thanks thats what i wondering before i put a an 82 cx 500 engine in my 79 cx 500 frame!They are absolutely not interchangable. The easiest way to identify them quickly is that the TI stator has three wires, the CDI 5(?)or more. The TI stator generates 252 watts, the CDI only 170. If one installs the ignitec ignition system on a CDI bike, a 252 watt TI stator can be used. TI stators cost substantially less also.