switch CPS pickups for distributor pickups???

serv92 · 04-12-2012, 07:09 PM

I have an 1987 - 7MGTE Supra

The wiring on the original CAM sensor is very oiled down and brittle(breaking apart). I also have a really hard time starting it, sometimes it wont start till I play with the wires around the CAM sensor.

I notice that these CAM sensors are very expensive, especially compared to a used distributor. So I checked the wiring diagrams and made sure the wiring harness on the distributor matched the one from my old CAM sensor, also all the pickups physically match exactly. So I ordered a used distributor online.

My idea is that I can take sensors with the harness out of the the distributor and bolt them back in to my CAM sensor case.

Although...

Just recently someone pointed out to me that the resistance on the pickups from the cam sensor may differ from the pickups on the distributor.

I think that if the pickups from the distributor have a lower resistance than the pickups on the cam sensor then I might be taking a chance on blowing the inputs for the CAM sensor on the ECU.

Does anyone know if I can use the sensors from a (7MGE)distributor in my (7MGTE)CAM sensor?

Can I use it but I need to put a resistor or transistor in somewhere?

Can I just go with my original idea of just moving the pickups into the CAM sensor from the distributor?

Help would be greatly appreciated.

cre · 04-12-2012, 07:37 PM

The '89 and later models (of the 7M-GE) have a different winding for the NE pickup. ALL other years for GE and GTE are 140 - 180 Ohm for all three pickups.

To clarify: '87 - '92 7M-GTE and '86.5 - '88 7M-GE use the same pickups.

serv92 · 04-12-2012, 08:22 PM

I checked what year the distributor that I bought was and it was advertised "Toyota Supra MK3 86.5-88 7M OEM Distributor"

So my understanding is that I can use the distributor pickups without having to do any other electrical mods.

correct?

cre · 04-12-2012, 11:43 PM

Should be just fine so long as the mounts put them in the right clock position and leave room for proper gap adjustment. Definitely use med strength loc-tite on the fasteners. You can run the earlier GE distributor in place of the CPS actually, there are clearance issues with the cap and rotor in place though... But it works in a pinch.

04-12-2012, 07:09 PM	#1
serv92 Stock Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Braidwood, Il Posts: 5	switch CPS pickups for distributor pickups??? I have an 1987 - 7MGTE Supra The wiring on the original CAM sensor is very oiled down and brittle(breaking apart). I also have a really hard time starting it, sometimes it wont start till I play with the wires around the CAM sensor. I notice that these CAM sensors are very expensive, especially compared to a used distributor. So I checked the wiring diagrams and made sure the wiring harness on the distributor matched the one from my old CAM sensor, also all the pickups physically match exactly. So I ordered a used distributor online. My idea is that I can take sensors with the harness out of the the distributor and bolt them back in to my CAM sensor case. Although... Just recently someone pointed out to me that the resistance on the pickups from the cam sensor may differ from the pickups on the distributor. I think that if the pickups from the distributor have a lower resistance than the pickups on the cam sensor then I might be taking a chance on blowing the inputs for the CAM sensor on the ECU. Does anyone know if I can use the sensors from a (7MGE)distributor in my (7MGTE)CAM sensor? Can I use it but I need to put a resistor or transistor in somewhere? Can I just go with my original idea of just moving the pickups into the CAM sensor from the distributor? Help would be greatly appreciated.

04-12-2012, 07:37 PM	#2
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	The '89 and later models (of the 7M-GE) have a different winding for the NE pickup. ALL other years for GE and GTE are 140 - 180 Ohm for all three pickups. To clarify: '87 - '92 7M-GTE and '86.5 - '88 7M-GE use the same pickups. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

04-12-2012, 11:43 PM	#4
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	Should be just fine so long as the mounts put them in the right clock position and leave room for proper gap adjustment. Definitely use med strength loc-tite on the fasteners. You can run the earlier GE distributor in place of the CPS actually, there are clearance issues with the cap and rotor in place though... But it works in a pinch. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

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04-12-2012, 08:22 PM	#3
serv92 Stock Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Braidwood, Il Posts: 5	I checked what year the distributor that I bought was and it was advertised "Toyota Supra MK3 86.5-88 7M OEM Distributor" So my understanding is that I can use the distributor pickups without having to do any other electrical mods. correct?