Re: 1988 Force 85 hp
You can mix black CD boxes with blue, but I have read in other threads that you can not mix colors between boxes and coils--that is blue coils with black boxes and reverse. I have also read that certain stators will not function correctly with certain color CD boxes--I forget the particulars on that one though.
I did mix a black box and blue coil and blue box with black coil on a 1990 90 (I bought it like that) It did last only 2 seasons for me before having ignition problems. Was it the different colored components or just normal age? I could not tell you.
As far as years, from 1982 on they were all the same electronics. BUT, from 1982 to (I think) 1984, the ignition components were wired with quick-connect fittings. Later ones were wired with a terminal board on the CD box and coil plate. So, for example, if you were to buy an earlier CD box, you would need to cut off the connectors and crimp on spade or ring terminals.
