HEI swap question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

franko72 · 06-29-2007, 06:20 PM

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** · 06-29-2007, 07:11 PM

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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 · 06-29-2007, 07:13 PM

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 · 06-29-2007, 07:38 PM

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 · 06-29-2007, 09:32 PM

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.

06-29-2007, 07:13 PM	#3
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: HEI swap question 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. __________________ "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"

06-29-2007, 07:38 PM	#4
franko72 Franko72 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Posts: 471	Re: HEI swap question 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 __________________ 1972 C20 cheyenne Super 402 BB/400 turbo LWB A/C Tilt, Cruise Control, Saddle tanks, Tach My Home Page Better to burn out than it is to rust

06-29-2007, 09:32 PM	#5
72hotrod Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Red Chute,LA Posts: 62	Re: HEI swap question 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.

06-29-2007, 06:20 PM	#1
franko72 Franko72 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Posts: 471	HEI swap question 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. __________________ 1972 C20 cheyenne Super 402 BB/400 turbo LWB A/C Tilt, Cruise Control, Saddle tanks, Tach My Home Page Better to burn out than it is to rust



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