Recommend Me an HEI Dizzy

[Mr Handy]

I have a couple of the Skip White HEI distributors. In two years the first one fried 2 ignition modules. I decided for the price to try a second one in my new 350, and on my way home from work last night doing 70 on the interstate the module started to flake out and the engine started to decell. I know it was the module because I have done this twice before. I was surprised today that it was not completely fried and that the truck started after cooling down.

Anyway I am thinking it is time to get a better unit.
I am thinking about giving the GM Performance a try, but I thought it best to ask the collective knowledge here first.

I do not need a racing dizzy, just something reliable for a 350 with an RV cam (summit 1102)
Is there another I should be looking at? I am not apposed to spending if it means reliability. I also like the idea of an adjustable vacuum advance can, I plan to get my wideband O2 sensor hooked up and see what I can do to dial in the carb.

[70cst]

http://www.pertronix.com/

I have used Pertronix for over 10 years with zero issues.

[Steeveedee]

I have a Mallory HEI that has been in service for 15 years. Never had a problem with it.

[Wizo]

I bought a stock, direct replacement HEI for my small block 400 from NAPA.
No problems here.

[bhc41051]

My AC-Delco is 41 years old but had to be rebuilt about 5 years ago. So I guess it did give me a problem.

[Stocker]

Been running a used GM HEI since the early Eighties without any problem. Well, I did install a new rotor back in the early Nineties.

[mike16]

Originally Posted by Wizo

I bought a stock, direct replacement HEI for my small block 400 from NAPA.
No problems here.

yep me too. went through it first and found nothing wrong but upgraded a few bits with MSD stuff. no problems in 6 plus years.

[El Dorado Jim]

In my son's truck, the stock HEI kept eating modules and coils, I bought a new HEI from Summit a couple of years ago for around $90.00, haven't had a problem since

[WorkinLonghorn]

I've had a Skip White in my 350 for maybe 12 years with no problem whatsoever.

What is your voltage to the Distrib? Cheaper modules apparently have no over-voltage protection. Read here;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=319969

[Andy4639]

Local junkyard. Buy the factory GM HEI and replace the module and your good to go.

Are just go buy it at the parts store but you will need a model and year.

[frenchy51]

I agree with the majority-Go Stock GM. Can't go wrong.

[Andy4639]

Mid 80's to 90's had them in just about everything GM made then.

[stsalvage]

If your going from points to HEI need to get that voltage drop block off your truck.When i put mine in I bought the engine harness from M&H wiring company 159.00 no Problems Stay away from Painless

[bronze 72 super]

Have a rebuilt HEI in my '70 El Camino I rebuilt 15 years ago, no problems, also have a HEI in my '71 Cheyenne Super big block 402, no problems. Stay away from anything coming from China, or any other foreign made distributor , not worth the hassle with problems down the road. Stock G.M. HEI's are a dime a dozen, lots of upgrade parts available from MSD, ACCEL, MALLORY.

[Lowenuf]

Stock GM with Accel cap/coil....

[Texasredneck69-C10]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I have a Mallory HEI that has been in service for 15 years. Never had a problem with it.

I have a Mallory HEI on my Nova. No issues at all.

[Jack_71C10]

I have Skip White distributors in both of my trucks.
Haven't had a problem with either of them.
Not a bad deal for less then 50$.

[cleszkie]

I would start by looking at your electrical system before I went and threw money at a new dizzy. HEI ignition modules do not like low voltage at all. Either intermittent or sustained low voltage. Low voltage will kill modules all day long. So check that you are not using the factory resistance wire for power, and check that you are providing your HEI a clean 12V source that does not fluctuate when electric fans kick on, or other power accessories are turned on. The best bet to get a clean 12V source is to tap directly into the battery, and use a relay with keyed power to close the circuit between the battery and HEI.

[Mr Handy]

Thanks for the help all. I'm still reading/researching, trying to decide.

Originally Posted by cleszkie

I would start by looking at your electrical system before I went and threw money at a new dizzy. HEI ignition modules do not like low voltage at all. Either intermittent or sustained low voltage. Low voltage will kill modules all day long. So check that you are not using the factory resistance wire for power, and check that you are providing your HEI a clean 12V source that does not fluctuate when electric fans kick on, or other power accessories are turned on. The best bet to get a clean 12V source is to tap directly into the battery, and use a relay with keyed power to close the circuit between the battery and HEI.

I have gone through the electrical system and I have never found a low voltage situation. When I switched to HEI I ran a new wire to the fuse panel to the unfused ignition terminal. I was running the stock externally regulated alternator. With the engine swap I switched to an internally regulated alternator and it seems to be charging fine. I tested output and it fine, and the gauge is working. So keeping an eye on it while driving says it is doing its job. I have also checked voltage at the dizzy and it has always been at least 12v.

[70short]

I have owned a summit racing dizzy for over 10 years no issues.

[davepl]

I'd take a used American made HEI (though preferably new GM) over a new Chinese unit anyday. They seem to be nothing but problems.

Heck, I'd take a known-good used Chinese one over a potential jackpot new one!