What parts will fit

Bibelot

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Hello, just got a 1978 yamaha xs400. I wanted to know what parts will fit it, will a 1980 or 1983 parts fit in it?

I need a stator, ractifier, brakes, cables, and other stuff. Thanks
 
Hey there, welcome!

If you've got a 1978 year model, you likely have an E or 2E submodel. You can check on the right side of the engine, you should see "2L0" for the E or "2G5" near where the oil fill hole is. Based on what the Haynes manual says, the E has cast wheels/brakes, 2E has spoked wheels/drum brakes.

There's lots of cross-compatibility between years (I have an '81 Special II, 4R5, and a bunch of parts I've replaced are for '78-'79)--the hard cutoff I'd say is 1982. That's when they revamped the model with a new engine (DOHC), new airbox design, new body shapes, etc. 1981 is the year they did a "facelift" with a new gas tank shape and different handlebars (needs longer cables!), so watch out for that.

Take a look at the manual:

https://www.xs400.com/threads/re-run-free-full-yamaha-service-manual.14495/post-151524

First, identify your model code (page 129 has the codes for different years, as well as a summary of changes for each year). They also list the changes made year-to-year which should help identifying which parts can fit. And if you need to confirm the specs, those start on page 120.
 
I have an example. My 78 head was cracked and I bought an 81 sohc head to replace. The end of the camshaft is different between a points ignition model and a tci electronic ignition, so I reused my original camshaft.
 
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