Newer vs Older CDI ignitions & interchangeability???

[Iguana351]

Hi All.......I haven't used this site in several years but glad to be back. I have just fitted an '83 GS1100g motor to my '81 GS1000g. A few little unexpected snakes in the haystack but mainly plain sailing. Both motors have CDI ignition but the older one still had mechanical advance while the newer motor was fully electronic. I would rather retro-fit the older ignition with mechanical advance (easier) than source the upgraded CDI igniter unit. I haven't been able to find one new & all the used ones you see on Ebay are naturally 36 years old, cost a mint, & are in who-knows-what condition. Has anyone ever done this? I'm expecting probably not as in practical terms it represents a 'downgrade' not an upgrade. however the old system was as good as old cheese & worked fine. BT

 

[fastbysuzuki]

As far as I know If you want to keep the mechanical advancer unit you will have to use the igniter from the older model ( I say igniter as you do not have CDi units they are a completely different)
not sure what you mean by " then source the upgraded CDi/ igniter" ?

 

[Buffalo Bill]

There are recent threads here about using Chevrolet HEI components with success.

 

[Steve]

Both motors have CDI ignition but the older one still had mechanical advance while the newer motor was fully electronic.

Actually NEITHER ONE had "CDI" ignition.

"CDI" is a term that applies to Capacitive Discharge Ignition. Yes, it's electronic, but the parts are different and not interchangeable.

We have a standard INDUCTIVE discharge ignition that happens to have a box of transistors in place of mechanical points.

If you still have both engines, why not simply move the triggers from the end of the crank from the '81 engine to the '83? Move the advance mechanism as well, you will be good to go.

The difference in the two ignitors (box of transistors) was that the newer ones incorporated the advance in the ignitor. To avoid problems with simply plugging the new system into the old ignitor, Suzuki had the wisdom to change the plugs to a different configuration.

.

 

[Nessism]

There are many threads on this. Install the 1000 advance unit and keep the 1000 ignitor. Should be plug and play.

 

[Iguana351]

Yes......my mistake re CDI. I meant 'electronic' & yes, that's exactly what I'll do if they can be interchanged......haven't pulled them out yet.

 

[Iguana351]

Many thanks to all who replied.........yes, it was a direct changeover, a 15 minute job at most. Now she has proper advance and goes fine.