SUBARU3 Posted October 4, 2003 Share Posted October 4, 2003 Hey guys..I have a quick question. My recent "acquisition" of a 78 wagon has standard ignition. I want to switch to electronic ignition. I have all the parts from a 79 system, including the distributor. What wiring differences are there. I have managed to get myself somewhat confused in the process. Any ideas? I have both the Nippondenso system and the Hitachi system. Todd BTW.. After a good bath and mud removal, this baby might not even need paint!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushbasher Posted October 4, 2003 Share Posted October 4, 2003 that was a junyard find? what kind of yards you got down there anyway? :eh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted October 4, 2003 Author Share Posted October 4, 2003 It was so weird....I just was in the area of my favorite salvage yard and I was even dressed in business attire, when I decided to "just walk through" and see if they had anything of my "vintage". Usually, now days...these go directly to the crusher, since there is little value in their parts. But I was hoping! I first came upon a carcass of one that had been in the old section for years, but now was moved closed to the crusher. I said to myself," I'm wasting my time and also getting my shoes dirty". Then I rounded the corner and ther she sat!!! BEAUTIFUL!! No cars on top of her. Nothing even touching her!! I said "MY GOD....where did you come from?" I know there had to be divine intervention to have no cars on top. (This yard stacks everything!) Well, since the owners know me well, I asked to buy her. Yes, they had the title and the deal was sealed. I headed back into the yard to protect my new baby. I locked the doors, rolled up the windows and had it towed to the protective cage, tillI could get it towed home. I got it yesterday! She cleaned up and SHINED up like nearly new! It was apparently garaged for most of it's life. Interior is in super condition too. I do have to replace the engine, (no big deal though, I have 3 extras.) It looks to have thrown a rod. Big hole in case behind the pully. Most likely run without oil. (78 DL, automatic, 2WD, 130K) Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted October 4, 2003 Author Share Posted October 4, 2003 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted October 5, 2003 Author Share Posted October 5, 2003 bump Still looking for anyone with pointers on the ignition thing. Thanks, Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skip Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Todd, I have the Nippon in my Brat, now this is an 86 Brat I don't know if the el dist system you have is the same as you mention a 79 Nippon and Hitachi system. I just took a look and here is the skinny the dist. has two wires leading to it only. One black and white which goes to the coil + also attached on this post is the igniton battery voltage feed (your 78 may have a ballast resistor?) This feeds ignition voltage to the coil and the dist. when the ignition sw. is in the run or crank to start pos. The other is a yellow wire which goes to the negative side of the coil (my Brat is a GL so also on this post is the yellow wire from the dash, this wire feeds the signal to the tach) Sorry I do not have a FSM for your car, Moosens may, you could email him directly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calebz Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Thats great Todd! Sorry to carry this OT, but what yard was it?.. That is, if you can divulge your secret... Oh yeah... Bump! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted October 5, 2003 Author Share Posted October 5, 2003 Thanks Skip. I have the orginal 79 electronic ignition system to put in, but I think I have a different wiring harness in the 78. I will be looking at at the diagram very close! Oh. The yard is Little Johns. They are are Elliott Reader of 121 going into Ft Worth. They have 1 79 wagon, (beat), a few EA 81's, quite a few 85-90s and a few XTs. Maybe an early Legacy or 2 too. They had a beautiful 84 BRAT, but they crushed it. Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calebz Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Hmm . thanks for the heads up on the EA82 stash.. I was just down there a couple of weeks ago. Must have missed that yard(it was a sunday. They were probably closed).. Is that on the same strip as dismantlers 2000? I just noticed that Caboobaroo has "electronic ignition" listed as a mod on his 79 wagon.. you might want to shoot him an email and see if he has any info for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted October 5, 2003 Author Share Posted October 5, 2003 Yep, it's on the same road. They are closed on Sundays. Hey, let me know if you come across any 76-79s or up to 81 BRATs in your travels. Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagon78 Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Todd, I replaced the points with an electronic ignition on my 78 wagon. I used the wiring diagrams in the Subaru FSM to figure out what went where. I can fax/email a copy of the appropriate pages if it will help. Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted October 6, 2003 Author Share Posted October 6, 2003 I just dug out the manual, so I will trace the lines and figure out what changes need to take place. I just hate ignition systems! LOL Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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