Good Low Cost HEI - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DanoDMano · 01-10-2003, 09:06 PM

I had my truck Dyno'd and tuned up today, and boy does it run good now!!!
Can anyone out there give me some advice on HEI distributers?
My truck is putting out 285 HP, and I want more.
I was advised to get an HEI, and am now trying to get some wisdom on them.

I know you guy's all talk about them, so they must be good.

I am a newbie in this department, and would appreciate any helpful Info.:p

bigjimzlll · 01-10-2003, 09:17 PM

285 at the rear wheels? wow.... thats atleast 360hp at the flywheel..and you said the engines stock?

mikep · 01-10-2003, 09:20 PM

Theyre OK but in stock form will start running out of power at around 4500 RPM . A better distributor would be an MSD electronic unit with an MSD 6L box and a blaster coil. It all depends how much you want to spend. The HEI can be made to work well at higher RPM but by the time you put a good module and a hi voltage coil your damn near into the cost of a good MSD distributor.

Ive got a new HEI from summit racing with a 50,000 volt coil and a adjustable vacuum can. I added a MSD control module as even with the hi volt coil I was having misfire problems at sustained speeds over 5000 RPM . Even a cheap dual point won't do that! It runs like a top now but I figure I have at least $230 into it. When I do it again I'll get the MSD distributor the first time.

GMC Jim · 01-10-2003, 09:31 PM

I bought my HEI from a local rebuilt shop that specializes in these units... In order to get the performance expected the didtributor must be calibrated by a choice of advance weights and associated springs to match the advance curve of the engine it will be installed in....
... Example:--1971 402 BB eng---Centrifugal advance---0 degrees @ 900 RPM; 2 @ 1260; 16 @ 2500 and 30 @ 4400RPM. the vacumm advance should be 0 degress @ 8" Hg and 20 degrees @ 17" Hg...
......Each engine has its own advance specs....so the distributor should be calibrated to match the specific engine that will receieve the HEI installation.............Jim

DanoDMano · 01-10-2003, 09:45 PM

I have a hard time believing 360 at the flywheel, buthe did tell me 285 at 5000.

I hadit done at Bill's tune up here in Tacoma, and he was accurate with my mustang??

ChevLoRay · 01-10-2003, 10:43 PM

I just installed an Accel BluePrint HEI, in my truck, last Sunday. I already had an Accel Super Coil on the old distributor, so I just moved it to the new one. I priced the unit on line at Jegs, for $139. I went to Advance and they had it priced at $199, but met Jeg's price, plus no shipping. Paid for it on Friday, and got it on Sunday.

If your engine runs that well, and you're asking about an HEI, I guess you're running a points-type distributor. I have no doubt that an HEI unit like I mentioned above, will be far superior to your old distributor. You'll also need a coil, and a new set of wires for the HEI cap. You'll also need to revise the wiring that feeds the distributor. An HEI needs an unfused, ignition-switched 12V to operate properly. The power to your coil is fed via a ballast resistor and doesn't get enough voltage for an HEI.

www.wiringharness.com can build you a new harness for your truck, with all the right connectors and stuff that you will need to run an HEI.

bigjimzlll · 01-10-2003, 11:02 PM

regap your plugs too... .040-.045

DanoDMano · 01-10-2003, 11:10 PM

Thanks for all the great advice, I understand I have a few other changes now besides just the new distributer.

Has anyone heard of, or used a flamethrower HEI??

I saw an ad in a motor magazine today.

GMC Jim · 01-10-2003, 11:16 PM

point gap recommendedby GM seems to vary by year and engine . all engines, GMC and Chevrolet Truck; 1975 models specify .060 point gap. .045 seems to be the most common settings..............Jim

bigjimzlll · 01-10-2003, 11:44 PM

the flamethrower is a good dizzy....I just sold a new one(bought a MSD) the flamethrower is a great performance bolt in....

Johns70 · 01-11-2003, 12:09 AM

i bought a new accel blueprint dist. they come with the adjustable vacum advance and a spring kit to taylor the advance, purchased a hei super coil i think its rated at 45,000 volts, and i got rid of the module and installed a msd 6a box and this seems to work well and you can even do it a little at a time when money is available or performance wanted, a person only needs the better module or msd box for the higher rpms so you won't get the misfire.if you make the switch don't forget plug wires and don't skimp,and get a realing good set.

SCOTI · 01-11-2003, 04:00 PM

A stock V8 HEI will get you going & then you can upgrade to an MSD HEI kit later when $$ is available.

krazy_texan · 01-11-2003, 04:39 PM

i have a mallory hei on my 71 and a like it a lot

01-10-2003, 09:06 PM	#1
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	Good Low Cost HEI I had my truck Dyno'd and tuned up today, and boy does it run good now!!! Can anyone out there give me some advice on HEI distributers? My truck is putting out 285 HP, and I want more. I was advised to get an HEI, and am now trying to get some wisdom on them. I know you guy's all talk about them, so they must be good. I am a newbie in this department, and would appreciate any helpful Info.:p __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

01-10-2003, 09:17 PM	#2
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	285 at the rear wheels? wow.... thats atleast 360hp at the flywheel..and you said the engines stock? __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

01-10-2003, 09:20 PM	#3
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Theyre OK but in stock form will start running out of power at around 4500 RPM . A better distributor would be an MSD electronic unit with an MSD 6L box and a blaster coil. It all depends how much you want to spend. The HEI can be made to work well at higher RPM but by the time you put a good module and a hi voltage coil your damn near into the cost of a good MSD distributor. Ive got a new HEI from summit racing with a 50,000 volt coil and a adjustable vacuum can. I added a MSD control module as even with the hi volt coil I was having misfire problems at sustained speeds over 5000 RPM . Even a cheap dual point won't do that! It runs like a top now but I figure I have at least $230 into it. When I do it again I'll get the MSD distributor the first time. __________________ No truck :-( Last edited by mikep; 01-10-2003 at 09:24 PM.

01-10-2003, 09:31 PM	#4
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	I bought my HEI from a local rebuilt shop that specializes in these units... In order to get the performance expected the didtributor must be calibrated by a choice of advance weights and associated springs to match the advance curve of the engine it will be installed in.... ... Example:--1971 402 BB eng---Centrifugal advance---0 degrees @ 900 RPM; 2 @ 1260; 16 @ 2500 and 30 @ 4400RPM. the vacumm advance should be 0 degress @ 8" Hg and 20 degrees @ 17" Hg... ......Each engine has its own advance specs....so the distributor should be calibrated to match the specific engine that will receieve the HEI installation.............Jim __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

01-10-2003, 09:45 PM	#5
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	I have a hard time believing 360 at the flywheel, buthe did tell me 285 at 5000. I hadit done at Bill's tune up here in Tacoma, and he was accurate with my mustang?? __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

01-10-2003, 10:43 PM	#6
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	I just installed an Accel BluePrint HEI, in my truck, last Sunday. I already had an Accel Super Coil on the old distributor, so I just moved it to the new one. I priced the unit on line at Jegs, for $139. I went to Advance and they had it priced at $199, but met Jeg's price, plus no shipping. Paid for it on Friday, and got it on Sunday. If your engine runs that well, and you're asking about an HEI, I guess you're running a points-type distributor. I have no doubt that an HEI unit like I mentioned above, will be far superior to your old distributor. You'll also need a coil, and a new set of wires for the HEI cap. You'll also need to revise the wiring that feeds the distributor. An HEI needs an unfused, ignition-switched 12V to operate properly. The power to your coil is fed via a ballast resistor and doesn't get enough voltage for an HEI. www.wiringharness.com can build you a new harness for your truck, with all the right connectors and stuff that you will need to run an HEI. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

01-10-2003, 11:02 PM	#7
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	regap your plugs too... .040-.045 __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

01-10-2003, 11:10 PM	#8
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	Thanks for all the great advice, I understand I have a few other changes now besides just the new distributer. Has anyone heard of, or used a flamethrower HEI?? I saw an ad in a motor magazine today. __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

01-10-2003, 11:16 PM	#9
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	point gap recommendedby GM seems to vary by year and engine . all engines, GMC and Chevrolet Truck; 1975 models specify .060 point gap. .045 seems to be the most common settings..............Jim __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

01-10-2003, 11:44 PM	#10
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	the flamethrower is a good dizzy....I just sold a new one(bought a MSD) the flamethrower is a great performance bolt in.... __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

01-11-2003, 12:09 AM	#11
Johns70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Spring Creek, nevada. U.S.A. Posts: 456	i bought a new accel blueprint dist. they come with the adjustable vacum advance and a spring kit to taylor the advance, purchased a hei super coil i think its rated at 45,000 volts, and i got rid of the module and installed a msd 6a box and this seems to work well and you can even do it a little at a time when money is available or performance wanted, a person only needs the better module or msd box for the higher rpms so you won't get the misfire.if you make the switch don't forget plug wires and don't skimp,and get a realing good set. __________________ 69 chevy short wide box project 70 GMC jimmy project

01-11-2003, 04:00 PM	#12
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	A stock V8 HEI will get you going & then you can upgrade to an MSD HEI kit later when $$ is available. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-11-2003, 04:39 PM	#13
krazy_texan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Des Moines, Ia Posts: 3,233	i have a mallory hei on my 71 and a like it a lot __________________ Krazy Texan My Trucks are made with Wrenches not Chop Sticks 1967 GMC 3/4 ton "Johnny Cash" 1990 v1500 suburban 1967 Ford f100 Swb 4x4 "green bean" GOD BLESS JESUS, JOHN WAYNE, AND THE ALAMO



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