Distributors, HEI vs standard point type - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oldasi · 11-02-2017, 08:59 AM

My '72 350/175 has had the distributor changed to the HEI type. Would like to install a factory tach, is there a different tach for HEI vs standard point type distributors ?

**VetteVet** · 11-02-2017, 01:18 PM

Well there's pertronix and a few others and then there's this one.
If you don't mind foreign made.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-BBC-CHE...MAAOSwaB5Xvd2O

oldasi · 11-02-2017, 03:49 PM

Im told that the HEI distributor came out in '75, prior to that they had the common or standard distributor with points and a separate coil, the HEI has a coil on top of the distributor, Ive been told that the HEI distributor could be inst'd on the '72 350/175 by removing the stock distributor and inst the HEI thus eliminating the points system, IS THIS CORRECT ? Also could I use the factory tach that would have come with the common or standard distributor with points ? IS THE TACH THE SAME FOR BOTH DISTRIBUTORS ?

Wrenchbender Ret · 11-02-2017, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldasi

Im told that the HEI distributor came out in '75, prior to that they had the common or standard distributor with points and a separate coil, the HEI has a coil on top of the distributor, Ive been told that the HEI distributor could be inst'd on the '72 350/175 by removing the stock distributor and inst the HEI thus eliminating the points system, IS THIS CORRECT ? Also could I use the factory tach that would have come with the common or standard distributor with points ? IS THE TACH THE SAME FOR BOTH DISTRIBUTORS ?

Yes. The GM HEI unit can replace the point type dist & coil assembly. The point type has resistance in the circuit feeding it. The resistance must be eliminated as the HEI uses full voltage. The tach can be hooked to a term in the cap next to power feed term. It is marked "tach".

54blackhornet · 11-02-2017, 04:12 PM

Upgrading to HEI is a common thing on our trucks ! Installing a GM HEI is a simple plug and play with one exception, running a dedicated 12V power supply. The factory tachometer was designed to work with standard points distributor

**kwmech** · 11-02-2017, 08:22 PM

Over the years I have owned about 5-6 trucks that either had factory tachs in them or I installed a tach dash. Every single truck I had installed an HEI and changed out the end on the wire and plugged it in. Never once did I have a problem with the tach or distributor

Don Quixote · 11-04-2017, 06:13 PM

When I went to HEI, my tach lasted about 10 seconds before dying, even with the reducer installed, I just have one bolted to the column now until I can upgrade the dash.

11-02-2017, 08:59 AM	#1
oldasi Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Oakwood, Ontario, Canada Posts: 28	Distributors, HEI vs standard point type My '72 350/175 has had the distributor changed to the HEI type. Would like to install a factory tach, is there a different tach for HEI vs standard point type distributors ?

11-02-2017, 01:18 PM	#2
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,719	Re: Distributors, HEI vs standard point type Well there's pertronix and a few others and then there's this one. If you don't mind foreign made. https://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-BBC-CHE...MAAOSwaB5Xvd2O __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

11-02-2017, 03:49 PM	#3
oldasi Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Oakwood, Ontario, Canada Posts: 28	Re: Distributors, HEI vs standard point type Im told that the HEI distributor came out in '75, prior to that they had the common or standard distributor with points and a separate coil, the HEI has a coil on top of the distributor, Ive been told that the HEI distributor could be inst'd on the '72 350/175 by removing the stock distributor and inst the HEI thus eliminating the points system, IS THIS CORRECT ? Also could I use the factory tach that would have come with the common or standard distributor with points ? IS THE TACH THE SAME FOR BOTH DISTRIBUTORS ?

11-02-2017, 04:12 PM	#5
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,393	Re: Distributors, HEI vs standard point type Upgrading to HEI is a common thing on our trucks ! Installing a GM HEI is a simple plug and play with one exception, running a dedicated 12V power supply. The factory tachometer was designed to work with standard points distributor __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

11-02-2017, 08:22 PM	#6
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,650	Re: Distributors, HEI vs standard point type Over the years I have owned about 5-6 trucks that either had factory tachs in them or I installed a tach dash. Every single truck I had installed an HEI and changed out the end on the wire and plugged it in. Never once did I have a problem with the tach or distributor

11-04-2017, 06:13 PM	#7
Don Quixote Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Woodlawn, TN Posts: 275	Re: Distributors, HEI vs standard point type When I went to HEI, my tach lasted about 10 seconds before dying, even with the reducer installed, I just have one bolted to the column now until I can upgrade the dash. __________________ Rocinante: 1972 GMC C25, 292, SM465, 14 bolt, power nothing, 440k and still handles my PCS moves Jorge: Kia Roller-skate with lots of buttons for the wife Wovoka: 2017 Indian Chief Vintage, better on gas but not much So far, this is the oldest I've ever been.



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