how do i wire my HEI? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

matthufham · 11-20-2005, 07:46 PM

maybe this is a stupid question, but do i need wires running to my HEI? it looks like all the possible wires have been cut so i don't think any of them go to the HEI, plus i don't have a tach so i won't need the 2 wires running to the front of it will I? so what color was the original wire that led to the coil?

also for the AC compressor, which color wires run to it?

krue · 11-20-2005, 08:17 PM

FAQ threads on HEI
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=17403
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=13698
Wiring diagrams (may help for a/c)
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=30173

The index thread where I got all this.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669

I hope it helps.

BobbyK · 11-20-2005, 09:52 PM

I used a relay to power my HEI.Not really needed,but I'm crazy that way

Here's the thread to that install.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=105675

Longhorn Man · 11-20-2005, 11:40 PM

If you have no wires to the HEI, it won't run. All you'll need is the one power wire coming from a switched source, be it the fuse box, the bulk head, a toggle switch, or a relay.

**truckdude239** · 11-21-2005, 12:20 AM

i always knew u wasn't right longhorn an relay on your hei lol well i worst i was running the cd player in my old truck on an relay that i could cut on and off

Longhorn Man · 11-21-2005, 06:26 AM

In all reality, if you talk to the pros, they'll tell you that is THE way to go if you are lookin for power.

matthufham · 11-21-2005, 05:39 PM

hmm, thanks so far. i have a red wire coming from a bundle, and it splits into 2 yellow wires, and the p/o had a female spade connector on 1 of the yellow wires. that's the one i hook to the HEI right?
edit, nevermind that, i looked at some before pictures of my engine bay, and there was the exact wire i just talked about.

shifty · 11-21-2005, 05:47 PM

I explain how to rewire for HEI in this thread, which is in the index thread that krue linked above:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=148346

matthufham · 11-21-2005, 06:12 PM

yea i know where the faq section is, but the biggest problem i had was where the wire went on the distributor, that is after i found out which wire it was.

shifty · 11-21-2005, 09:49 PM

Are you not looking at the same post as me? I just linked one with pictures to everything you're asking. Look at this one single post in particular:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...21&postcount=8

There are many more pictures in the thread which show how it's hooked up. Just make sure your pink wire connects to the tab attached to the red coil wire (this is assuming you have the correct wiring, I show how to wire from the firewall to the dizzy in that thread also).

If you're ever in question, look at the post that follows it. It's right here, I'm not sure how you missed it:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...24&postcount=9

Notice the writing on top of the cap. It tells you exactly what wires go where also. They make it pretty dummy proof

matthufham · 11-21-2005, 11:53 PM

yea, i mean i figured everything out now, all is good. i mainly needed to know what wire and how to connect it and now i know. that's what i meant with "the biggest problem i had was".

**truckdude239** · 11-22-2005, 12:07 AM

longhorn forget i called u crazy i got yours and BobbyK's post confused

shifty · 11-22-2005, 12:30 AM

Sorry dude, I think I missed your tense.

Longhorn Man · 11-22-2005, 06:35 AM

well... mine is wired through a relay too, so if the shoe fits...

Besides, we all know I got a little crazy in me.

*screamin_c102* · 12-05-2005, 12:29 AM

So, if you run it through a relay, you can use the factory resistance wire to energize the relay coil right? What is the "run" voltage on this wire? As long as it is above 9 volts, and can handle 200mA, it should fire a 12v coil.

This would simplify the wiring as well as deliver all the current the HEI needs.

I have to put an HEI in the UPS truck tomorrow, as the points have gone south for the winter and I flooded the living crap out of it today.

New plugs, HEI, and wires....all is good.

Thanks.....Bill

Longhorn Man · 12-05-2005, 12:38 AM

you could use the resistance wire... I think it is at 9 volts... It'll run the HEI, but I'll bet you my next paycheck AND a kick in the daddy parts that you'll FEEL the differance from HEI on resistance wire, and HEI on 12 volts.

*screamin_c102* · 12-05-2005, 01:43 AM

No, I was going to trip the relay with the resistance wire and supply the HEI with full 12 volts.

I wired Screamin's HEI through the fuse box to a keyed 12v supply, but I like the idea of using a relay to power it up as well, and if it helps with performance/economy I am all for it.

*screamin_c102* · 12-05-2005, 02:04 AM

Something like this...

Longhorn Man · 12-05-2005, 05:50 AM

my fault, I read that wrong.

shifty · 12-05-2005, 01:35 PM

That would be a reasonable way to run it, but I think your relay would need to be able to still throw the internal switch @ 9v constant power. I thought all relays were 12v relays?

Do some research on that one before you embark. Tucking the BATT wire on that one should be a blast

*FormerMember* · 12-05-2005, 01:51 PM

I did this on an old jeep. I used the 9V wire to kick a relay for the 12V power wire to the HEI.

Was slick and allowed me to go back to stock if needed.

shoobear · 12-21-2005, 05:15 PM

hey
i am putting in a motor that has hei but also has the 4 pin flat connector. I was thinking i could buy new inners for the hei that didnt have the 4 pin connector and install it. U think it would work?
cheers
shawn

*screamin_c102* · 12-21-2005, 05:50 PM

The distributor bodies should be the same casting. You will have to replace the module, the mechanical advance mechanism, the vac advance mechanism and the pick-up coil. Not worth it when you can pick up a complete drop in unit for under $75.00

Just my $.02

*screamin_c102* · 12-21-2005, 05:52 PM

By the way, I converted the UPS truck to HEI last week and wired it up with a relay like we discussed up top. Worked out great once I remembered which way the distributor rotation was

Did ya know a 454 will run on 3.5 cylinders?

Merry Christmas yall.

11-20-2005, 07:46 PM	#1
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	how do i wire my HEI? maybe this is a stupid question, but do i need wires running to my HEI? it looks like all the possible wires have been cut so i don't think any of them go to the HEI, plus i don't have a tach so i won't need the 2 wires running to the front of it will I? so what color was the original wire that led to the coil? also for the AC compressor, which color wires run to it?

11-20-2005, 08:17 PM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: how do i wire my HEI? FAQ threads on HEI http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=17403 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=13698 Wiring diagrams (may help for a/c) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=30173 The index thread where I got all this. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 I hope it helps. __________________ "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"

11-20-2005, 09:52 PM	#3
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,772	Re: how do i wire my HEI? I used a relay to power my HEI.Not really needed,but I'm crazy that way Here's the thread to that install. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=105675 __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE

11-20-2005, 11:40 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: how do i wire my HEI? If you have no wires to the HEI, it won't run. All you'll need is the one power wire coming from a switched source, be it the fuse box, the bulk head, a toggle switch, or a relay.

11-21-2005, 12:20 AM	#5
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: how do i wire my HEI? i always knew u wasn't right longhorn an relay on your hei lol well i worst i was running the cd player in my old truck on an relay that i could cut on and off __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

11-21-2005, 06:26 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: how do i wire my HEI? In all reality, if you talk to the pros, they'll tell you that is THE way to go if you are lookin for power.

11-21-2005, 05:39 PM	#7
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: how do i wire my HEI? hmm, thanks so far. i have a red wire coming from a bundle, and it splits into 2 yellow wires, and the p/o had a female spade connector on 1 of the yellow wires. that's the one i hook to the HEI right? edit, nevermind that, i looked at some before pictures of my engine bay, and there was the exact wire i just talked about.

11-21-2005, 05:47 PM	#8
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: how do i wire my HEI? I explain how to rewire for HEI in this thread, which is in the index thread that krue linked above: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=148346 __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

11-21-2005, 06:12 PM	#9
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: how do i wire my HEI? yea i know where the faq section is, but the biggest problem i had was where the wire went on the distributor, that is after i found out which wire it was.

11-21-2005, 09:49 PM	#10
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: how do i wire my HEI? Are you not looking at the same post as me? I just linked one with pictures to everything you're asking. Look at this one single post in particular: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...21&postcount=8 There are many more pictures in the thread which show how it's hooked up. Just make sure your pink wire connects to the tab attached to the red coil wire (this is assuming you have the correct wiring, I show how to wire from the firewall to the dizzy in that thread also). If you're ever in question, look at the post that follows it. It's right here, I'm not sure how you missed it: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...24&postcount=9 Notice the writing on top of the cap. It tells you exactly what wires go where also. They make it pretty dummy proof __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

11-21-2005, 11:53 PM	#11
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: how do i wire my HEI? yea, i mean i figured everything out now, all is good. i mainly needed to know what wire and how to connect it and now i know. that's what i meant with "the biggest problem i had was".

11-22-2005, 12:07 AM	#12
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: how do i wire my HEI? longhorn forget i called u crazy i got yours and BobbyK's post confused __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

11-22-2005, 12:30 AM	#13
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: how do i wire my HEI? Sorry dude, I think I missed your tense. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

11-22-2005, 06:35 AM	#14
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: how do i wire my HEI? well... mine is wired through a relay too, so if the shoe fits... Besides, we all know I got a little crazy in me.

12-05-2005, 12:29 AM	#15
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Re: how do i wire my HEI? So, if you run it through a relay, you can use the factory resistance wire to energize the relay coil right? What is the "run" voltage on this wire? As long as it is above 9 volts, and can handle 200mA, it should fire a 12v coil. This would simplify the wiring as well as deliver all the current the HEI needs. I have to put an HEI in the UPS truck tomorrow, as the points have gone south for the winter and I flooded the living crap out of it today. New plugs, HEI, and wires....all is good. Thanks.....Bill



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12-05-2005, 12:38 AM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: how do i wire my HEI? you could use the resistance wire... I think it is at 9 volts... It'll run the HEI, but I'll bet you my next paycheck AND a kick in the daddy parts that you'll FEEL the differance from HEI on resistance wire, and HEI on 12 volts.

12-05-2005, 01:43 AM	#17
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Re: how do i wire my HEI? No, I was going to trip the relay with the resistance wire and supply the HEI with full 12 volts. I wired Screamin's HEI through the fuse box to a keyed 12v supply, but I like the idea of using a relay to power it up as well, and if it helps with performance/economy I am all for it.

12-05-2005, 02:04 AM	#18
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Re: how do i wire my HEI? Something like this... Attached Images

12-05-2005, 05:50 AM	#19
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: how do i wire my HEI? my fault, I read that wrong.

12-05-2005, 01:35 PM	#20
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: how do i wire my HEI? That would be a reasonable way to run it, but I think your relay would need to be able to still throw the internal switch @ 9v constant power. I thought all relays were 12v relays? Do some research on that one before you embark. Tucking the BATT wire on that one should be a blast __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

12-05-2005, 01:51 PM	#21
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: how do i wire my HEI? I did this on an old jeep. I used the 9V wire to kick a relay for the 12V power wire to the HEI. Was slick and allowed me to go back to stock if needed.

12-21-2005, 05:15 PM	#22
shoobear Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kaslo,BC Posts: 56	Re: how do i wire my HEI? hey i am putting in a motor that has hei but also has the 4 pin flat connector. I was thinking i could buy new inners for the hei that didnt have the 4 pin connector and install it. U think it would work? cheers shawn __________________ I will run u over for FREE!!! 2001 F350 6" Lifted Dually 1970 ScoutII with chevy implants 1970 GMC 3/4 LB 4x4 (for sale) 1972 Chevy 3/4 LB 4x4 -project

12-21-2005, 05:50 PM	#23
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Re: how do i wire my HEI? The distributor bodies should be the same casting. You will have to replace the module, the mechanical advance mechanism, the vac advance mechanism and the pick-up coil. Not worth it when you can pick up a complete drop in unit for under $75.00 Just my $.02

12-21-2005, 05:52 PM	#24
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Re: how do i wire my HEI? By the way, I converted the UPS truck to HEI last week and wired it up with a relay like we discussed up top. Worked out great once I remembered which way the distributor rotation was Did ya know a 454 will run on 3.5 cylinders? Merry Christmas yall.

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