HEI 101? (hesitant about upgrade) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sactoC10 · 01-28-2005, 11:31 AM

OK, seems that this upgrade/modification is a favorite among many for sure. My sputtering problems seem to be related to points, condenser and coil issues... and not fuel delivery related. My mechanical successes have been generally motorcycle related (dropped/swapped and engine, jetting, etc...) so I am fairly certain that I can do this HEI thing, but am concerned about making some painful mistake.

I have searched the forums and printed out some old threads, but would really like a quick step by step run down of the how-to's before I jump into this. Sounds pretty easy, but electrical stuff makes me nervous.

Thanks for any help and references.

70c10 · 01-28-2005, 12:09 PM

This might help:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=13698

sactoC10 · 01-28-2005, 12:31 PM

Thanks JIM, that also helps, but the diagram (noted several posts down) is missing, bummer. So far, I see a consisent reminder to use a heavy gauge wire, heavier than the stock wiring to the coil. Also, new plug wires...this a "fit" issue or something else?

CHEVYE · 01-28-2005, 12:36 PM

different style wires. you won`t regret the swap a single bit.

68jimmy · 01-28-2005, 01:24 PM

Sactoc10,

Check out this kit from Mad Electric http://www.madelectrical.com/catalog/hei-1.shtml

I used it when I added HEI to my 68, it comes with everything you'll need and great directions!

good luck.

sactoC10 · 01-28-2005, 01:40 PM

Very COOL, that rocks!!!

Yet the more I look at it, the more I realize that I have most all of that (except for the clipping terminals) aleady in my garage. Anyone have a set of instructions similar to these? That $19 (plus shipping and taxes) can go toward my new plug wires!

That site is a good source of basic information.

barn9 · 01-28-2005, 02:25 PM

I agree, that site is a good one. I called and talked to the guy when I ordered a remote solenoid kit from him, and he is a wizard IMO, knows his stuff. The change to HEI is one of the best things I have done as far as engine performance, you will not regret doing it, in fact, you'll wonder why you waited so long. I can't provide you with any more info than what you already have, just wanted to jump in and say it is a GOOD upgrade.

CHEVYE · 01-28-2005, 03:31 PM

try this one http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/HEI.html

sactoC10 · 01-28-2005, 04:27 PM

Another good one...hope I don't start to get confused. Once took the Air Force Officer training exam...did "OK" on it, but think the wiring schematic section is one that I really screwed up...BAD!

avejoe · 01-28-2005, 04:34 PM

Here's what I did.

Found a good distributor at one of the GM junk yards on South Sunrise. Replaced the rotor and cap/coil. Dropped it in. Ended up buying two sets of wires so I could use the longer ones from both sets. That seemed a better use of my weekend time than trying to cut custom wires.

It worked fine.

68jimmy · 01-28-2005, 04:36 PM

If you don't mind waiting I can scan the instructions that came with my kit post them here later this evening...

chickenwing · 01-28-2005, 04:49 PM

Jeff, Sounds like a cool weekend project. If you want to come over we can install it in just a bit. I have a plugwire crimp kit if you want to make some custom wires. I have an old engine harness so we can take a look at that to figure out where to draw power from on the fuse block. Will make for a nice clean harness.

Edit: Hafta be Sunday or another day though. Saturday is tax day for us. Plannin on puttin in a delayed wiper switch that Putter rigged up for me too.

Bob Moore · 01-28-2005, 06:40 PM

If you are going to the junk yards for other items - pick up the PINK HEI power wire from a 75+ pick up. Unclip from the dist. cap and remove the other end from the firewall connector. You are going to have to do this to install the new wire anyway. The firewall connector has a 3/8 or 7/16 head bolt to be undone and then pull it apart. Figure out which wire is the HEI feed and remove. Do the same for the old coil wire. Insert the HEI pink wire where the old coil wire came out and clip the other end to the dist. cap terminal. No wire changes needed inside the cab.

The wires in the firewall connector are a spread lock type. Use a small screwdriver blade to close the slot just a little and pull it straight out. When you are ready to insert the new wire, use the blade to force out the tang so it will lock in place. A dab of black RTV to seal it and you are done.

Good luck - Bob

sactoC10 · 01-28-2005, 06:47 PM

68jimmy,

Not in a rush, my HEI will be enroute from a board member tomorrow, so I don't even have it yet. You can e-mail the scanned directions to me directly at praaayz@hotmail.com, that would be very helpful and great.

Not "planning" on hitting a salvage yard this weekend, but if/when I do (Bob), I'll look for that 75up wire. If not, then (chickenwing) I may take you up on that offer.

Avejoe, you make it sound too simple... I'm sure I'd mess something up just going for it without thinking it through! Ya'all are giving me the "oomph" to do it though, thanks.

67ChevyC10Stepside · 01-28-2005, 07:04 PM

this is the simplest thing ever to do...run a wire from ignition unfused to a fuse to the distributor...i used the cheapo wal mart female ends. i got the better ones with plastic shields. hook the wire directly to it and your done.

krue · 01-28-2005, 07:08 PM

That's what I did also. Works like a charm. If I need to jump it I just plug it into a hot all the time spade and jump across my solenoid!

sactoC10 · 01-29-2005, 05:00 PM

Another great tip and picture, thanks... I need them all!

avejoe · 01-29-2005, 07:02 PM

...and with the wire disconnected, it's an HEI anti-theft device.

68jimmy · 01-29-2005, 08:06 PM

Scanned instructions

68jimmy · 01-29-2005, 08:07 PM

Here are the rest...

robby · 01-29-2005, 09:18 PM

On the plug wire issue-You can get a big block set and the fit nicely around your ram horn manifolds up from the bottom so they wont burn. You can make a loom with plastic zip ties and it works slick. I learned that off the board a few years ago.

sactoC10 · 01-30-2005, 02:54 PM

BIG BLOCK set, I also read Corvette set? So a set from a 1975, 76, etc... small block truck will have issues with the ram horns manifolds, so get a BIG BLOCK set from the same/similar model year? Any more specifics about model, make year for the new plug wires...that will work with the stock ram horns?

67ChevyC10Stepside · 01-30-2005, 03:24 PM

ive only ever heard the corvette set. they say they are real nice. i'm using spiral core universals for mine so i wouldn't know.

chickenwing · 01-30-2005, 06:07 PM

I use cut to fit 8mm Accel's.

01-28-2005, 11:31 AM	#1
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	HEI 101? (hesitant about upgrade) OK, seems that this upgrade/modification is a favorite among many for sure. My sputtering problems seem to be related to points, condenser and coil issues... and not fuel delivery related. My mechanical successes have been generally motorcycle related (dropped/swapped and engine, jetting, etc...) so I am fairly certain that I can do this HEI thing, but am concerned about making some painful mistake. I have searched the forums and printed out some old threads, but would really like a quick step by step run down of the how-to's before I jump into this. Sounds pretty easy, but electrical stuff makes me nervous. Thanks for any help and references. __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

01-28-2005, 12:09 PM	#2
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	This might help:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=13698 __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

01-28-2005, 12:31 PM	#3
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	Thanks JIM, that also helps, but the diagram (noted several posts down) is missing, bummer. So far, I see a consisent reminder to use a heavy gauge wire, heavier than the stock wiring to the coil. Also, new plug wires...this a "fit" issue or something else? __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

01-28-2005, 12:36 PM	#4
CHEVYE my gas saver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 2,046	different style wires. you won`t regret the swap a single bit. __________________ 85' SWB, 4.3/TH350, getting ready for paint 84`SWB, 462ci./TH400, cowl hood, 15" billet spec., flows, blazer buckets/console, flat black 71`SWB, project ebay feedback

01-28-2005, 01:24 PM	#5
68jimmy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: albuquerque Posts: 431	Sactoc10, Check out this kit from Mad Electric http://www.madelectrical.com/catalog/hei-1.shtml I used it when I added HEI to my 68, it comes with everything you'll need and great directions! good luck. __________________ 78 C10 LWB Super Cheyenne

01-28-2005, 01:40 PM	#6
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	Very COOL, that rocks!!! Yet the more I look at it, the more I realize that I have most all of that (except for the clipping terminals) aleady in my garage. Anyone have a set of instructions similar to these? That $19 (plus shipping and taxes) can go toward my new plug wires! That site is a good source of basic information. __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000 Last edited by sactoC10; 01-28-2005 at 01:48 PM.

01-28-2005, 02:25 PM	#7
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	I agree, that site is a good one. I called and talked to the guy when I ordered a remote solenoid kit from him, and he is a wizard IMO, knows his stuff. The change to HEI is one of the best things I have done as far as engine performance, you will not regret doing it, in fact, you'll wonder why you waited so long. I can't provide you with any more info than what you already have, just wanted to jump in and say it is a GOOD upgrade. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

01-28-2005, 03:31 PM	#8
CHEVYE my gas saver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 2,046	try this one http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/HEI.html __________________ 85' SWB, 4.3/TH350, getting ready for paint 84`SWB, 462ci./TH400, cowl hood, 15" billet spec., flows, blazer buckets/console, flat black 71`SWB, project ebay feedback

01-28-2005, 04:27 PM	#9
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	VERY nice Another good one...hope I don't start to get confused. Once took the Air Force Officer training exam...did "OK" on it, but think the wiring schematic section is one that I really screwed up...BAD! __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

01-28-2005, 04:34 PM	#10
avejoe Custer had a plan too. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: No. California Posts: 344	Here's what I did. Found a good distributor at one of the GM junk yards on South Sunrise. Replaced the rotor and cap/coil. Dropped it in. Ended up buying two sets of wires so I could use the longer ones from both sets. That seemed a better use of my weekend time than trying to cut custom wires. It worked fine. __________________ 72 K15 GMC (aka Big White) Performance Rockers, Cab Corners, and Floors Fossil Fuel Glutton Neighborhood Nuisance 98 BMW 540i for Speed (Sold ) 05 Subaru Outback for mileage

01-28-2005, 04:36 PM	#11
68jimmy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: albuquerque Posts: 431	If you don't mind waiting... If you don't mind waiting I can scan the instructions that came with my kit post them here later this evening... __________________ 78 C10 LWB Super Cheyenne

01-28-2005, 04:49 PM	#12
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	Jeff, Sounds like a cool weekend project. If you want to come over we can install it in just a bit. I have a plugwire crimp kit if you want to make some custom wires. I have an old engine harness so we can take a look at that to figure out where to draw power from on the fuse block. Will make for a nice clean harness. Edit: Hafta be Sunday or another day though. Saturday is tax day for us. Plannin on puttin in a delayed wiper switch that Putter rigged up for me too. __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!! Last edited by chickenwing; 01-28-2005 at 05:16 PM.

01-28-2005, 06:40 PM	#13
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Hei If you are going to the junk yards for other items - pick up the PINK HEI power wire from a 75+ pick up. Unclip from the dist. cap and remove the other end from the firewall connector. You are going to have to do this to install the new wire anyway. The firewall connector has a 3/8 or 7/16 head bolt to be undone and then pull it apart. Figure out which wire is the HEI feed and remove. Do the same for the old coil wire. Insert the HEI pink wire where the old coil wire came out and clip the other end to the dist. cap terminal. No wire changes needed inside the cab. The wires in the firewall connector are a spread lock type. Use a small screwdriver blade to close the slot just a little and pull it straight out. When you are ready to insert the new wire, use the blade to force out the tang so it will lock in place. A dab of black RTV to seal it and you are done. Good luck - Bob __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

01-28-2005, 06:47 PM	#14
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	okidoki 68jimmy, Not in a rush, my HEI will be enroute from a board member tomorrow, so I don't even have it yet. You can e-mail the scanned directions to me directly at praaayz@hotmail.com, that would be very helpful and great. Not "planning" on hitting a salvage yard this weekend, but if/when I do (Bob), I'll look for that 75up wire. If not, then (chickenwing) I may take you up on that offer. Avejoe, you make it sound too simple... I'm sure I'd mess something up just going for it without thinking it through! Ya'all are giving me the "oomph" to do it though, thanks. __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

01-28-2005, 07:04 PM	#15
67ChevyC10Stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Butler PA Posts: 3,034	this is the simplest thing ever to do...run a wire from ignition unfused to a fuse to the distributor...i used the cheapo wal mart female ends. i got the better ones with plastic shields. hook the wire directly to it and your done. Attached Images __________________ 67 c-10, 400 SB, TH350, 4.10 gears, Blazer tank,camaro tach, sidemarker fuel fill (soon) WTB: stepside parts, 67 front end parts, 67 small window cab. posi for 3.73 or 4.10 for 12 bolt and 10 bolt.



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01-28-2005, 07:08 PM	#16
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	That's what I did also. Works like a charm. If I need to jump it I just plug it into a hot all the time spade and jump across my solenoid! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

01-29-2005, 05:00 PM	#17
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	Another great tip and picture, thanks... I need them all! __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

01-29-2005, 07:02 PM	#18
avejoe Custer had a plan too. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: No. California Posts: 344	...and with the wire disconnected, it's an HEI anti-theft device. __________________ 72 K15 GMC (aka Big White) Performance Rockers, Cab Corners, and Floors Fossil Fuel Glutton Neighborhood Nuisance 98 BMW 540i for Speed (Sold ) 05 Subaru Outback for mileage

01-29-2005, 08:06 PM	#19
68jimmy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: albuquerque Posts: 431	MAD HEI Install - Scanned Pics Scanned instructions Attached Images __________________ 78 C10 LWB Super Cheyenne

01-29-2005, 08:07 PM	#20
68jimmy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: albuquerque Posts: 431	Here are the rest... Attached Images __________________ 78 C10 LWB Super Cheyenne

01-29-2005, 09:18 PM	#21
robby Semper Fidelis Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cedar City, Utah Posts: 654	On the plug wire issue-You can get a big block set and the fit nicely around your ram horn manifolds up from the bottom so they wont burn. You can make a loom with plastic zip ties and it works slick. I learned that off the board a few years ago. __________________ 72 Chevy C 20 with 402 For sale 85 GMC K2500 83 Trans Am Cedar City, Utah (Missouri Native)

01-30-2005, 02:54 PM	#22
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	plug wires... BIG BLOCK set, I also read Corvette set? So a set from a 1975, 76, etc... small block truck will have issues with the ram horns manifolds, so get a BIG BLOCK set from the same/similar model year? Any more specifics about model, make year for the new plug wires...that will work with the stock ram horns? __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

01-30-2005, 03:24 PM	#23
67ChevyC10Stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Butler PA Posts: 3,034	ive only ever heard the corvette set. they say they are real nice. i'm using spiral core universals for mine so i wouldn't know. __________________ 67 c-10, 400 SB, TH350, 4.10 gears, Blazer tank,camaro tach, sidemarker fuel fill (soon) WTB: stepside parts, 67 front end parts, 67 small window cab. posi for 3.73 or 4.10 for 12 bolt and 10 bolt.

01-30-2005, 06:07 PM	#24
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	I use cut to fit 8mm Accel's. __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

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