LX-511-fits-75-77-Nissan-280Z-2-8L-L6-/161699689867?fits=Make%3ANissan%7CModel%3A280Z&hash=item25a60d758b&vxp=mtr

 

The LX-511 is basically the Californian model for the 76-77 280Z

The LX-512 is the FED model for the 76-77 280Z with the dual pickup.

 

Chas

Edited May 12, 2015 by EuroDat

[Zed Head]

I only started this for Tomohawk's question about a direct module swap.  It's interesting though how fast the technology changed.  From 74, with the big box under the dash, to 79 with the matchbox on the distributor, then to ECU timing and dwell control in 81 with the turbo engines.

 

I've always wondered about the timing curves for ECU control.  Not so easy to figure out what the ECU is doing, and no specs. published like with the distributor control.

 

Nissan doesn't even try to explain it, they just leave it unknown.

[EuroDat]

I have a spare 77 TIU I was planning to rebuild with a HEI module and make available as an exchange unit. That would make it a plug an play mod for people not confident doing the mod themselves, but its not economically viable with the shipping and the import duties I have to pay for parts.

If I had to do any changes to the wiring to use one of the alternatives, I think I would choose the 280ZX distributor.

You are right about Nissan not giving any details on the leter units they seem to have changes the way of informing technicians and choosing the Test and Replace black box method.

Chas