Distributor HELP!

[CosmicIsACult]

So I bought one of the "Hot Spark" ignition conversion but the distributor in my car doesn't look anything like how the points and condenser look in pictures I see else where. This is out of a 71 2002. What is this and why doesn't it look like every other dizzy in the conversions?

[PatAllen]

looks like a 21 distributor, you must have an electronic module somewhere with small cooling fins...and most probably a 1.8 head...or a 1.8 cam....

you are already good to go with this set-up if you have the proper coil.

[CosmicIsACult]

There is a wire coming from the coil that connects to a thing that looks like this. Is this the ignition module? And the head has 121T stamped on it.

[PatAllen]

There is a wire coming from the coil that connects to thing that looks like this. Is this the ignition module?

yes. this module is far better imho that a hotspark, pertronix or any other aftermarket spark device meant to replace points/condenser.

The dweel angle is very agressivve providing very good spark already, thats my opinion. sure enough compare aples to aples, a msd is better.

[CosmicIsACult]

Ohh okayy.

How do I go about setting the timing on this?

Is it different than setting it with the points dizzy?

[jimk]

You have a reluctor signal generator in the dist. The other external device is an ignitor. Do a Google search with that part number for more info. The ignitor has a +12V, ground, signal wire, tach output connection. Usually 7 pins but not all are always used. The reluctor in the dist sends a signal to the ignitor to fire the coil. The reluctor drives the coil similar to a CD ignition.

Ignitors are still used on some EFI units where the unit does not have the drivers built in. Today some coils have built in ignitors, like GM LS1, 2, etc.

You set the timing in the same way as with points. There is no adjustment within the dist other than to keep it clean and the advance mechanism free and lubricated. If it is working, it's as good as a Pertronix and has none of the burnout troubles.

This concept was used on production cars also. See the old VW Rabbits.

[TobyB]

Yup, what everyone else said,

with the caveat that it should turn in

the direction marked on its base.

Which is almost always the opposite to the standard 2002 dist.

Almost.

If it's indeed an E21 dizzy.

It's good. Keep it.

t

[doog]

What numbers on stamped on the side of your distributor?

[doog]

What numbers on stamped on the side of your distributor?

[CosmicIsACult]

What numbers on stamped on the side of your distributor?

0 237 002 049 these were the numbers on the side of the dizzy.

[Arizona02]

0 237 002 049 is for 320i 1980-1983