55.2-59 points to HEI

[2bo.c10]

Hi Friends,

Im having some trouble. I recently decided to buy an HEI distributor and replace the old points. I had a bad vacuum advance and decided to just do the entire thing instead of buying a new advance. The one I purchased was from eBay and does not have an internal coil. I still use the canister coil, but purchased a high output / performance coil.

I purchased this HEI distributor without the internal coil because 1. I had just purchased a new coil 2. the info said I could just drop it in, plug it in and that would be it and 3. It seemed easier than having to rewire things for the new type of coil.

I have done some reading and it appears to get this thing installed right, I need to:

1. Have the fly wheel with the BB in the window
2. Have the #1 cylinder at TDC
3. Have the distributor pointing at the appropriate place for the #1 spark plug

I feel I've done steps 1 - 3 correctly but I am unsure if I've actually got TDC at the #1 cylinder. Does anyone have a good, easy way of figuring it out?

No real videos on youtube that Ive been able to follow. I have the original 235.

When messing with the old distributor, I had to go through the steps above and got it (with the help of some friends) but then figured out the vacuum advance wasnt working.

The engine is turning but its not starting right now. I dont think its a wiring issue because it came with a wiring harness that was pretty clear. 2 wires that attached to each post on the coil, and one that is supposed to be grounded. This harness connects to a harness which is coming off of the distributor.

Things I've checked:

1. making sure the coil is getting 12 volts - I remembered to remove the ballast resistor
2. make sure the coil is SENDING 12 volts
3. Placed the spark plugs in the appropriate order for the firing order (1,5,3,6,2,4)

Does anyone have any ideas? The only thing I can think is that my #1 cylinder isnt at TDC.