I'm not planning on putting the original distributor points and condenser system back on my 71 240Z.

A friend of mine is telling me to use a 123 ignition and an MSD6AL. Good or?

Years ago I installed electronic fireball ignition system on an old GMC truck that I still have. I've never once had a problem with that upgrade. I'd like to do the same thing with the Z.

Anyone have experience and advice to point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance for the group's help.

Restoration update as of 12-16-25.

The 1979 to 1983 matchbox distributor is a good upgrade.

EDIT: Your work looks fantastic! I run a 280 radiator with a full ZX shroud on mine. 173F at idle sitting in my garage without any air flowing into the front.

Here's the two that helped me the most on my ZX swap. It works great with my Fireball PS20 coil. Bought the dizzy and coil from amazon.com

If you'll read Mr Moore's 1st post down at the bottom he's created an Excel spreadsheet with all the different values. I chose the 1979 and was lucky enough to get one back in 2015 I think. You'll need the ZX base. Maybe Junkyard Jenny would have one? I was lucky enough to find one at a local junkyard. The atlanticz.ca thread shows the installation on a 280 but there's a wiring diagram on there too for the 240Z. I can't really remember but I think I run 17 degrees at idle and 34 at 3,000 RPM. Sorry for my poor memory, too many motorcycle wrecks involving my head. 😁

https://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/distributor/index.html

Edited 7 hours ago7 hr by siteunseen

15 hours ago, CB Garrett said:

A friend of mine is telling me to use a 123 ignition and an MSD6AL

Do you want something that looks "factory" or time period correct or just something functional? With the 123 you don't really need the MSD unless you want the multi-spark.

I would beware of the old names. Many have been sold to conglomerates that source the manufacturing to low cost overseas factories.

If it was me I'd look for a system that has readily available replacement modules. Some of the old name brands are expensive to fix if the modules fail.

Something that is functional easy to install and gives me zero trouble for the next 20 years.

I’m not too concerned about looking fancy or. correct. I just want something that’s trouble free once I’ve gone through the steps to install. It. Don’t wanna have to go backwards and fuss with it later.

I’m out working on the car now. I’ll have more time to research when I get back in my office this evening.

Thanks to all the input I’ve received.

I did a quick shoparound and can't find the E12-80 module, for the ZX distributors, for sale anywhere, new. Only eBay used is out there.

I did run across a Mallory Unilite module for $83 on Summit.

Pertronix conversions are still out there. You could use one of those to trigger an MSD6AL or a GM HEI module. The Pertronix module should last longer since it won't see the coil current. Or it might be fine as-is.

The 123 looks nice in that it seems to have current limiting in the module so you can get a higher energy spark, and the advance curves are tunable. One problem with old used distributors is you get the advance curves that they came with usually, unless you can dig up other weights or vacuum advance canisters.

Fun problem to have. Good luck.

https://123ignition.com/product/tuneplus-6-r-v-datsun/

123ignition is proud to announce the first fully programmable Bluetooth ignition! Control your 123\TUNE+ with your iOS/Android smartphone or tablet. The App makes it possible to adjust the ignition curve and shows an electronic dashboard.

Main features: REV-counter, Antitheft system by a PIN code, Real time tuning, Vacuum advance, Boost retard, Soft REV-limiter, etc.

Cylinders	6
Model	Tune+
Operating voltage	4-15V
Positive earth supported	Yes
Wires	Black: coil '-' , Blue: battery negative , Red: ignition key (battery 6V / 12V)
Vacuum	Yes
Rotation direction	CW & CCW
IE (D-jetronic support)	No
RPM range	500-10.000 RPM
Brand	Datsun
Environmental temperature	-30 – 100 °C
Cap type	Straight
Dwell	Constant current: fully automatic adaptive dwell
Coil charging time-out	After 1 second, coil current is turned off
Spark balancing	<0.5 degrees
Maximum advance	40 degrees crankshaft

Forgot to say that you can wire up a GM HEI module to both the Z and ZX electronic distributors.