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In USA, starting with 1975 California B210 models, a fully-transistorized ignition was fitted, adapted from the 240Z. It was expanded to all USA models in 1978. Using the B-210 Electronic Distributor Swap in other A-series engines is a fairly simple swap:
- The usual minor modification needed to put a 1974-up distributor in a 1971-1973 A-type engine
- remove old distributor and insert new distributor
- bolt the control unit somewhere. Supposedly it should be inside the cabin.
- This step makes the B-210 swap a bit more difficult than the B310 Distributor Swap
- Wire the control unit to the coil and IGN+ (3 wires)
Contents |
Identification
It uses the same distributor housing as with other A14 engines.
The 1978 distributor. Looks very similar to the stock B110 distributor.
This distributor is factory stock on 1978 Datsun B-210 (North American version of the B210).
NOTE:
- 1978 Canadian models used a ballast resistor with the coil
- 1977 models used a resistor
- 1976 California models used this setup, but with resistor
The type with 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 1976-1977 or Canada distributor and control unit along with a 12V coil and no resistor, but don't know for sure.
- 1975 Californa models used a dual-resistor ballast. Both primary and secondary coil terminals were wired into it. The 1975 control unit has screw-type terminals, as opposed to push-on terminals for the 1978 controller.
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
- (optional) as much of the wiring harness as you want. At least the control wiring plug makes it easy. The rest is just wires
- 12V coil. You can probably use any 12V coil with the right ohms
Advantages
- stealth. Looks very much like a factory 1200 point setup
- Larger cap -- less chance to crossfire (important in humid climates)
- High-energy spark -- uses full 12V coil (no ballast resistor)
- No points to wear out, no dwell to adjust
</ul>
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.
wiring - connect it as shown here if you don't have the wiring harness-
<li>Remove the standard low-energy coil and ballast resistor, then bolt the 12V coil in its place</li>
<li>One side of the 1200's original ballast resistor has a 12V IGN feed, so connect the TIU black wire to this original wire (Black/white) and then both to the coil + side</li>
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.
Part Numbers
-
<li>Distributor: D4FB-03 7904 22100-H3760(and others)</li>
<li>Coil: 12V non-resistor: Nissan 22433-H7280, Bosch 00200, Beck/Arnley 1800039, AC Delco E525 or C502 (replaces F519 #12321584), Standard Motor Products UF-4/UF-4T</li>
- Cap (same as points ignition, 1974 up): Standard Motor Products JH-63X/JH-63T/JH-63, Bosch 03107 (or cap & rotor set: Bosch 06054), F2010-13140.
Make Model</TD> Year </TR>HONDA --- ACCORD 76 CIVIC 76-75 NISSAN --- 200 SERIES 81-77 210 82-79 310 81-79 510 80-78 610 77-74 620 PICKUP 77-74 710 77-74 B210 78-74 F10 78-76 PICKUP 80-76 SUBARU --- SEDAN, COUPE, WAGON 85 XT 85 </TABLE>
- Rotor (same as points ignition, 1974 up): Standard Motor Products JR-79X/JR-79/JR-79T, Bosch 04095, F2020-13435
Make Model</TD> Year </TR>HONDA --- ACCORD 76 CIVIC 76-75 NISSAN --- 200 SERIES 81-77 210 82-79 260 SERIES 74 280 SERIES 78-75 310 82-79 510 80-78 610 77-74 620 PICKUP 77-74 710 77-74 810 78-77 B210 78-74 F10 78-76 PICKUP 80-76 PULSAR 85-84 PULSAR NX 86 SENTRA 86-82 SUBARU --- SEDAN, COUPE, WAGON 85 XT 85 </TABLE> Daiichi F2020-18361
Model Year Range Engine Chassis Transmission Honda Accord 1.6 1976 EF1 SJ_ 5MT,HMT Honda Civic 1.5 2 Door/3 Door 1975 - 1976 ED_ SG_ Honda Civic 1.5 Wagon 1975 - 1976 ED_ WB_ 4MT,HMT Nissan B210 1.3 1973 - 1974 A13 B210 Nissan B210 1.4 1974 - 1978 A14 B210 Nissan F10 1.4 1976 - 1978 A14 F10 Nissan Pulsar and Pul. NX 1.6 1983 - 1986 E16 N12 5MT,3AT Nissan 620 Pickup 1.8 1973 - 1974 L18 620 4MT,3AT Nissan 620 Pickup 2.0 1974 - 1979 L20B 620 Nissan 720 Pickup 2.0 1979 - 1980 L20B 720 Nissan Sentra 1.5 1982 - 1983 E15 B11 Nissan Sentra 1.6 1983 - 1986 E16 B11 Nissan 200SX 2.0 1976 - 1979 L20B S10 Nissan 200SX 2.0 1979 - 1980 Z20E S110 Nissan 210 1.2 1979 - 1982 A12 B310 Nissan 210 1.4 1978 - 1982 A14 B310 Nissan 210 1.5 1978 - 1982 A15 B310 Nissan 260Z 2.6 1973 - 1974 L26 S30 Nissan 280Z 2.8 1974 - 1978 L28E S30 Nissan 310 1.4 1978 - 1980 A14 N10 Nissan 310 1.5 OHV 1980 - 1981 A15 N10 Nissan 310 1.5 SOHC 1981 - 1982 E15 N10 Nissan 510 2.0 1977 - 1979 L20B A10 Nissan 510 2.0 1979 - 1980 Z20S A10 Nissan 610 2.0 1973 - 1976 L20B 610 Nissan 710 1.8 1973 - 1974 L18 710 Nissan 710 2.0 1974 - 1977 L20B 710 Nissan 810 2.4 1976 - 1978 L24E 810 Subaru 4WD Turbo excluding Brat 1983 - 1984 EA81T AM5,AW5 3AT Subaru Brat 1.8 Turbo Pickup 1983 - 1984 EA81T AT55B 3AT Subaru Leone/Loyale Turbo 4WD 1985 EA82T A10/A11 - Pickup: LX-507
Make Model</TD> Year </TR>NISSAN --- 280 SERIES 78-75 810 78-77 B210 78-75 </TABLE>
- TUI: Hitachi E12-27 12V 7298 Standard Motor Products Module: LX-513
Make Model</TD> Year </TR>NISSAN --- 200 SERIES 78 280 SERIES 78 510 80,78 810 78 B210 78-77 F10 78 PICKUP 78 </TABLE>
- Contactor LX-699
Make Model</TD> Year </TR>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 </TABLE>
Older Modules- 1977 Federal Module: LX-512. Use with coil UF-4
- <li>NISSAN --- 280 SERIES: 77-75
75-77 Federal, Canada 280Z
<li> 1975-77 California Module: LX-511. use with coil UF-5 280Z 75 California and Hi-Altitude models 280Z 76-77 California
Make Model</TD> Year </TR>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 </TABLE>
- Coil older UF-5
Make Model</TD> Year </TR>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 </TABLE>
</ul> - Rotor (same as points ignition, 1974 up): Standard Motor Products JR-79X/JR-79/JR-79T, Bosch 04095, F2020-13435
Make Model</TD> Year </TR>CHRYSLER --- CHRYSLER VEHICLES 84-82 CHRYSLER IMPORTS --- CHRYSLER IMPORT VEHICLES 82,79 SAPPORO 82-80 DODGE --- CHALLENGER 82-80 COLT 81-80 DODGE CARS 84-81 DODGE LIGHT TRUCK --- CARAVAN / GRAND CARAVAN 84 PICKUP - FULLSIZE / RAMCHARGER 81-80 PICKUP - MINI 82 ISUZU --- IMPULSE 89-83 MAZDA --- 808 77-75 NISSAN --- 200 SERIES 81-78 210 82-79 280 SERIES 83-79 310 81-79 510 80-78 810 81-78 B210 78-77 F10 78 MAXIMA 84-82 PICKUP 80-78 PULSAR 84 PULSAR NX 83 SENTRA 87-84 PLYMOUTH --- ARROW 80 CHAMP 81-80 PLYMOUTH VEHICLES 83-81 RELIANT 84 VOYAGER / GRAND VOYAGER 84 </TABLE>
Late model cap (left) versus smaller Datsun 1200 cap (right)