hei

[truckdude239]

i don't thinks clearneane is going to be a problem in my truck i got an good 3 inches from the back of the distributor to the firewall if not more

[Lobo'74]

I've got a '79 350 with performance mods (cam, Sportsman II heads, etc). Its been balanced and I've been told that a 6500 rpm red line is acceptable. I use 6000 (I think 6500 would be pushing it too much). My HEI ignition module burns out every 3-6 months. 3 months if I'm driving a lot, 6 if I'm not.

I figure the burn out is either reving it to 6000 occasionally (it pulls strong to 6000-6500 or more. I chicken out before it poops out) OR due to voltage problems. I have a lead from the unfused spade on the fuse block directly to the proper spade on the distributer. A local mechanic told me to put a resistor in that line as anything over 12v will burn it out. I've also heard that less than the full 12.5v-14v output from the alternator will burn it out.

Its only $20 for a new one, but a pain in the rear to keep replacing them.

Any ideas on why mine keeps going out?

[shifty]

One reason might be Excess voltage. The other might be not having added the extra (self-supplied) ground strap from the coil to the grounding post. When I say self-supplied, I mean this doesn't come with the coil, but it tells you to add it in the instructions.

[Lobo'74]

OK. Coil is inside the distributor (I'm sure you know that, no offense ment) , where do I attach the ground wire to get contact with the coil?

[roughedup72]

Hey somebody said something about having 14 volts and a different wire size.I just installed one in my 72 and used the original wire and it tested out as having 12.8 volts or something like that.Question is .If i run a larger wire will that give me the 14 volts or should i do something different.

[shifty]

Originally Posted by Lobo'74

OK. Coil is inside the distributor (I'm sure you know that, no offense ment) , where do I attach the ground wire to get contact with the coil?

please click the link to my thread above. there are pictures showing how to add the extra ground.

[phlegm]

If its not balls out Horse power your going for, and isntead you are looking for a reliable ignition system with a slight HP advantage and a bone stock look. A friend installed some Plitonixs sp?? electronic points, he put a new Coil in that looks stock and did the rewire to get more voltage. Wala, a reliable HEI system, same stock distributor with cap, it looks bone stock. Im going to do it one day. O yea, and when shopping for these if you do a complete swap, soem of the HEI system are pretty tall at the distributor, clearance with the Air cleaner on these engines can be an issue. Although I did see one at a buddies house on a 70 GMC that was more flat and wide then tall.

just my .02

[shifty]

I think that's Petronix or Petronics.