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#26 |
Mr. Cheyenne
![]() Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Re: Programmable HEI
This Progression Ignition, still going good for you? Do you believe the MPG has improved over whatever you used before?
Somehow today I stumbled on thinking about this unit again. What I been focusing on is the adaptive timing for the idle, like you mention when going from Park (or neutral) into drive and it keeps idle. I also believe this works when the AC turns on. From your signature you have AC - does the HEI deal with that too? Any idea if that is bad for the engine to be bumping the timing all around to keep stable idle during the cases (in drive, in park, AC on/off)? Heck, how does it know you are in idle or not? Also, do you have tach in your cluster too? I believe it has a wire for that but currently the dash (I upgraded to a stock one in my cluster) and it connects to the coil. Sorry for the 1 zillion questions, hope you don't mind them!
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
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#27 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Eastern TN
Posts: 1,921
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Re: Programmable HEI
Another option is the MSD 6AL with integrated timing. I have been running one for about 5 years now. It also has captive discharge which is nice with bigger cams for cleaning up the idle.
Any of these setups should work the same way. Lock out the distributer and then set it at max timing. The box then sees the signal and delays the signal which gives the motor less timing. Hope that makes sense. With this timing modulation there should be no negative effect to the motor long term however if the electronics failed and it did still run you would have hard starting from maxed ignition timing due to the distributer being locked out. Speaking only for the MSD you can add a MAP sensor and use it to set up a vacuum advance curve. Since you ask about AC I am betting this function could be made to kick the idle up since the compressor load would be seen as a load, ie vacuum drop. The only catch to these systems that I have seen is there are only so many degrees of adjustment between all the settings for timing range together. It doesn't matter if you use them all in one table or two. I don't remember the range but do remember that 50 degrees total, vac and mechanical advance, isn't going to work with low base timing of something like 4 degrees. One thing that I really like is that my motor needs alot of base timing due to rhe cam. I am between 20 and 24 degrees. The MSD let's me ramp that in so I have effectively 0 degrees timing than ramp in the base timing by 600 RPM. This makes cranking easier and less chance of engine kickback on the starter. All the timing is done in simple tables via laptop. It also has several Rev limiters built into along with some racing functions that I don't use. |
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#28 | ||||
Mr. Cheyenne
![]() Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Well, I ordered one after getting a email back from them, I was real impressed how quickly the responded to my web query!
Might as well post my Q/A here.
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
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#29 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca
Posts: 1,210
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Re: Programmable HEI
Quote:
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Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC |
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#30 |
Mr. Cheyenne
![]() Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Re: Programmable HEI
ah, I forgot about that feature, locking it - I am going to LOVE having that option!
Thanks tdangle
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
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#31 |
I dun gradjiated collij!!!
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: St. Helens Oregon
Posts: 1,751
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Re: Programmable HEI
Just picked one up for the Chevelle... Hoping it allows me to dial in the timing on the Vortec heads.
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Built NOT Bought. Viper Red 1971 LWB C10 355 Vortec W/700R4 4/5 drop AKA Screamin' You are missed!
2006 F150 XLT 5.4L Triton Rollin' on 22s the "F1" 67 C20 PS/AC/327/TH400 we call 'er "Bessie" 67 Malibu PS/ZR1-LS1 Brakes/350 Vortec/700R4 2/2 drop on 18" 338s - Tracy's "Boo" Boosted '67 Cougar EFI 5.0 HO roller motor/T5/8.8 Tracloc/ 4 wheel disks - "Project Panther" 79 Honda Z50 - stretched, cafe'd and hotrodded 125CC Lifan/5spd FEAR THE MONKEY! |
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#32 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,907
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Re: Programmable HEI
I have one on my 72 Blazer with a warmed-up L31 Vortec. It runs really well and I don't even think about it after I initially set it up.
I do think the retarded timing at startup makes it harder to start my engine, but I don't think that's adjustable.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
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