spottedog Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 The matchbox ignition module went out on my 720 pickup, none to be found at the wrecker, dealer price sky high, so I adapted a Chevy TP45SB 4 pin module to the stock distributor and coil. The surprise is the engine (L20-b head on Z24 block) runs MUCH better than when I had the matchbox module on it! Nicer idle and easily revs past 4500 rpm (it used to bog at 4500) Cheap module at $20 and common item at any auto parts store. :) Quote Link to comment
izzo Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 pics or it didnt happen :lol: Quote Link to comment
Pacific coast Datsun Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 Ive done this mod twice & yes it works great & is cheap. I used an HEI for a 77 Camaro... cost $15. Quote Link to comment
HP11 Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 Ive done this mod twice & yes it works great & is cheap. I used an HEI for a 77 Camaro... cost $15. As I recall, you had a write up on one of the sites. I cant' recall which one, however. Quote Link to comment
Z-train Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 Too bad our distributors are too small for this: http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com Quote Link to comment
Pacific coast Datsun Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 As I recall, you had a write up on one of the sites. I cant' recall which one, however. You are correct sir. The writeup credit goes to Mklotz, pix are of my truck :D http://www.japanesenostalgiccar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=184 Quote Link to comment
720LA Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 Does anyone know if this mod would work on my 1980 L20B in my 720? I'd really like to try it. Mine is barely running now and I don't want to spring for the price of the matchbox module if I can avoid it. Thanks for any advice anyone can offer. Scott Quote Link to comment
Z-train Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 And..........you can locate the module INSIDE the cab to keep heat & vibration away form it. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 ... although the HEI normally sits in the chevy distributor. The inner fender makes a good heat sink... Quote Link to comment
720LA Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 Hello everyone, I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how to replace my matchbox with the Chevy module. I've got a 1980 720 with the L20B that has only four plugs and the matchbox dizzie. After hearing about this mod I did an image search for the HEI module and I see several variations on the number of prongs that they have. I see one that has only two prongs. Would that work? Would love it if it increased the spark a little bit - especially if it saved money over buying a replacement matchbox. thanks, Scott Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 This mod is only for replacing a very expensive matchbox ($320 at Nissan) that is broken or missing. There is zero gain from this, only savings of +$300. The HEI unit is simply an electronic switch turning the coil on and off. If your matchbox is working leave it.... this is like changing a tire that's not flat. If you have the older style remote igniter style this is also a cheap alternative. Quote Link to comment
720LA Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 I would like to try this mod for practical reasons. I'm not sure my matchbox works. the truck has multiple problems. One of them is that it feels like it's losing sparking intermittently. I'm thinking if I can try a different module cheaply it might be a good way to figure out if my module is bad. Does anyone know how to wire it up to take the place of a matchbox? Quote Link to comment
Datfish Posted June 16, 2013 Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 Here's the best thread I found awhile back. I have all my parts...gotta get my S.U.'s on and running first, tho. http://community.ratsun.net/topic/17444-electronic-ignitions-for-l-motors-4-cyl/ Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted June 16, 2013 Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 it's losing sparking intermittently???? ck the valve lash and then replace the plug or wires. thgen look at the dissy chaRGING SYSTEM ok? Quote Link to comment
Pacific coast Datsun Posted June 17, 2013 Report Share Posted June 17, 2013 It seems that the JNC.com link to the writeup is gone & or not working but theres plenty of info in this thread. Ill add that on my 620 ive now mounted the HEI to a bracket thats attached to the coil bracket & is grounded that way. Its "floating" so to speak & not screwed onto the inner fender support. Quote Link to comment
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