Dizzy trigger options for a 6-pin CDI

[JohnJL]

I want to use a good 6-pin CDI unit I have with a 231.184.004 distributor, which I think is 1973.5-77. Clockwise.

I understand Crane Optical outputs a square-wave signal the original Bosch CDIs will not work with. I have not received clear information about whether the Pertronix i/ii/iii put out a signal the 6-pin CDI will recognize.

Are there any options, other than backdating the distributor to points? Could I use an tach adapter like MSD, Tach Adapt and Pertronix all offer to adapt the signal to the 6-pin CDI?

Little help please? Thanks!

[jbell959]

The 184 004 is a points distributor so it needs to be used with a 3-pin CDI. The 6-pin CDI is designed for the SC type distributor with the reluctor wheel. The input trigger is different.

I would contact Bob Ashlock and see if he has any ideas but I don't think those can be used together. The Crane or Pertronix just replace the points but provide the same input for the 3-pin CDI

[JohnJL]

To your knowledge, can I put an SC reluctor wheel and sensor in the 004 dstributor?

My alternative seems to keep the crane trigger in there and relpace the MSD 6 I had to use for another car. It worked flawlessly, I was just hoping t use the Bosch CDI I have.

[jbell959]

There is no way to put the SC reluctor wheel in the 004 distributor. The 184 004 is the "RS" distributor so it's worth some money. They don't come up for sale that often but would probably bring $500+ Why don't you just buy a good used or rebuilt 3-pin CDI and sell the 6-pin unit?

[prschmn]

I agree that you'd be better off to sell the Bosch CDI and replace it with something more current.
Maybe an MSD which will trigger off points or a Pertronix.

[timmy2]

Use an SC distributor and change the gear drive?

[jbell959]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Use an SC distributor and change the gear drive?

You can't spin the SC distributor clockwise... you would need to change the gear drive on the crank. The only reluctor type distributor that works is the early 3.0 turbo one that is the same reluctor type but spins clockwise. Unfortunately those are hard to find.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by jbell959

You can't spin the SC distributor clockwise... you would need to change the gear drive on the crank. The only reluctor type distributor that works is the early 3.0 turbo one that is the same reluctor type but spins clockwise. Unfortunately those are hard to find.

You would also need to change the advance mechanism and thats not easy.

[timmy2]

Good info. Thanks

[Jonny H]

You can use any 'coil' based pickup with a 6 pin box. Mallory sell one in the States but not sure if it will fit in the housing. We've used this recently on a 3.0 CSL BMW.

Of course, if you used one of our CDI+ units, you could lock the springs and do the timing electronically. It will work with any kind of trigger and your tacho will work correctly. You'd get more HP from the multi spark too!

[Fred Winterburn]

I presume the 6 pin can also be triggered by points? If so, use the Crane box to switch the current to the points connection on the 6 pin CDi. You will end up running two boxes (the Crane and the Bosch) but it should work fine. To find out how, look at how an MSD is triggered by a pertronix module and once you understand how that is done, the equivalent with the Crane and Bosch should be easy. Or, contact Crane and ask them for a diagram. Fred

Originally Posted by JohnJL

I want to use a good 6-pin CDI unit I have with a 231.184.004 distributor, which I think is 1973.5-77. Clockwise.

I understand Crane Optical outputs a square-wave signal the original Bosch CDIs will not work with. I have not received clear information about whether the Pertronix i/ii/iii put out a signal the 6-pin CDI will recognize.

Are there any options, other than backdating the distributor to points? Could I use an tach adapter like MSD, Tach Adapt and Pertronix all offer to adapt the signal to the 6-pin CDI?

Little help please? Thanks!

[Jonny H]

Unfortunately, the 6 pin can't be triggered by points as the input is a zero crossing detect circuit.

[Fred Winterburn]

Thanks for that Jonny. I have an NOS 8 pin at home and it can be triggered by points so I assumed the 6 pin would be the same. Fred

Originally Posted by Jonny H

Unfortunately, the 6 pin can't be triggered by points as the input is a zero crossing detect circuit.

[JohnJL]

Update: I went to put the 6-pin CDI away and found a good 3-pin. I think I have a problem when I am finding parts I had no idea I had...time for a garage clean-out and pelican classified sale...

[Sigurd]

Selling the 6-pin?