Turbo Distributor Swap Guide / How To Fix Maxed Out Timing
11 Attachment(s)
This is a distributor swap guide for those needing an optical Crank Angle Sensor (CAS) for MegaSquirt, Z31T ECU, or other various EFI systems. The 82-83 280ZX Turbo distributor is needed, along with the internal CAS and Chopper Wheel (encoder disc). The Nissan VG30E, VG30ET, and VG33E (Z31, Maxima, Pathfinder, Quest, QX4, Xterra) also share the same CAS which can be used to refurbish a warn out 280ZX CAS (see bottom of this post).
*Note: The 81 280ZX Turbo distributor does not have an internal CAS, using instead a plate attached to the back of the crank pulley and magnetic sensor mounted on the A/C bracket. Both output the same signal, but the advantage to the 82-83T optical CAS is ease of changing the encoder disc for various EFI setups, and ease of timing adjustment. Items needed:
Procedure (81T used as example):
If the 280ZXT optical CAS has seen better days, a much newer one can be had for cheap to free at your local junk yard. Nissan and Acadiana Sports Cars also sell them new for ~$79. M4x.70 bolts and nuts can be found at any hardware store. The only modification is to trim off the alignment tabs on the newer CAS. Easiest done with a Dremel. https://www.zdriver.com/forums/attac...1&d=1432707530 Also for reference, here's a helpful diagram from AtlanticZ about making sure your cam and chain are properly aligned. https://www.zdriver.com/forums/attac...1&d=1435725653 And if you can't get timing within spec, the shaft is most likely a tooth off. A trick to simplify the process is to use vice grips on the top of the shaft so it doesn't drop all the way out when you drop the oil pump. This way you can easily push down, rotate, and pull up to get it to proper alignment, without test fitting and dropping the oil pump. HANDY!!! https://www.zdriver.com/forums/attac...1&d=1441811929 |
Great write up. I've been running the VG30 CAS for a few years now because the L28ET ones happen to melt the epoxy and splash up onto the encoder wheel.
Just some reference information, those alignment dowels don't have to be trimmed down, it will work with or without. I've never trimmed mine down and have been running it for 4 years or so now. In fact I rebuild other distributors with the updated sensor and haven't had to trim those down. |
Good to know. I once used a CAS from a Z31 and it would not sit flat in the distributor, the disc scraped the CAS... trimmed the tabs and it sat flat. I guess I need to compare all of these CAS's. :023:
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Not to thread jack, but I have access to a TON of these VG30 sensors and Z31 chopper wheels if anyone ever needs any.
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For my first post I would like to send a props to nismo pick for this most excellent write-up. Very informative.
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