1.2 Distributor in 1.3SR Engine

[HarryNotts]

This is my first post,so please be gentle with me. I've got a 1988 1.2 Nova Merit and want to fit the 1.3 engine and gearbox I have got from a 1985 SR. Both distributors are Delco's but the 1.2 has only two wires going straight to the coil, but the SR has five that seem to go to the coil and a mystery box on the inner wing. Can I just swap the 1.2 distributor into the 1.3 engine without any ill effects? Also,whilst I'm here,do i need to use all the 5 speed gearchange linkage from the SR, or will the 4 speed Merit one do the job?

[dgbnova#1]

Hi and welcome

linkage is the same and it will prob run on the 1.2 stuff I think

the green wire is for a rev counter so not that important if your not running one (in The sr dizzy loom ) not 100% on the other wires but don't see why the 1.2 would not run it only If cam drive is different

[millworm]

Cam drive is different so no

[leggattr]

Sounds like you have an early type dizzy set up similar to the sport. Should be no reason why that shouldn't work on the 1.2. Iv swapped dizzys on my novas without any problems.

[pottersrebel]

don't know if this will help mate as mine is a stockcar running a 1300 sr engine ( old school homemade wiring loom) but mine runs a two wire black cap dizzy which are easy enough find on flea bay, last dizzy I bought cost me £20

[jimbob-mcgrew]

don't they both run slot drive ?

it should work

[mowgli]

an 88 1.2 will have a compatible dizzy.

make sure you keep the 5 speed shifter box (the bit on to of the gbox) or you just won't get top.

it is basically a straight swap.

[millworm]

an 88 1.2 will have a compatible dizzy.

Weird, mine was slot drive on my 88 1.2

[mk1nova_rich]

1.2 and 1.3 distributors are interchangeable...its the 1.4 ones that are different

Regarding the gearbox swap - your 4 speed lever will need modifying as it has a lug preventing the extra movement requires to select 5th. Lift up the gearstick gaitor and look down into the hole - there are two 10mm nuts to undo in order to withdraw the gearstick. Hacksaw the lug off on the right hand side and refit

[HarryNotts]

Thankyou everyone for your help and advice. It will make life much easier by just swapping distributors.Many thanks again. Just out of interest,what is that magic box on the nearside chassis rail(under the expansion bottle) on the 1.3SR for?

[millworm]

Probs an ignition module or somthing of the sort

[mk1nova_rich]

Amplifier isnt it?

[7ova]

Just come on eBay last ten mins a reconditioned 1.3 dizzy £35 posted be quick or it'll be gone!
Hope this helps

It's not me selling it