Replace points on '79 w/electronic unit from '81?

[sling42]

Hi all - does anyone know if it is possible to drop an electronic ignition unit from an '81 GS850 into a '79 without other modifications? Thanks!

[bwringer]

Should be no problem, but the coils are different. You'll also need to do some wiring to power the igniter unit, so make sure you're comfortable tracking down everything in the wiring diagrams.

You'll want to get the pickups, the igniter box, and the coils from the donor bike (or replace the coils with aftermarket, like the Dyna green coils).

You should be able to leave the mechanical advance in place.

[80GS1000]

Why not just get a Dyna S ignition? Set it and forget it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dyna-S-Ignition-SUZUKI-GS550-GS750-GS850-GS1000-GS1100_W0QQitemZ220333988831QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20081224?IMSfp=TL0812241110007r29377

[sling42]

Asking because I bought a used package cheap for the aluminum ignition cover...but the deal came with the extra ignition parts...I was just wondering if I needed anything else to use the rest of the parts. If I have to buy stuff - I will probably just get the Dyna S.

Here's what I got...

[Nessism]

Asking because I bought a used package cheap for the aluminum ignition cover...but the deal came with the extra ignition parts...I was just wondering if I needed anything else to use the rest of the parts. If I have to buy stuff - I will probably just get the Dyna S.

Here's what I got...

No ignitor there.

Regarding the coils, the coil resistance spec is basically the same for all the different years regardless of whether there are points or electronic ignition, so not sure if there was a meaningful change to the coils or not.

1979 coil resistance spec (points ignition) - "Approx 4 ohms"
1980+ coil resistance sepc (electronic ignition) - "Approx. 3 - 5 ohms"

[doctorgonzo]

Asking because I bought a used package cheap for the aluminum ignition cover...but the deal came with the extra ignition parts...I was just wondering if I needed anything else to use the rest of the parts. If I have to buy stuff - I will probably just get the Dyna S.

Here's what I got...

I don't see the igniter, so yeah you'll want the Dyna S. If you want to sell the rest I'd like it for a spares. Send me a PM.

Edit:
All but the cover that is. I assume you want that, but if you want to get rid of the signal generator and/or the mechanical advance let me know.

[chef1366]

If you can find an igniter this setup should work. Ask SqDancerLynn1 about a resistor you can add for the coils.

[posplayr]

Igniters?

I have a spare igniters off of both 83 GS1100E and a 80 GS750E

[chef1366]

I have a spare igniters off of both 83 GS1100E and a 80 GS750E

There ya go!
Woot Woot!!!

[SqDancerLynn1]

If you can find an igniter this setup should work. Ask SqDancerLynn1 about a resistor you can add for the coils.

Your going the oposite way, you can use a 2 ohm resistor with the 3 ohm coils to get 5 ohms to use them with points system ! To use electronic ign you should use 3 ohm coils. The Original coils will work but for how long is the question, may overheat ???

[chef1366]

Your going the oposite way, you can use a 2 ohm resistor with the 3 ohm coils to get 5 ohms to use them with points system ! To use electronic ign you should use 3 ohm coils. The Original coils will work but for how long is the question, may overheat ???

Thanks Lynn. I only know how to mod!

[Nessism]

Your going the oposite way, you can use a 2 ohm resistor with the 3 ohm coils to get 5 ohms to use them with points system ! To use electronic ign you should use 3 ohm coils. The Original coils will work but for how long is the question, may overheat ???

Hey Lynn,

When checking the service manual for the GS850 the coil specs are as follows:

1979 coil resistance spec (points ignition) - "Approx 4 ohms"
1980+ coil resistance sepc (electronic ignition) - "Approx. 3 - 5 ohms"

Question: based on these specs it seems like the coils are basically the same...although the part numbers are not. How come you think the resistance should be 3 ohms?