Distributor Conversion

[Mike]

Hi all,

There has been some recent discussion about HEI modules, distributors, and other related components lately...  I decided to take a quick trip down to the garage and took some photos of my setup.  I didn't do this conversion myself, so, I don't know much about it.  However, from what I do know this is a 280z distributor conversion.  My favorite part of this conversion is a huge reduction of clutter in the engine bay.  It's also very simple and eliminates the problems associated with points under the cap.  I have a 1971 Z, but, this is a newer generation distributor.

If anyone is interested in further details, I can give Steve a call at Ztherapy to get the specs.  Here are some photos.

This is the internal rotor, notice that I no longer have points!

Side of the distributor, showing the electronics mounted on the outside.

And my favorite part!  Clean and tidy!!!!

[Zed Head]

Hey Mike, that is a ZX distributor, probably 79-about 81, with the E12-80 module.  It's a nice and effective way to get high energy ignition, if you can find a distributor.  They're getting harder to find since they are are all remans now.

The ZX distributors weak point is the bushing for the center shaft.  It wears then the teeth of the rotor and starter contact and things break.  Check the play and you might be able to replace it before it goes.

[240260280]

Thanks Mike,

Perfect timing! I'm just doing the upgrade for a friend.

You can go to a junk yard and get the correct fitting for the T connector on the matchbox igniter from any 240zx non turbo.

 

 

 

[siteunseen]

You should also make sure the middle rotor is centered to the stator. Easy to do and they get out of whack.

I was looking and "Blue" popped up! So thanks again! Now I won't do the whole @yomamma's.

 

Edited August 31, 2019 by siteunseen

[Pop's Z]

Also FWIW, any Datsun of that era has the E12 80 matchbox. I was able to get several off various cars at the jy.

Cheers, Mike

[siteunseen]

Is it specific to the L28 cylinder? Maximas and pick-ups? Or the L20s as well? Thanks Pop's Z!

Those mounting bases are getting hard to find, fyi.

Edited August 31, 2019 by siteunseen

[Pop's Z]

I got them off both 4 cyl. and 6 cyl cars. The are identical. Same E12 80 #s. Note these are the "matchbox" thingums that attach to the distributor not the distributor itself.

Cheers, Mike

[EuroDat]

Those E12-80 matchboxes are available also available in bosch, lucas and other European manufacturers. A bit like the efi system which is esentually a copy of the bosch jetronic. I have nos spare Lucas and a boch units still in their boxes.

[Patcon]

1 hour ago, EuroDat said:

Those E12-80 matchboxes are available also available in bosch, lucas and other European manufacturers. A bit like the efi system which is esentually a copy of the bosch jetronic. I have nos spare Lucas and a boch units still in their boxes.

What is the appropriate Bosch number?

[EuroDat]

I'll have a look tomorrow. I picked them up a while back on a local website.