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Electronic Distributor Upgrades are considered the BEST upgrade you can make to your A-series engine -- it increases reliability considerably.

1 Conversions
2 Benefits
3 Identification

Conversions

For converting your A12 to electronic ignition, see:

Australia: E15 Electronic Distributor Swap conversion for A-series
USA: B310 Electronic Distributor Swap
USA: B-210 Electronic Distributor Swap
USA: Hot-Spark Ignition
Japan: Sunny Truck Electronic Distributor
Japan: A15 Vanette Distributor
Japan: FLTR Full TR (Full Transistor)
all countries: Pertronix Electronic Ignition
all countries: EDIS Coil Pack setup
VW Electronic Ignition Conversion

Also see:

GM HEI Ultra-high energy module conversion
Category:Engine Modifications Ignition

Benefits

Advantages of electronic ignition include:

No points to wear out, no dwell to adjust. Otherwise you are supposed to change the points & condensor to NEW every 12 months. Nissan EI is nearly foolproof as failures are extrememly rare. Points will always end up giving you trouble eventually.
High-energy spark -- uses full 12V coil (no ballast resistor), and can drive large gapped spark plugs for better firing
Additionally, Nissan versions have this advantage of using Larger Cap -- less chance to crossfire (important in humid climates)

Identification

Nissan distributors usually have two OEM suppliers:

Hitachi: 日立 or ヒタチ
Mitsubishi: 三菱　or ミツビシ

Use the google Fast Search box on the left side of this page to search for the distributor number. Or use the photos below to identify the generic type.

On the body of the distributor should be the part number. Clean the grease off the side of the body and read the numbers:

Top line: Distributor Model Number (e.g. D4R). This will tell you the kind of EI it is so you can identify the cap & rotor parts.

Lower line: Nissan Part Number. You can look up the exact part number (e.g. "22100-P4000", most are in the club wiki. If not, post your number and we can help identify the exact model.

The same types of EI systems used in Nissan distributors are also used in Honda and Mazda engines. After removing the cap, look at the type of Ignitor used to identify the technology: