HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

I finally blitzed through enough of the 'honey-do' list to "earn" some time to work on the truck tonight. My goal was to rip out the tempermental points ignition system and install a new HEI system that I had purchased... and crossed my fingers that it would actually not be a fiasco.

Now, I'm absolutely no newbie to cars. I've had the bug since I was too young to legally drive and have done some fun stuff (turbo'd VW Rabbits, engine/tranny swaps... before and after spontaneous crankcase ventilation...fun stuff). I just haven't ever had anything with a carb, or w/o computers in the vehicle, or heck a distributor for many years. So of course I have been researching the process of the swap for about 3wks now,and thought that I could tackle it

I enlisted the help of Mrs. Javadoc to perform the duties of popping the ignition until I was close to TDC. When we were close, I turned the engine by hand (breaker bar), and set to work of ripping out the old-busted and installing the new-hawtness. The plugs were so wasted, I'm wondering how the thing even ran.

At any rate, 2hrs, 3 Dr. Peppers and only one bloody knuckle later (my par is 3), and I was ready to fire up this puppy. I cranked, immediately the engine fires, but was running funny and wouldn't idle. So I shut it down, positive that the wires are all a)installed correctly, and 2) securely seated.

Sure enough, timing was off. Retarded by I dunno, 8degs. So I advanced the timing to 8*BTC and the thing idles SUPER smooth now, and blips of the throttle are crisp! I'm amazed, because the engine was so slow to respond w/the points ignition. Being that it was after midnight, I didn't go for a test drive to see if this improved power/response any, or let it idle better... or eliminated the hot-start problem that I have. But, I'll surely take it out tomorrow.

So, thanks to this site, it was a painless and problem-free swap. It's great to have such a splendid resource for these old trucks.

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

:lol: Too true!

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

I have done so many HEI swaps within the last 3 months it's not even funny.I make a living working on new cars at a local dealership so it was a step backwards for me to have to buy a timing light lol. Good deal on the swap,I love it when it works correctly the first time around

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

No doubt. I too have had to buy many tools. I swear, I don't think I had a single non-metric tool a month ago, let alone a timing light.

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

What did you do to the firewall to allow for the extra height of the HEI or did you get one of the lower profile HEI dizzy? I know on mine that the clearance between the firewall and the plug wires is so tight that I can barely turn the dizzy to set the timing correctly.

I was thinking of taking a ball pean hammer to it just to give me some clearance, this is the last resort though.

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

i have the same problem. i swapped to hei and it was way too close. i got my engine out right now so im gonna somehow make it clear a bit better while its out.
John

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

I used the distributor from a '75 pickup (w/a 350), bought all new parts. I think the entire thing, including plugs and wires, cost about $170. I have about 3/4" between the firewall and the assembly.

Boy what a difference. The thing actually idles (purrs), and it's got a bit more get-em-up-n-go. On a hill heading to my house, I was usually have to take punched in 3rd @ 40mph, I lumbered up in 4th no problem, at 45mph. Feels snappier on initial throttle application too.

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

Ok, I've got the same problem with the HEI the motor that I took out had a HEI and the back boots on cap touched the firewall and like you guys don't want to goober it up with a ballpeen. Anyone figured a good way yet? I thought maybe heat the area with a touch and using the rounded side of a body dollie smack it while its hot??? But was searching for a better way????
:gmc2:

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

I`m assuming here that Javadoc has his engine mounts in the forward holes on the crossmember, that would give him the added 3/4 inch, if anybodys using the rear holes you will be at or real close to the firewall....I am also, but it dosen`t hurt a thing other than timing a little trickier..

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

Hey guys,
Never really ventured into this thread much because I have a 77 but I have an engine from a 72 and I have a points distributor.....have also been researching upgrading to a HEI for about a week and a half...and I was wondering (because I have never worked with ignitions systems before) are you going to have to change the timing if your truck is already in time? or was that just a fluky?

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

Yes you will have to retime your engine.

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

I'm using the mounts on my bellhousing so my new small block will go back in close to the firewall again. Thanks

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

If your going HEI Ron, drop the dizzy in without the cap, then place the cap on, its much easier that way. drops right in.

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

Ya thats what I was going to do, I already have the #1 up dtc just need to point rotor and drop. Hopfully get a chance this weekend to drop the 68 327 into my 65.... can't wait to get it back on the road. Thanks
:gmc2:

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

Just started to drop the 350 from the donor 79 into my 66, and the distributor is way too tight against the firewall.
This thread is rather old, I googled 'firewall distributor' this one seemed most relevant.
I'm hoping someone has came up with a solution.

Re: HEI Install - SUCESS!!
 

If I made a recessed fiberglass piece that would have the indention of a HEI distributor, with say at least a 1/2 inch clearance all around the cap have it molded off a 62-66 gm firewall. So that you would cut out a portion of your firewall (I would make a pattern to go with it) it would have like a one inch larger flange/ lip so you could rivet or bond it to the firewall.Would also be smooth and shiny. Would anyone buy one for 20.00? I would make a mold so I could make as many as we need.I'm thinking of making one for myself, if more of you would like one I'll make a mold.
I make fiberglass molds and shapes for a living.
Thanks, Ron