HEI swap question

[franko72]

I am getting ready to swap to an HEI Dist.in my 72 chevy truck 402. I am going tomorrow to buy Plug wires ( I guess for a 75 corvette) . Which pattern or plug in locations should I use for the new HEI cap?My old Chiltons book shows a different pattern on top of the cap for the new HEI than the older points type cap. Does it really matter as long as I have #1 cylinder at TDC . I want to remove the existing points dist. and install the newer HEI without cranking the motor just like I was replacing with the same style dist.the only difference I see is the #1 plug in location that is shown in the chiltons book.Also will I need to change the spark plugs? If so, what type of plugs.I know what to do with the wiring changes from the ignition, just a little stumped about the cap wire locations showing a different pattern location.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by franko72

Which pattern or plug in locations should I use for the new HEI cap?My old Chiltons book shows a different pattern on top of the cap for the new HEI than the older points type cap.

What, a mistake in a Chiltons? Unpossible! Actually, the pattern must be the same for the firing order to remain the same 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Like you said, start with #1 in the same spot and follow in the same order.

Originally Posted by franko72

Also will I need to change the spark plugs? If so, what type of plugs.

No, but re-gap to .045 with HEI.

Congrats, you're gonna love not needing to change points all the time!

[krue]

No it doesn't matter, but to get the best fit out of your wires (without one being almost too short) have the rotor pointing at #1 cylinder with it at TDC and wire accordingly. That's how I did mine and it works fine.

[franko72]

I have changed out many dist. in the past.Just never points to HEI dist. with different cap wiring locations per spec.I guess General motors has CHEVY,Buick , Pontiac( dist turns oposite of a chevy) dont forget Oldsmobuick!!,wiring connections on all of these are all different on their caps some show the # 1 cylinder locations at #8 location on 77 corvette diagram.I would only be shifting the pattern by one plug location counterclockwise on the cap and still have firing order.It should work. Thanks

[72hotrod]

I don't think it really matters. I just like to make sure to line up the rotor to #1 terminal post on the cap at TDC on compression and static set the damper to whatever timing mark you use. Then line up the points on the pickup ring and you"ll be pretty close. I usually use the HEI post position rather than the points one. It's all good.