HEI Upgrade for 69 396 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Momboy007 · 10-07-2008, 11:25 PM

Hello All,
I am considering removing the point distributor on my 396 3/4 ton truck, what do you all recommend? I do not want performance just reliability. The truck also has factory AC, will this be a problem? If I go to a junk yard, do I need a big block distributor?
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Rick

dan42 · 10-07-2008, 11:42 PM

A/C should not affect the dizzy. I don't recommend going to a junkyard for a dizzy, you'll just trade your problems. I got one off Ebay for less than $100 for my 350, and it works great. I can't remember the name, but I think it's Bill White.

Momboy007 · 10-08-2008, 12:29 AM

Is a Small Block and Big block Distributor the same?
I guess what I mean is can I use a small block dizzy on a Big Block?
Thanks,
Rick

JimKshortstep4x4 · 10-08-2008, 07:26 AM

Small block and big block distributors are the same. You can use a small block distributor in a big block.

Jim

rscam · 10-08-2008, 07:31 AM

I hope this is the last time Snoop Dog comments on a thread.

Willys47 · 10-08-2008, 09:29 AM

This was posted on a nother thread and it could apply to this one as well
Re: HEI Replacement on 69-ish 292

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Missing from all the above discussion------- The advance curve for most engines designed for HEI can be quite different than your engine.... By all means, have the HEI weights and springs adjusted to match the ignition curve for the engine that the HEI will be installed on. Shops that have a distributor machine will match the curve for your engine...This will then give maximum performance and fuel economy.
__________________
'71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

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Last edited by GMC Jim; Yesterday at 03:36 AM.

10-07-2008, 11:25 PM	#1
Momboy007 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 82	HEI Upgrade for 69 396 Hello All, I am considering removing the point distributor on my 396 3/4 ton truck, what do you all recommend? I do not want performance just reliability. The truck also has factory AC, will this be a problem? If I go to a junk yard, do I need a big block distributor? Any help would be greatly appreciated Rick

10-07-2008, 11:42 PM	#2
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: HEI Upgrade for 69 396 A/C should not affect the dizzy. I don't recommend going to a junkyard for a dizzy, you'll just trade your problems. I got one off Ebay for less than $100 for my 350, and it works great. I can't remember the name, but I think it's Bill White. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

10-08-2008, 12:29 AM	#3
Momboy007 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 82	Re: HEI Upgrade for 69 396 Is a Small Block and Big block Distributor the same? I guess what I mean is can I use a small block dizzy on a Big Block? Thanks, Rick

10-08-2008, 07:26 AM	#4
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: HEI Upgrade for 69 396 Small block and big block distributors are the same. You can use a small block distributor in a big block. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

10-08-2008, 07:31 AM	#5
rscam Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Monroe,Georgia Posts: 313	Re: HEI Upgrade for 69 396 I hope this is the last time Snoop Dog comments on a thread.

10-08-2008, 09:29 AM	#6
Willys47 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nanaimo B.C. Posts: 604	Re: HEI Upgrade for 69 396 This was posted on a nother thread and it could apply to this one as well Re: HEI Replacement on 69-ish 292 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Missing from all the above discussion------- The advance curve for most engines designed for HEI can be quite different than your engine.... By all means, have the HEI weights and springs adjusted to match the ignition curve for the engine that the HEI will be installed on. Shops that have a distributor machine will match the curve for your engine...This will then give maximum performance and fuel economy. __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last edited by GMC Jim; Yesterday at 03:36 AM. __________________ I was hooked on these trucks since 1982 when I drove my budys fathers 1968 Custum GMC 396 automatic dana 60 rear with a power lock diff what a ride more fun then we will we can ever tell!!



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