What do I need to put an hei in my truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dachdu69C10 · 08-01-2013, 10:56 PM

Hey guys, I went to my local junkyard and pulled a hei distributor out of a 81 chevy. And I'm wondering what I need to do to get it to work properly in my truck. I've got a later 70's 350 in it with a edelbrock 1406 carb and a edelbrock performer eps manifold. Thanks in advance.
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**Stocker** · 08-01-2013, 11:57 PM

Here's a stickied thread that should answer any questions. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=13698

It's fairly straightforward.... remove the old dizzy, drop in the HEI, run a new 12 ga. power wire, replace plug wires with 8mm wires, and re-gap the plugs from .035" to .045". Of course if the plugs are worn, get new ones, same type as stock.

mmiddle · 08-02-2013, 12:05 AM

Yep pretty much sums it up! Easy, breezy super greasy

**WIDESIDE72** · 08-02-2013, 01:43 AM

I would advise checking the old dist out for wear. Also be sure it has a decent brand us made module (ac delco/ standard, etc) Those cheap chinese ones (wells?) will leave you on the side if the road. I worked at walmart during high school in the late 80's and they actually sold modules and voltage regulators (junk).
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DT1 · 08-02-2013, 08:39 AM

I put an Ac Delco HEI distributor in mine a few years back. Like WIDESIDE72 said, make sure you get a good module. I had a problem burning modules out for some time. It seemed like I was changing them out about every three months. The problem always occurred after I shut the truck down. The module soaks up latent heat from the distributor body and dies. I tried Mallory, Delco, Accel, Davis Unified and Pertronix modules with the same results. Also tried different heat sink compounds to remedy the problem. I finally tried a Pertronix racing module, part number D2070 that only draws 7.2 amps and it has been working fine for almost five years now.

Dachdu69C10 · 08-02-2013, 11:14 AM

I did check out the distributor it looks like its in good shape other then some rust on the springs from sitting. But then again I'm no mechanic so, I hope I got a good one. The coil cover is Delco but I'm not sure about the rest of it.
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DT1 · 08-02-2013, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dachdu69C10

I did check out the distributor it looks like its in good shape other then some rust on the springs from sitting. But then again I'm no mechanic so, I hope I got a good one. The coil cover is Delco but I'm not sure about the rest of it.
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Here's a link for a tune up kit that will work with Delco.
http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/fla...cessories.aspx

**WIDESIDE72** · 08-02-2013, 02:21 PM

Be sure the mechanical advance mechanism isnt stuck and the vacuum diaphragm isnt ruptured in order to get best performance. Also a good idea to pick up an advance kit to tinker with springs etc to tailor the advance. Most 80's vehicles were pretty tame as far as advance.
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Tx Firefighter · 08-02-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DT1

I put an Ac Delco HEI distributor in mine a few years back. Like WIDESIDE72 said, make sure you get a good module. I had a problem burning modules out for some time. It seemed like I was changing them out about every three months. The problem always occurred after I shut the truck down. The module soaks up latent heat from the distributor body and dies. I tried Mallory, Delco, Accel, Davis Unified and Pertronix modules with the same results. Also tried different heat sink compounds to remedy the problem. I finally tried a Pertronix racing module, part number D2070 that only draws 7.2 amps and it has been working fine for almost five years now.

When you have an HEI that eats modules, change the coil. A bad coil will kill them. Some shops won't install a new module without doing the coil also for this reason. A lesson I learned when I was younger from a much wiser old mechanic.
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**jocko** · 08-02-2013, 02:28 PM

THAT is excellent advice tx ff, thx for sharing.
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DT1 · 08-02-2013, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

When you have an HEI that eats modules, change the coil. A bad coil will kill them. Some shops won't install a new module without doing the coil also for this reason. A lesson I learned when I was younger from a much wiser old mechanic.
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Yup, I tried that already. The only one that will work in my Delco unit is the Pertronix D2070.

**WIDESIDE72** · 08-02-2013, 05:33 PM

Since i learned that an MSD 6 will make the module unnecessary, i have picked up several used ones at swap meets, always less than $50 as the sellers always say they dont know how to wire them up. Funny thing is, MSD has the directions on their website as a .pdf!
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08-01-2013, 10:56 PM	#1
Dachdu69C10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 37	What do I need to put an hei in my truck? Hey guys, I went to my local junkyard and pulled a hei distributor out of a 81 chevy. And I'm wondering what I need to do to get it to work properly in my truck. I've got a later 70's 350 in it with a edelbrock 1406 carb and a edelbrock performer eps manifold. Thanks in advance. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Dallas 1969 C10 custom 1/2ton "Project" 2004 Volkswagen Jetta DD "On the internet Men are Men, Women are Men, and little Girls are FBI Agents"

08-01-2013, 11:57 PM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,728	Re: What do I need to put an hei in my truck? Here's a stickied thread that should answer any questions. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=13698 It's fairly straightforward.... remove the old dizzy, drop in the HEI, run a new 12 ga. power wire, replace plug wires with 8mm wires, and re-gap the plugs from .035" to .045". Of course if the plugs are worn, get new ones, same type as stock. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

08-02-2013, 12:05 AM	#3
mmiddle Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Forestburg, Texas Posts: 659	Re: What do I need to put an hei in my truck? Yep pretty much sums it up! Easy, breezy super greasy __________________ Mark Jesus is the Way! 2003 2500HD CCLB Duramax/Ali (Clifford) 2014 2SS/RS black on black Camaro (Betty) 2006 Pontiac SOLSTICE silver/black (Lula-Bell) 1970 C/10 Short Wide (Peggy) 1964 C/10 Short Step (Hambone) RIP Jimmy Hamilton Thank you for the trucks

08-02-2013, 01:43 AM	#4
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: What do I need to put an hei in my truck? I would advise checking the old dist out for wear. Also be sure it has a decent brand us made module (ac delco/ standard, etc) Those cheap chinese ones (wells?) will leave you on the side if the road. I worked at walmart during high school in the late 80's and they actually sold modules and voltage regulators (junk). Posted via Mobile Device

08-02-2013, 08:39 AM	#5
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Re: What do I need to put an hei in my truck? I put an Ac Delco HEI distributor in mine a few years back. Like WIDESIDE72 said, make sure you get a good module. I had a problem burning modules out for some time. It seemed like I was changing them out about every three months. The problem always occurred after I shut the truck down. The module soaks up latent heat from the distributor body and dies. I tried Mallory, Delco, Accel, Davis Unified and Pertronix modules with the same results. Also tried different heat sink compounds to remedy the problem. I finally tried a Pertronix racing module, part number D2070 that only draws 7.2 amps and it has been working fine for almost five years now.

08-02-2013, 11:14 AM	#6
Dachdu69C10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 37	Re: What do I need to put an hei in my truck? I did check out the distributor it looks like its in good shape other then some rust on the springs from sitting. But then again I'm no mechanic so, I hope I got a good one. The coil cover is Delco but I'm not sure about the rest of it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Dallas 1969 C10 custom 1/2ton "Project" 2004 Volkswagen Jetta DD "On the internet Men are Men, Women are Men, and little Girls are FBI Agents"

08-02-2013, 02:21 PM	#8
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: What do I need to put an hei in my truck? Be sure the mechanical advance mechanism isnt stuck and the vacuum diaphragm isnt ruptured in order to get best performance. Also a good idea to pick up an advance kit to tinker with springs etc to tailor the advance. Most 80's vehicles were pretty tame as far as advance. Posted via Mobile Device

08-02-2013, 02:28 PM	#10
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: What do I need to put an hei in my truck? THAT is excellent advice tx ff, thx for sharing. Posted via Mobile Device

08-02-2013, 05:33 PM	#12
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: What do I need to put an hei in my truck? Since i learned that an MSD 6 will make the module unnecessary, i have picked up several used ones at swap meets, always less than $50 as the sellers always say they dont know how to wire them up. Funny thing is, MSD has the directions on their website as a .pdf! Posted via Mobile Device



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