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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)
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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
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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
Distributor:
- D4FB-03 7904 22100-H3760(and others)
Coil
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
Late model cap (left) versus smaller Datsun 1200 cap (right)