hi

i got a hold of a 1979 rx7 and it needs a new distributor so i got one off an 85 but it looks totaly different what would i need to do to put the 85 distributor onto the 79? the newer one has like 2 little black boxes on the side? and the older one dose not and the points in it look totaly different any help would be great thanks. also will an 85 radiator fit onto an 79?

 

The distributor is different because it's electronic, whereas the original '79 dizzy works on the old points/condensor system. It's a common swap to change the old dizzy over to the new system, because electronic ignition doesn't require regular maintinence on the points and generally provides a stronger spark.

check www.mazspeed.com for a good tutorial on what's required to install the new dizzy.

As for the rad, it will fit in the '79, but it won't really work, because the '79 has the superior air to oil cooler slung underneath the rad, which is shorter than the '85 to accomodate it. You'll either have to relocate the oil cooler in front of the rad, or find a pre '83 rad to install in the '79 car.