Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Stupid question here but is the motor in a 1600 considered a R16 motor? Would an electronic ignition distributor be better than a standard ignition.

Yes the 1600 roadsters were R16 engines from the factory. Electronic ignition is always a good idea.
Dave

Yes, and yes. Adding or converting your distributor to electronic enhances the rest of the standard ignition system, basically removing the mechanical "points". Much of the conversion, parts and vendors are on this site's list and described in the Discussions and Tech sections. dave

This thread seems to have come in twice, but no matter. (but bring Dave Premo over to this one, and quick!)
Electronic ignition is a worthwhile upgrade, because as the bearings in your distributor (dizzy) shaft get worn, the shaft stars to bounce around, and now the points gap is changing. Point gap equates with spark strength, so then it makes tuning very challenging.
The E-dizzy works optically, triggered on the rotation, so then shaft play gets washed out, the spark is same no matter the play. Also, spark plug gaps can be opened, meaning healthier spark.
In many cases (including my own), 50% of carb issues went away when E-dizzy was installed. Very simple to install, like bone simple.
Condenser burning out? Almost never, like I have had same one in for 22 years, never touched it.
Well worth the money that our vendors are asking.
One of those "set it and forget it" items.

The electronic ignition and a modern coil is the BEST bang for the buck performance upgrade you can get for the roadster!

I also totally agree !...it was the first mod / upgrade I did for my roadster, I was going nuts trying to keep it tuned until I installed the EI dizzy. Like
Daryl said, it REALLY is the best bang for the buck. Also, think about replacing the brass fuel floats, if you have them, with the plastic ones.