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Current revision

In USA, starting with 1975 California B210 models, a fully-transistorized Electronic Ignition was fitted, adapted from the 240Z. It is commonly called the "Remote Ignitor" distributor, and was expanded to all USA models in 1978. It is of the Hitachi D4F type. This was used by other 1975-1978 Datsuns in USA and Canada (including L20B engine).

Advantages

stealth. Looks very much like a factory 1200 point setup
Larger cap -- less chance to crossfire (important in humid climates)

Album 3516
Late model cap (left) versus smaller Datsun 1200 cap (right)

High-energy spark -- uses full 12V coil (no ballast resistor)
No points to wear out, no dwell to adjust

Overview

The B210 EI uses the same distributor housing as with other A14 engines (same as points-type).

Album 3517
The 1978 distributor. Looks very similar to the stock B110 distributor.

This distributor is factory stock on all 1978 Datsun B-210 (USA versions).

Using the B-210 Electronic Distributor Swap in other A-series engines is a fairly simple swap:

If using in an A10 or older A12, perform the usual minor modification needed to put a 1974-up distributor in a pre-1974 engine. See Using Newer Distributor
Set the engine to TDC, remove old distributor and insert new distributor, in correct timing
Bolt the control unit somewhere. For reliabilty it should be inside the cabin for protection from dampness and vibration
This step makes the B-210 swap a bit more difficult than the B310 Electronic Distributor Swap
Wire the control unit to the coil and IGN+ (3 wires)

Identification

When you remove the cap, you can see the unique angle-pickup and reluctor of the Hitachi D4F system.

Further identification is by looking at the control module, located under the dash on the kick panel.

NOTE:
1978 USA models used a high energy ignition module with full 12V coil
Also used by all GFU models (5-speed, which was introduced Dec 1976)
Album 22320 22020-H7281
COIL: 22433-H7280

1976-1977 CAL Interchangeable with 1975 CAL unit. These earlier control units have screw-type terminals, as opposed to push-on connector for the 1978 controller.
Album 24381 22020-F1703
COIL: 22488-H73012

1975 California models used a dual-resistor ballast. Both primary and secondary coil terminals were wired into it.
Album 24380 22020-U6800

The distributor with Ballast Resistor looks the same. While the resistor setup is better than stock (it eliminates the points) ... if you have a choice you definitely want the high energy setup. I'm guessing you could use the 1975-1977 distributor and control unit along with a 12V coil and no resistor, but don't know for sure whether the controller will handle the higher coil load.

Parts Needed

When buying/looking for a setup like this, get:

distributor + rotor & cap (or buy new cap & rotor, it's the same as all later models)
control unit. A new control unit is about $175-$200 USD, so be sure to get the used one
Album 22320

NOTE: If the Control Unit is missing, you can use an inexpensive GM HEI module
(optional) as much of the wiring harness as you want. At least the control wiring plug makes it easy. The rest is just wires
Matching coil. You can probably use any coil with the right ohms (0.7 ohms for the high-energy Hitachi E12-27, or standard 1.5 ohm coil w/ballast resistor for the lesser Hitachi boxes)

Source

Hitachi D4F distributor for A-series engine can be found in these models:

USA B210
CAL from 0974      1975-1978 model year
FED GFU from 1276  1977 model year 
FED ALL from 0877  1978 model year

CANADA: points type only

For distributor part numbers, see Hitachi_D4A_Distributor#D4F_EI_TYPE.

Testing

See Testing in the factory service manual.

The two pickup wires should read a about 750 ohms resistance. And using an analog voltmeter, should waver while cranking.

Mechanical

1. Modify distributor hold-down bracket to fit 1971-1973 A-type engines. The mounting bracket on newer distributors needs a slot cut with a hacksaw. See the Using Newer Distributor article.

2. Remove old distributor, Insert new distributor. And of course, set initial timing. See the Ignition Timing article.

Mounting the control Unit

On a factory install, the 'black box' for the B210 distributor mounts inside the car on the right kick panel. So it may be important to keep the box away from moisture, excessive vibration or high underhood temperatures. The box is called the "Hitachi Transistor Ignition Unit" (aka TIU/T.I.U./electronic ignition module/control module).

The odd-looking junction box is not really necessary to use, but is handy to connect the "inside" wiring with the "outside" wiring.

Wiring

Ah, wiring is the beautiful part of this swap, especially if you get a cut of the wiring harness when you purchase your distributor. But if you don't, it's still easy to hook up the wires.

Album 4191
wiring - connect it as shown here if you don't have the wiring harness

Remove the standard low-energy (points) coil, then bolt the B-210 12V coil in its place and reconnect the wires
If using the high-energy box (1978) and coil, bolt a wire across the ballast resistor terminals so it always delivers full voltage to the coil

TIU B (Black)	Ground/Earth
TIU B/W (Black/White)	coil + (IGN)
TIU L (Blue)	coil -
TIU R (Red)	dizzy R
TIU G (Green)	dizzy G
distributor R	TIU R
distributor G	TIU G

NOTE: California models routed the power through an relay (ignition relay). I'm not sure how it is wired, but you can simply just not use the relay and wire it as shown here.

Adjustment

No periodic adjustment is required. Before or after installation, set the Air Gap to .008 to .016 inch (smaller than a points gap).

Air Gap: 8-16 thousands inch (.2 to .4 mm)

At tune-up intervals, check the condition:

Air Gap
Vacuum Advance module (does it leak)?
Bearing plate? Move smoothly?
Inspect Cap & Rotor, wash if dirty. Replace if burn marks found in cap.

Part Numbers

Distributor:

D4FB-03 7904 22100-H3760 (and others)

Cap & Rotor

The Hitachi D4A cap & rotor also fits Hitachi D4F electronic ignition and Hitachi D4K electronic ignition. A-series, L-series and Z-series four-plug distributors use the same cap. Also fits Subaru, Honda and Isuzu with one of the above Hitachi types.

Cap

Part Number and aftermarket caps interchange, but differ by color, type of terminals (brass vs aluminum), cap finish material, presence or abscence of anti-tracking bosses inside, resistor type, vent/no vent, etc.

Nissan 22162-19M01 CAP ASSY $36.48 USD
- superceded 22162-19M00, 22162-U6004, 22162-U6003, 22162-U6002, 22162-U6001

Standard Motor Products JH-63X/JH-63T/JH-63
Standard Motor Products JH-63/JH97 (aluminum terminals)
Standard Motor Products JH-63X (Blue?)
Standard Motor Products JH-63T/JH97T
Bosch 03107 (resistor type) (or cap & rotor set: Bosch 06054) F2010-13140
Bosch 1235999104
Niehoff WA435CS
Beck/Arnley 1743145/1746544
BWD C561/C561P
AC/Delco E386(12321929)/E374
Mighty 6343
Nissan 22162-AA020
30102657005
JA918
AirTex/Wells 5D1172
Master Pro 2-4825

Fits Nissan:

1977-1979 with L20B
1980 200SX with Z20E
1974-1979 620 PICKUP
1979-1982 210
1974-1977 710
1979-1981 310
1980 720 PICKUP
1978-1980 510
1974-1978 B210
1974-1976 610
1976-1978 F10

Also Fits:

Isuzu 1983 - 1986 IMPULSE
Honda 1976 ACCORD
Honda 1975 - 1976 CIVIC
Subaru 1986 - 1987 GL
Subaru 1986 - 1987 RX
Subaru 1986 - 1987 GL-10
Subaru 1986 - 1987 XT

Rotor

Nissan 22157-U6091 Rotor, Distributor $10.67 USD

Rotor is same as points ignition, 1974 up:

Standard Motor Products JR-79X/JR-79/JR-79T
Bosch 04095, F2020-13435, 1987234015
Lucas DRJ102C
Subaru 22157-AA030

Make	---	Model	Year
HONDA	---	ACCORD	1976
		CIVIC	1976-1975
NISSAN	---	200 SERIES	1981-1977
		210	1982-1979
		260 SERIES	1974
		280 SERIES	1978-1975
		310	1982-1979
		510	1980-1978
		610	1977-1974
		620 PICKUP	1977-1974
		710	1977-1974
		810	1978-1977
		B210	1978-1974
		F10	1978-1976
		PICKUP	1980-1976
		PULSAR	1985-1984
		PULSAR NX	1986
		SENTRA	1986-1982
SUBARU	---	SEDAN, COUPE, WAGON	1985
		XT	1985

Daiichi F2020-18361

Model	Year Range	Engine	Chassis	Transmission
Accord 1.6	1976	EF1	SJ_	5MT,HMT
Civic 1.5 2 Door/3 Door	1975-1976	ED_	SG_
Civic 1.5 Wagon	1975-1976	ED_	WB_	4MT,HMT
B210 1.3	1973-1974	A13	B210
B210 1.4	1974-1978	A14	B210
F10 1.4	1976-1978	A14	F10
Pulsar and NX 1.6	1983-1986	E16	N12	5MT,3AT
620 Pickup	1973-1974	L18	620	4MT,3AT
620 Pickup	1974-1979	L20B	620
720 Pickup	1979-1980	L20B	720
Sentra 1.5	1982-1983	E15	B11
Sentra 1.6	1983-1986	E16	B11
200SX 2.0	1976-1979	L20B	S10
200SX 2.0	1979-1980	Z20E	S110
210 1.2	1979-1982	A12	B310
210 1.4	1978-1982	A14	B310
210 1.5	1978-1982	A15	B310
260Z 2.6	1973-1974	L26	S30
280Z 2.8	1974-1978	L28E	S30
310 1.4	1978-1980	A14	N10
310 OHV	1980-1981	A15	N10
310 SOHC	1981-1982	E15	N10
510 2.0	1977-1979	L20B	A10
510 2.0	1979-1980	Z20S	A10
610 2.0	1973-1976	L20B	610
710 1.8	1973-1974	L18	710
710 2.0	1974-1977	L20B	710
810 2.4	1976-1978	L24E	810
4WD Turbo exc. Brat	1983-1984	EA81T	AM5,AW5	3AT
Brat Turbo	1983-1984	EA81T	AT55B	3AT
Loyale Turbo 4WD	1985	EA82T	A10/A11

Coil

CAL TYPE COIL (for EI with external resistor)
* CIT-16 HITACHI
* STC-9 HANSHIN
0.45 to 0.55 ohms primary @68F/20C
Coil never gets a full 12V, not even when starting. Uses 3-tap resistor

POINTS TYPE COIL
* C6R-608 HITACHI
* H5-15-9 HANSHIN
1.17 to 1.43 ohms primary @68F/20C
12V coil. Full 12V applied while starting. Uses 1.5 ohm external resistor

ASSY-IGNITION COIL 
HITACHI 
 22433-H7280 FED,CAL 0877
 22433-H7280 FED(GFU) 1276-
 22488-H7302 CAL 0277-0777 <> 22448-H7301
 22448-H7301 CAL -0177
 22448-H7208 FED 0277-0777 <> 22448-H7207 [Points]
 22448-H7207 FED 0875-0177 <> 22448-H7206 [Points]
 22448-H7206 FED -0775 [Points]

HANSHIN
 22433-H7285 FED(GFU) -1276
 22433-H7285 FED,CAL 0877-
 22448-H7312 CAL 0277-0777 <> 22448-H7311
 22448-H7311 CAL -0177
 22448-H7217 FED 0875-0177 <> 22448-H7206 [Points]

COIL IGNITION
22462-H7310 CAL 0277-
22462-N7110 FED 0277-

1978

For the 1978 unit (high energy)

Coil: 12V non-resistor, used by USA models 1978 B210 D4F and 1979-1982 B310 and other D4K electronic ignition systems.

Nissan 22433-H7280
- CIT-30/STC-30
- Primary Resistance at 20C (68F): 0.84 to 1.02 ohms
- Secondary Resistance at 20C (68F): 8.2 to 12.4 Kohms
Bosch 00200
Beck/Arnley 1800039
AC Delco E525 or C502 (replaces F519 #12321584)
Standard Motor Products UF-4/UF-4T
Airtex/Wells 5C1017
- Primary 200 Scale .7 - 1.4
- Secondary 200 Scale 9.0k - 15.5k
- 12321584, 22433-AA140, 22433-H7280, 22433-H7285, 22433-KA040, 22433-P7500, 22433-P7510, 22433-V0801, 22433-V0821, 22448-P9000, 22448-V0801, 22448-V0821, 429887900, 802518100, 88921271, 8942483450, C840, MD013789, MD025702, MD025703

- Coil: 12V non-resistor
- Bosch 00200, Beck/Arnley 1800039, AC Delco E525 or C502 (replaces F519 #12321584), Standard Motor Products UF-4/UF-4T

Make		Model	Year
CHRYSLER		CHRYSLER VEHICLES	1984-1982
CHRYSLER IMPORTS		CHRYSLER IMPORT VEHICLES	1982,1979
		SAPPORO	1982-1980
DODGE		CHALLENGER	1982-1980
		COLT	1981-1980
		DODGE CARS	1984-1981
DODGE LIGHT TRUCK		CARAVAN / GRAND CARAVAN	1984
		PICKUP -19 FULLSIZE / RAMCHARGER	1981-1980
		PICKUP -19 MINI	1982
ISUZU		IMPULSE	1989-1983
MAZDA		808	1977-1975
NISSAN		200 SERIES	1981-1978
		210	1982-1979
		280 SERIES	1983-1979
		310	1981-1979
		510	1980-1978
		810	1981-1978
		B210	1978-1977
		F10	1978
		MAXIMA	1984-1982
		PICKUP	1980-1978
		PULSAR	1984
		PULSAR NX	1983
		SENTRA	1987-1984
PLYMOUTH		ARROW	1980
		CHAMP	1981-1980
		PLYMOUTH VEHICLES	1983-1981
		RELIANT	1984
		VOYAGER / GRAND VOYAGER	1984

Ballast Resistor

See also: Ballast resistor

For 1974-1977 B210 models

22460-H7210 RESISTOR FED -0277 [for Points distributor]
* 1.17 to 1.43 ohms primary @68F/20C
Album 23268

22460-H7310 RESISTOR CAL -0277
3-tap type -- coil never gets a full 12V
* 1.3 ohms (.0 primary + .9 secondary) @68F/20C
Album 24383

Vacuum Advance

All 1974-1982 USA model B210 and B310 use the same vacuum advance modules. Advance varies slightly by year and model. Some are advance/retard units. See Datsun Factory Service Manual for details.

See Late-model Vacuum Advance for part numbers.

Breaker Plate

22136-M5600 Breaker A12A Canada (points type)
22136-H9501 PLATE ASSY-BREAKER (IC Type Hitachi) (formerly 22136-Q1700) $73.08

Pickup

LX-507

Make	---	Model	Year
NISSAN	---	280 SERIES	78-75
		810	78-77
		B210	78-75

Control Module

NOTE: an inexpensive GM HEI module can be used instead of the Nissan-Hitachi 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

620 Pickup unit was marked 'E12 - 27 12V 7X15', is this the same???

1977 Federal Module: LX-512. Use with coil UF-4
NISSAN --- 280 SERIES: 77-75

75-77 Federal, Canada 280Z

22020-U6800 UNIT-TRANSISTOR IGNITION (HITACHI E12
- CAL 620 0875-0777
B210 1975-77 California Module: LX-511. use with coil UF-5
280Z 75 California and Hi-Altitude models
280Z 76-77 California

Make	---	Model	Year
NISSAN	---	200 SERIES	77
		280 SERIES	77-75
		610	77-76
		710	77-76
		810	77
		B210	77-75
		F10	77-76
		PICKUP	77-76

Coil older UF-5

Make	---	Model	Year
NISSAN	---	200 SERIES	79-77
		260 SERIES	74
		280 SERIES	78-75
		610	77-76
		710	77-76
		810	77
		B210	77-75
		F10	77-76
		PICKUP	77-76

Contactor

LX-699

Make	---	Model	Year
NISSAN	---	200 SERIES	78-77
		210	81-80
		280 SERIES	78-75
		610	76-75
		620 PICKUP	78-76
		710	77-75
		810	78-77
		B210	78-75
		F10	79-76

¤

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