HEI conversion

[tomfg]

Now that my 64 is on the road, I'm slowly making some upgrades where money allows. I'm thinking about upgrading from "points and condenser" to some type of HEI ignition.

I've done some searches, but have not found anything comprehensive yet, that explains all the different options, cost, etc.
Anyone know of a good thread or article out there?

I have a 1978 350 Chevy smallblock, that has the old style point / condenser ignition. I'm assuming that whoever put the 350 in the truck couldn't use the 350 HEI distributor because of clearance problems with the firewall.

My desire would to be able to use something that would use parts, GM, or otherwise, that are available "off the shelf" at an auto parts store.
I don't want to be stuck down the road some day broke down, needing an ignition part only available from "China".

Although, for $50 bucks, this setup on EBay is inticing, and
I'm only assuming that it's from China......
Item number: 350500119284

Any input welcomes...... i.e., best system, best for the money,
ease of installation, best parts availability, etc.
Thanks, Tom

[samuellg1977]

This is the one I used. http://www.jegs.com/i/Accel/110/60107C/10002/-1 With these wires http://www.jegs.com/p/MSD-Ignition/M...45346/10002/-1 I have the stock HEI lying around here somewhere. I am switching to a TPI motor with the ECM controlled distributor, so (HOPEFULLY) here soon, I won't need either of them.

Sam

[HEI451]

Considering the fellow is looking for a distributor he DOESN'T have to bash the firewall in, to get to fit, the ACCEL pictured won't fit.

I see a LOT of the ones in the original poster's topic, failed after not too much run time. It IS Chinese made, bottom of the barrel, marketed from an Australian company that has a very bad reputation. If you were to revise the top bushing to one that would work, and replace all the electronics, you would have a functional item, but, you would still have issues with caps and vacuum advances NOT easily obtained if the ones you have fail/wear out.

You can do a lot better in simply installing a throw away drop in ignition conversion into a stock points distributor than wasting time and money on this one.

Of course, I am sure there will be those post below that think these are the best things since holes in donuts. NOT so, from my hands on opinion.

[TopFuel1966]

In most cases you get what you pay for and for that reason I have used MSD products in several cars over the years and am still totally satisfied with their stuff.

[samuellg1977]

No hammer needed. I can easily fit my entire hand behind the top of the distributor. It is a job to get the cap off - because of the hump above it, I had to make a "special" screwdriver to remove the screws from the coil pack. As far as differences in stock and this one- I couldn't tell you. Other than the price. But, like stated above - you get what you pay for.

Sam

[niterider65]

I have an stock hei running on my 65 chevy truck i can take some better shots of it today while out in the shop today to show it fits with out any
problems ..

[kcsa75]

In the January 2012 issue of Classic Trucks magazine, there is a letter from a guy wanting to do the same thing.

"The product of which I speak is called the Pertronix Ignitor. It’s a solid-state electronic ignition module that can be used to replace the original point set in nearly any automotive (or industrial, for that matter) distributor. Believe it or not, the Ignitor is one of the performance automotive aftermarket’s best-kept secrets, and has been around for about the last 20 years."

Read more: http://www.classictrucks.com/hotnews...rs/gm_hei.html

[Rich 5150 69]

Well I did`nt think it was a secret we installed one in a 71 ford ranger 250 in 1978...yes its a good system....

[krazy_texan]

i would just go to the bone yard and find yourself an HEI distributor then go buy new cap and rotor for it and my an ignition module and call it good

[samuellg1977]

Originally Posted by krazy_texan

i would just go to the bone yard and find yourself an HEI distributor then go buy new cap and rotor for it and my an ignition module and call it good

BEST ADVICE POSTED SO FAR. Krazy Texan = problem SOLVED!!! That's right, He just did that!!!

[protrash64]

Hard to beat the OEM with millions of dollars to test and at stake with production vehicles.....IMO. I got mine for free from a friend and put a new cap and rotor in it. Had an Accel coil on it and it drops right in; no firewall mods needed. Yes, the back cap screw is a bit tough to reach but it does fit. I see HEI dizzy's on C/L all the time for cheap.

[tomfg]

Sorry to start a "high voltage" discussion, lol.
So, it sounds like some people are able to use
the GM HEI original units in their 64-66 trucks.
I just want to confirm on thing.......

Can you install one once the engine is already in place,
or did you have your HEI distributor in the engine,
and then installed the engine?
Guess there's only one way to find out for sure......
buy it and try it?

Thanks, Tom

[bo-w]

i installed a number of these while working at a boat shop . its pretty easy as long as you read the directions sometimes a resistor is required sometimes not. I put one on our 61 burb with the 305e , again fairly easy I did however had to re-adjust the carb and set timing after each install .

[HEI451]

Please note that this topic started as one relating to HEI, High Energy Ignition, NOT a simple, low output 'drop-in' points replacement system like the PerTronix. These systems are NOT AN HEI, never were, never will be.

There is a way to do a points type distributor into a real HEI, and still be small diameter body. but I am NOT allowed to outline/discuss them here.

Even if I didn't have the extensive experience I have in ignition systems, I would NOT advise using a drop-in system over a well done HEI, large or small diameter.

[HEI451]

I don't see where you started any problem. All I see is those issues created by others, for whatever agenda they have.

The large cap HEI should have enough clearance to install, with the cap, and maybe, but not sure, rotor off.

Just make sure the transmission and engine mounts are the right ones, and don't tilt the engine/trans down by the trans mount. That brings the distributor closer to the firewall, and, when the engine is put into gear, and torqued to run the vehicle forward, the engine tends to move BACKWARDS in the chassis against its mounts, so, take that into account when figuring clearances.

Also, I'd suggest NOT running a specialty coil, as some, like the ACCEL, have a larger area to them at the plug wire retainer, and can make firewall clearances disappear.

[198plus]

I used a GM peformance parts hei........

[samuellg1977]

You can get it in there with the engine in. I was in the same boat when i did mine. It wouldn't go in with the cap on, but with the cap off, like butter!! You want the cap off anyway to get the rotor pointed at the number 1 cylinder while TDC. Good luck.

Sam

[Rich 5150 69]

Same here....!

[protrash64]

Couldn't find these pics earlier......... mines tite but it fits, too.

[tomfg]

I'm not sure what year GM first started with the HEI ignition, but for my 78 Chevy 350, what year units would work? I'm not sure when they first started using "computer controlled" ones either, but am sure I don't want one.

What would be a fair price for a used original GM HEI distributor, complete?
Seen a few on EBay, some more complete than others, all different prices.

I would assume I'd be spending additional possible dollars on new cap, coil, module, and wires, so I don't want to spend too much to start with.

Thanks

[Captainfab]

I believe the HEI first was available in the '75 model year. Then somewhere arould the mid to late 80's is when the ESC started. Those can be identified by the second wiring pigtail and plug coming from the distributor body.

BTW I posted a link to a HEI conversion thread in the post you made in the '60-'66 FAQ thread.

[65 on 24s]

And just u know a hei well fit any sbc
Posted via Mobile Device

[HEI451]

Where I lived in So. Cal., before moving here to N. Nevada, there was a significantly less than knowledgeable person with a shop in the San Gabriel Valley area, doing engine mount conversions to trucks to get more steering clearances. He would raise the engine mount pedestals on the frame, which would cantilever the engine upwards, and NOT also raise the transmission mount the same amount. All this accomplished was to move the distributor significantly closer to the firewall, and intersection with it.

Whatever you do, DON'T raise the front of the engine, without raising the transmission the same amount. This engine pedestal mounting modification that person did, proved to be useless, by the way, simply a $700.00 waste of money. You shouldn't have to change the engine/transmission mounting, if the thing is in place correctly any way.

[tomfg]

Will probably find a original used HEI, then see if I can drop it in the hole.
Hopefully I won't have to mess with the tranny or engine mounts, but thanks for the tips in case I do!

Found this link that has good information on the evolution of the HEI system......
http://reviews.ebay.com/HEI-Ignition...00000002053885

[tincan1966]

we use the Pertronix units alot in our shop, but there are alot of choices. I am assuming the main drawback here is the almighty $$$$. Depending on what you want to spend,you have alot of options. Any discount performance parts places(Jeg's, Summit, etc) all have small body distributers. It is a SBC not exactly a hard one to find parts for. If you want reliability, you can't beat an OEM HEI-most people I know carry an extra module i the glovebox anyway. Just my 2 cents worth. Personally, I use nothing but MSD, not cheap, but they work and last.