1980 Arctic Cat El-Tigre CDI box info

[shewelt]

I'm working on a Fireplug CDI for the 1980 El Tigre.  It was dropped off here, so using it for the development.  I understand this Nippondenso CDI is a 2 year only (80/81), rather rare type, not used on anything before or after.

I'm told because none are available, only option has been to convert over to the 1979 type, requiring CDI, stator, flywheel & even wiring harness because the kill-switch was the opposite type.

I've made good progress, and actually have one running on the sled now, so it looks like I'll probably have something available shortly.

I've not done much w/Arctic Cat's, so most of the history is unknown to me,  Who can fill me in on if this CDI is a 2-yr only and not available?  Any what else did it fit, if anything?

Thanks!  Scott

[Vintagesleds.com]

[Brettm57]

That's great news for all 80/81 5000 El-Tigre owners!

I've probably done as much research as anybody, and I could never come up with anything that will interchange with that particular CDI box.  Yes, they were only used on the 80/81 5000 El-Tigre, and one year (I think 1980?) on the Lynx 2000S 250cc single cylinder.  There may be sleds by other companies that use that same Nippondenso ignition, but I could never come up with a way to cross reference the part numbers to check it out. 

I have several complete 500 FA 80/81 ignitions that have been setting bagged up for years.  Now I can finally use them.

[shewelt]

Good info & confirms what I've heard so far.   thanks! 

[73 el tigre]

Also its looks like it was an experiment with the non separate trigger coil and first year that they went to NCI to add to the rarity. Would be good news to many with 80/81 tigers

[shewelt]

Anybody have the chassis wiring diagram for the 80 El Tigre 5000???

[73 el tigre]

http://www.vintagesnow.com/

[shewelt]

Very helpful...thanks!

[shewelt]

Update.  Got the new Fireplug CDI design running on the 80 El-Tigre 5000.   The owner is very happy!

This was a unique CDI configuration and the first Nippondenso replacement that I've dug into.  It was quite a bit different than CDI's I've done before.  But I liked the challenge!

I'm ordering the parts to build a number of these CDI's, and expect to have available by the end of the month. 

The price will be $185 + shipping, same Fireplug Warranty as all the other models. 

Hopefully this will get some of these El Tigre's back out & running!!! 

I'll add it to the website in a few weeks when it's available for ordering!

Thanks for the insight & info!!

Scott
www.CDIBOX.com

[pj81ac]

Great news!  Thanks Scott!

[shewelt]

Some questions came up:  This CDI will mirror the factory Nippondenso timing profile.  All the Fireplug CDI's (unless specified) typically are OEM replacements, and don't alter or change the OEM timing profile. 

Since early on, I've gone through extensive effort to intentionally do this, so no race organizations outlaw the Fireplug as a compatible stock CDI replacement.   I've had discussions with ISR years ago and other local race organizations, informing of this.  No timing advantage over OEM.  Available to everybody.  Reasonably priced.   My argument was if racers are forced to pay $300 for a 40+ year old crappy CDI on Ebay, that was junk in the 1970, only to have it die or be bad when they install it...the number of sleds will drop off at these races very quickly.   A rare 40 year old CDI is not a good investment...think of it as a can of tuna from the same year.   

This makes the Fireplug CDI a drop-in / plug & play replacement where you don't necessarily need to pull the flywheel & adjust the timing if it ran OK before.   Not everybody is a "tuner", so every effort (where possible) goes into keeping these CDI as a stock replacement.  This works for the recreational & collector/riders of the vintage sleds as well. 

I'm doing the same on this Arctic Cat CDI.   

[76z]

That is great to hear. I do not own one of these but they were nice sleds as I owned an 1981 5000. I am sure many people will be thankful to get there sleds up and running.

[Zed]

Scott, how are you making out with the new CDI box for the 75 Arctic Cat Z. I would be interested in obtaining one for our race sled even if it is an experimental one.
Ron

[shewelt]

It's still lagging.  Actually, I was under the impression this El Tigre that was delivered to me was a T7 engine, which I intended to use for that development.  Not until it was dropped here did I find it was actually an 80 model. 

So i never intended to do this particular CDI, and would had probably turned it down, knowing it was only a 2-yr offering.  So maybe it all happened for a reason.

So now I'm back hunting for an earlier AC with the T7 engine so I can get that one done!!

[76z]

I noticed the part #3001-597 was only used on 75zs and 75 El Tigres all engine sizes.

[darrylsormsby]

I noticed the part #3001-597 was only used on 75zs and 75 El Tigres all engine sizes.

I have noticed this also. I have seen them swapped back and forth with the 73 - 74 T7's over the years and seem to work fine. Anyone know if there is any difference, like timing curve or something?  They are identical on the outside except the part # when you compare them.