79 dist in an 81

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Feb 25, 2004 | 12:10 PM

RXBeetle

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From: Mich. USA

79 dist in an 81

I just got my 81 RX7 motor bolted to the trans in my 74 super beetle, fits in there great. The engine I got didn't have a distributor so I got one from the junkyard the other day from a 79. Will this cause any problems? the cap and rotor are a little different on the later ones but other than that can I run this distributor? are the timing curves different?
Thanks, John

Feb 25, 2004 | 12:14 PM

mazdaverx713b

Have RX-7, will restore

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From: Ohio

you can run the distributer with no problem. the timing is set the same and will be the same 79-85, in a 12A. a 13B is different. i assume you are not using stock rx-7 wiring, so you will need to be aware that you will need to obtain ignitors, which will mount elswhere in the engine bay, and will need to be wired up. also, you will need a set of coils from a 79 style for the points ignition system. i would reccomend that you purchace an electronic type distributer and the corresponding coils for 80-85 style. the ignitors are mounted to the distributor in this particular setup. you will have added reliability, more power, and less wiring.

Last edited by mazdaverx713b; Feb 25, 2004 at 12:33 PM.

Feb 25, 2004 | 01:21 PM

Hades12

Burning Oil-Grinding 3rd

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From: Union Mills NC

Quote:

Originally posted by mazdaverx713b
so you will need to be aware that you will need to obtain ignitors, which will mount elswhere in the engine bay,

i would reccomend that you purchace an electronic type distributer and the corresponding coils for 80-85 style. the ignitors are mounted to the distributor in this particular setup. you will have added reliability, more power, and less wiring.

Maybe I missed something but 79 used Points. So no ignitors are needed with it. 80 has the electronic setup with the ignitors on the fender and then 81 - 85 has the electronic with the ignitors on the Dizzy. I also do not remember ever reading that the coils are different.

Most people do not use the 79 because of the Points system. They change to the 81 - 85 style.

RXBeetle
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Feb 25, 2004 | 01:47 PM

schreindogg

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From: Vermilion, Ohio

as far as i know it is reccomended to swap coils when going to an electronic setup

Feb 25, 2004 | 01:50 PM

mazdaverx713b

Have RX-7, will restore

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From: Ohio

when i edited i forgot to remove the part about the ignitors. my thinking was off there. also, i have read that it is reccomended to change the coils.

Feb 25, 2004 | 03:16 PM

RXBeetle

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From: Mich. USA

great info thanks guys, yeah as i was cleaning the points one of the springs snaped in my fingers... reliability would be nice. Ill probably get the thing running with the distributor i have and then swap out for the beter distributor later. I have a compufire coil pack ignition for my olid vw motor and i think i can adapt the later RX7 distributor hall sensors to trigger the 60kV coil pack ignition that would be prety nice i think. http://www.compufire.com/pages/vw-products-main.html
Thanks guys