TomoHawk

I got an entire engine wiring harness from a place called Vines Auto in AL. They recycle BMWs there. For about $30, I got enough connectors to do two engines. www.vinesauto.com

If you can get the same module in a different, smaller package, please let us know!

In that case, you gotta get some photos and start a collection here. Cha-CHING....

What cost? Maybe that I just happen to have something in the scrap metal box, and a supply of rubber molding stuff from a ceramics project? The module needs to have a good heatsink. I might even have a big finned one like Sarah's. Too much labor? Just about any Z is better than watching the garbage on TV in the evenings, even paying bills. Remeber that it's THE classic sportscar, not just something ordinary from Detroit.

It sounds like a reason to machine an alloy base block, and get out the rubber molding supplies to fashion a cover- with a Z-logo of course! Have you guys seen the Rock Auto TV commercials? <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xeiyZWGgoQ4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Can you get some connectors for it too? Crimping on connectors will work, but something that looks like OE would be nice if the module is in view. At Advance Auto: 1977 Chevrolet Camaro4.1L 250CI L6 Carb BWD Ignition Control Module Part No. CBE4Z $24.69

I asked for a for your recommendation for a (favorite module) because if you go to the auto parts store, the guy behind the computer screen doesn't know what you mean by "GM HEI Module." They want a make, model & year, or they can't help you. I think ask for one for an 80s V6 car? BTW- the 78 Buick Regal has a V6, and uses the module needed. I do remember the tech-heads back in the 80s complaining about the module on the top of the distributor cap going bad because of heat. Anyway, I drew up the wiring per Zed Head:

Reading hat makes you wanna go out and put one in right now! Do you have a favorite module to suggest? I read that some of the modules don't work so great above 5000 RPM. Maybe something from a 4 or 6 cylinder engine would work?

I thought that the wiring diagram was too simple... I think the wires labeled 'ECU' are for the distributor, but I will cross-check things.

I summarized the writeup from ZDriver. It doesn't mention the 280Z ignition box, but we are still discussing that. Upgrade - Chevy HEI.pdf

This is great news :laugh: What was the total length of the video?

Not in the last week or two, but after the dyno test problem, I went through those things and it all looked fine.

There seems to be a problem with the spark. The engine runs smoothly, but during a dynomometer test, the guy couldn't get a good enough signal to measure the RPM. The timing light confirms that there is an intermittent miss on #1. I expect consistent, rhythmic light flashes, but every few, a flash is missing. I suspect the ignition box may be faulty or dirty connections, or whatever. In any case, parts are getting extremely expensive, and rare, so modern alternatives are good to have.

Their search system over there must be wackier than it is here.

I looked into this upgrade, and all the information was aimed at the 240Z, which is great because it uses points. One article was for the upgrade on a 77, but the wiring on a '78 is different enough that I think it deserves its own writeup. The connection of the GM HEI module to the distributor seems fine, but what do you do with the ignition box inside the car? So, is there a writeup for the GM HEI module upgrade specifically for the 1978 280Z, using the stock 280Z distributor, not the ZX one? thxZ

that's easy. Just find a place that employes quantum physicists, and borrow his time machine to either: 1- send your car back to 1973 (or whenever) to return things to "new" condition 2- Go there yourself to get factory-new parts

The document is 174 x 52 inches. At that size, you could use it as a full-size template to make a wiring harness!

You just gotta find a place to print out that big sucker.

Personally, I'd like to see or read all the stuff that didn't make it into the book.

Anny word on things? You can never learn too much about it, and practice makes perfect!

Higuys, The engine guy says he's about ready to take the engine out of my car, so I called a place (RPM, Central, Utah) to check on the availability of a 'Master rebuild Kit.' The guy told me the mater kits are available, but only with flat-top pistons. I have an N42 block/ N47 head, but I'm not too experienced in telling if the flat-top pistons will work with my engine, or what affect it will have: Can I still use regular gas? Will the engine run well on the street? thxZ

Simplicity is beautiful. It's nice & shiny too You gotta tell us what all that stuff is between the throttle body and the flow meter, and what you did to the intake.

Ah.... the never-fail-one-speed-wiper-motor-with-instant-park....

Because the wiring/electrical systems on cars are "complicated" and they think they are simplifying it or removing a "problem." What was connected to those three remaining wires?

It might be close to you, but 200 miles is a little far from me.