has anyone installed CDI in a non-CDI engine

grasscutter97 · Post by **grasscutter97** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:13 pm

Been looking for a nice late model low mileage 800 or X8 with all the goodies (elec start, sliders, tuned pipe, and CDI), but have had no luck. So I want to add some of them to my X8 (which has 2 of the 4 items I want. Sliders & elec start). My 74 X8 has a KEC 440/22, that I want to upgrade with CDI and tuned pipe. I now have found a tuned pipe, and have ? about doing the CDI.

Here are the parts I think I will need.
-CDI box
-New stator plate, complete with coils.
-trigger plate
Anything else? Would this be a straight forward swap? Any wiring harness issues?

Q2-would it be easier to find a running x8 (with tuned pipe and cdi), and do an engine swap, or do this CDI conversion?

I appreciate the info.

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 7:51 pm

Rich,
This should save you some time.
Part 1

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:00 pm

Rich,
Part 2.

Post by **Matt** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:02 pm

You may need the whole flywheel. Definitely get a Hewtech CDI if you decide to do it. DK-trader had some NOS stators earlier this year. The flywheel/trigger parts will probably be the hardest to get.

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:12 pm

Cyclone flywheels came with the ring gear for the electric start. The original flywheel for the early liquifire did not have the ring gear for the electric start but the electric start kit included a new cyclone type flywheel.

ND1 · Post by **ND1** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:46 pm

Is it possible to take all electronics and flywheel from a 340 cylone and put on a 74 X8.

JDXspec · Post by **JDXspec** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:49 pm

Grasscutter,
If you want I do have a 75 JDX8 with the tuner pipe and Cdi if you like. The sled will need some TLC but is in usable shape. I'm in SW MN.

BTW I have done the opposite conversion CDI to points. I know you will need the stator, trigger coils, and a flywheel. I do not know what or if you have to change the wire harness on the sled though.

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 9:19 pm

ND1,
I would think so. The cylinder heads for CDI set up appear to be different. I know the cyclone spark plugs are of the long reach type.

ND1 · Post by **ND1** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:09 pm

Well I have one of each engine and will try to make a good one of the 2, so i have nothing to lose.
Ill let you guys know how it works, but it will be a few weeks before I get to it.
If anyone else does it before then, post some pointers.
thanks

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:38 pm

Follow this wiring diagram and you wil be fine.
http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/jdsleds/wiring/76wiring.jpg

ND1 · Post by **ND1** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:41 pm

Thanks for the info Rich
Its appreciated

JDFanPa · Post by **JDFanPa** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 1:16 am

If it were me Id look for a 75 x8 and just swap the motor over or even if you have a blown motor it would be more cost effective. This way you can get all the parts to swap onto your running motor if needed. If you buy a part here and there seperatly the $$$ will add up fast. IF you watch ebay etc its pretty common to find complete sleds in tough shape selling for the same or often less than a motor or parts alone. People will spend more cash on a motor because they can buy it far away and have it shipped alot easier and cheaper than a sled. For example my 75 x8 cost only $100 and aside from needing a carb kit and a seat recover its a decent sled. But at that price it would also be a great donor sled for an older x8.