280ZX distributor control module

[grannyknot]

I picked up a 1983 280ZX distributor the other day, I've had it apart and it seems to have very little wear so cleaned it up and re greased.

Now I have a 240z with an L28 with triple carbs and I have read many times that what I need is an E12-80 ignition control module.

My question is why? Why can't I use this one? I know it's FI but what would that have to do with the timing of the spark?

Thanks,

Chris

[madkaw]

You can use that module, just hook up the top connector only. The connection at the bottom/side is a timing retard- which you don't need.

The advance numbers are the same as the 1280 dizzy

[Zed Head]

What you might want to double-check is the timing advance curves. Later engines were designed for high fuel mileage and emissions so have a lot of vacuum advance. I copied some entries from the Excel chart.

The numbers are initial, centrifugal, vacuum, total of all three (high PRM cruising), RPM at which centrifugal is complete, total of initial plus centrifugal (full throttle above indicated RPM).

D606-52 17 12 11 40 2000 29 M/A 1970 – 1972

D611-54 7 24 14 45 2830 31 M 1973

D6K82-01 8 17 30 55 2800 25 M/A 1983 Non-Turbo

p.s. Mike, we need WYSIWYG! I spent 5 minutes making it look right and formatting disappears when posted.

Edited November 10, 2013 by Zed Head

[madkaw]

I guess I assumed he wouldn't be using vacuum advance with his set -up.

ID shoot for 20 initial and see how it runs-NO vacuum advance

[Zed Head]

I forgot that from the other thread. No vacuum advance. 20 + 17 puts him at 37. He had 30 degrees total in that thread, post #13, but didn't report how it drove. New distributor implies that there's still pinging. Maybe?

[grannyknot]

No I don't get to try her out on the road until next spring, the township has already started laying down salt on the roads.

The body is completely sealed up after the restore but I just can't bring myself to do it. Our daily drivers only last about 10-12 years up here before they are swiss cheese.

I thought 1983 dizzy might be good because the static timing is 3 degrees higher and centrifugal advance is 7 degrees less, trying to give myself some options for the spring when I start to dial this engine in. Also if the the Pertronix unit goes then I have a back up distributor.

Thanks guys,

Chris

[madkaw]

Well static timing is where you set it at. You don't need to set it at factory specs.

The ZX dizzy works out well for high initial timing( good for triples) and not too much mechanical advance. If someone had the time and energy you could work with the vacuum advance and limit the amount it draws in. As it is, it's just too much to use on the ZX dizzy and still run full 36-38 degrees advance for best power.thats why I can't wait to have ECU controlled ignition

[240260280z]

The vacuum advance does have an adjustable limiting screw under the plastic sealant/locker.