Using a HEI Ignition Module with a Factory Electronic Distributor
Article by Brendan Parrott
INTRODUCTION
The installation of a ‘79-80 “Black Box” distributor is by far one of the most common methods of upgrading to a breakerless ignition on your 510. The nickname “Black Box” refers to the small, black ignition module that is mounted directly on the distributor. Unfortunately, because of their popularity, age, and limited years of production, these distributors can be difficult to find in some parts of the country. If you do find one, it is possible that someone has already removed the ignition module. It seems that enthusiasts who use these distributors like to grab extra modules when they find them. The reason? The retail price for the module is $308 at the Nissan dealer and $244 at my local NAPA. Neither store carries the module in stock. It is not a failure-prone part, but keep in mind that used modules are nearly twenty years old and are mounted in a location that exposes them to a fair amount of heat. A better alternative to the factory module is the GM HEI ignition module. You’ll always find them in stock and the price ranges from $15 for a “house brand” to $30 for a premium label such as Standard. The real beauty of the HEI module is that it allows you to use any Datsun electronic distributor from a four cylinder L-series engines.
THE PARTS LIST
The Distributor. You can use the “Black Box” distributor, but you will have to fabricate a plate to block off the hole where the factory module is mounted. The distributors that used a remote module (‘76-78) are preferable for this reason and much more common. Check the shaft of the distributor for excessive play. Be sure to grab the distributor pedestal that mounts between the distributor and timing cover.
The Coil. Be sure to get he get the coil from the donor car.. The stock 510 coil will not work. High performance aftermarket coils such as the MSD Blaster 2 can also be used. Bypass the resistor if it is still in place.
The Module. If it fits your budget, opt for the premium module. They are made with better materials and should last longer than the cheap variety. The part number for the Standard Ignition part is LX-301.
A heat sink. A small rectangle of aluminum (approx. 2”x3”x1/8th) is all you’ll need. These modules generate a lot of heat, so consider this part necessary.
INSTALLATION
Drill two holes in your heat sink to match the mounting holes on the HEI module. Mount the module / heat sink combo near the coil. The module should come with a package of silicone compound. Be sure to use it and be generous in it’s application. This stuff helps transfer heat and protects the module from corrosion. Before removing your old distributor, set the engine at TDC on the compression stroke. The rotor will be pointing at the #1 terminal of the distributor cap. Install the new distributor and base.
Note: If you find that the rotor is 180 degrees off, you will have to re-orient the upper shaft. Remove the pickup coil, reluctor and the plate they mount on. This will expose the advance weights. This is a two-piece shaft, so just remove the screw in the center of the top of the shaft and move the upper shaft 180 degrees. The other option is to drop the oil pump, spin the distributor/oil-pump drive spindle 180 degrees and reinstall it.
Install the coil from the donor car. Now connect the HEI module to the coil and distributor. The
HEI module has four connecting points.
W - Connects to the positive lead at the distributor.
G - Connects to the negative lead at the distributor.
C - Connects to the negative side of the coil.
B - Connects to the positive side of the coil.
The red wire coming from the distributor is positive. If you find that your distributor has two green wires, you'll have to try running the car with the wires connected both ways to determine which combination is correct. If your first guess is wrong, the car will start, but it won’t run properly.
Install your cap, rotor and wires and you’re done. Enjoy the reliability and confidence in knowing that this module can be replaced at ANY auto parts store in the country.