ermracing

A little history here - we have a 1982 280ZX non-turbo engine with dual Webers in a RHD 1991 Mustang chassis. The '78 280Z engine we originally had in it ate a water pump and died. It was pumping water out of cylinders #2 and #3. After we replaced the head gasket in the '78 engine we got the beast running again briefly by cranking the dist clockwise about 1/2" out of reach of the adjuster bolt, so we just used a large washer along with the bolt to hold it down. The engine lasted about 3 more laps (24 Hours of Lemons) before it just locked up.

In comes the '82 280ZX engine over the winter and we're having problems starting it. We were getting no spark whatsoever from the stock dist. I replaced the cap, rotor and stator, still nothing.

I looked on line and found out how to use the 280Z dist with a GM HEI unit which I wired up. Better, but just stumbling and backfiring out the carb. I tried rotating the dist clockwise again and it came to life with it way out of line with the bolt again.

Could something in the 280z dist be out of alignment? I tried a timing gun but it was too bright outdoors to see, but can try it again.

So, the 280zx engine does run with the 280z dist, but it needs to be advanced (or is clockwise retarding it?) to get it to work.

Dave

FricFrac

You need to check your mechanical timing for starters - timing chain, cam and dizzy and make sure it's set up right.