Hey Guys I'm going to be getting a 280zx parts car from Waterbury and I had one question about the Ignition, Can the 280zx ignition be used in an early 260z? I was wondering because I have lost my key ignition and rather try to use what I'm getting than buying a new one.
Thanks Zorro.
(And on another note I just graduated yesterday and wanted to show you what I put on my cap..

Sorry, no, the ignition switch on the ZX is different from the S30s.

Great cap!

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

According to Beck Arnley, they are both 5-slot units, with the slots in basically the same positions. But internally and electrically they are probably vastly different. These cars improved so much (electrically) over the years, that even year-to-year electrical parts are not usable on other year cars. (The 1971 electrical parts, for example, won't work on 1970 cars or vice versa. I know ~ I've tried).

If I was stuck in the desert with no other way to save my life, I might try using a 280ZX ignition switch in a 260, just hoping it might get me home.

But I wouldn't expect anything except maybe the ignition to work, and I know I would be risking damage to several electrical circuits.

The ZX cars had electronic ignitions and fuel injection systems which the earlier carbureted 260s didn't have. There are lots of extra circuits involved in each ZX electrical piece which the 260 simply didn't have to contemplate. So I agree with Sir John and would bet it wouldn't work, even if you could make it fit.

*HOWEVER* ~ since you're asking about lost keys, I don't think you're talking about the ignition switch itself. I think you should be asking about the steering wheel lock and key mechanism, which are a separate animal. (The ignition switch attaches to the bottom of the steering wheel lock mechanism).

If you wanted to swap your existing (working) 260Z ignition switch onto the bottom of a 280ZX steering wheel lock mechanism, that might work. It would depend on the size and position of "slot-B" in the top of the ignition switch matching up to "tab-A" at the bottom of the lock mechanism. Some of them had long, skinny slots. Others had short, wide slots. Still others had "T" shaped slots. They don't all match up.

Also, the ZX steering wheel lock *might* not fit under the 260 clamshell, altho it looks the same size to me.

But your existing 260 ignition switch *might* easily be swapped out onto the bottom of the ZX steering wheel lock mechanism, allowing you to unlock your wheel and at least drive your car again, if the slot matches up.

1) The 260 ignition switch:

www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Nissan/2 ... 4AodEloA0w

2) 280ZX ignition switch:

http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/WC/ ... 4AodEC0Aig

3) 280ZX lock mechanism:
http://www.carid.com/images/wp/genuine/ ... 436oes.jpg

4) 260Z lock mechanism:
http://cdn1.autopartsnetwork.com/images ... 011179.jpg

These photos are not showing me what we need to determine a potential match-up; "Tab-A" and "Slot-B".

5) For $40 you can replace the whole steering wheel lock & ignition switch as a unit:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NISSAN-DATSUN-2 ... 0976339870

6) Or for $40 you can get a new key and tumbler set:
http://www.autopartsnetwork.com/nissan- ... /avOeOXefe

Greatly appreciate the Z on your mortar board, and congratulations on graduating! This is your first FREE SUMMER!!!

Go find your keys, dude!

Frank

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1970 240Z

Thanks Frank! I will definitely try using the wheel lock and key piece with my 260z ignition, and I will report the results.. once I get the parts car that is

Thanks Frank! I will definitely try using the wheel lock and key piece with my 260z ignition, and I will report the results.. once I get the parts car that is