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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 61
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HEI in 283?
I have a 67 C10 with a 283. It's not the original 283, but it looks to be mostly original configuration, except for an Edelbrock intake and 500cfm 4-brl. Is there any reason that makes it not possible to put in an HEI distributor? Good idea? Bad idea? pros? cons? Any particular brand?
Thaks for any advice |
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: HEI in 283?
You can install an HEI on your 283. Recommend browse around on here for all the installation tips folks have provided over the years - things like full 12V, etc.
HEIs are a good idea because they eliminate the points (and therefore point wear, need to change/adjust every once in a while, etc) and are reliable (although I'd avoid overseas-made new ones - the best ones are the original GM HEIs - and some very reputable, but sometimes pricey, new U.S. made HEIs). The only con is non-original appearance. If that matters to you, you may want to consider a pertronix unit that also eliminates the points but fits under your current distributor cap. |
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#3 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Posts: 7,287
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Re: HEI in 283?
Why not? HEI will fit any SBC V8.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
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#4 |
Who Changed This?
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,451
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Re: HEI in 283?
Same distributor fits big blocks, too. When the 305 I had in my '68 Skylark finally died, I went back to Buick power, and put that very distributor in my truck. There are some very early Corvettes ('50s) that I hear tell took a distributor with a longer driveshaft, but I've never seen one.
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~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Overland Park, Ks.
Posts: 5,221
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Re: HEI in 283?
On some model trucks there are clearance problems with the firewall or air filter. Your 67 C10 is not one of them. I agree the factory HEI is the best one to use. They are easy to rebuild and clean up. If you replace any electronic parts use original equipment or name brands.
George |
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#6 |
At the body shop.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Land of fruits and nuts.
Posts: 5,224
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Re: HEI in 283?
Blob of cam break in lube on the gear wouldn't hurt
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" That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " |
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#7 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,532
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Re: HEI in 283?
One thing you want to do is get the correct plug and gauge wire to connect the power wire to the HEI. While a female slide terminal will work, it will also come loose enough for the engine to stall at very inopportune times. Mine on my 71 usually chose 3:30 in the morning in the rain on the way to work.
I hooked my power feed to the hei to the IGN Unfused pin on the fuse block. That is hot any time you have the key on or when cranking with a full; 12 volts. I just taped the ends of the original ignition wire folded it up and tucked it away with a couple of zip ties to the near by wiring harness. No fuss and if I ever decide to go back to points the wiring is all there. This is the fuse block and you can see the correct pin (s) to plug into. That way nothing is cut, nothing is disturbed and all is good. ![]() On the 71 I picked up far quicker startup especially in cold weather and 2mpg that doesn't sound like a lot but when you go from 10 to 12 that is a big percentage.
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Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Moorpark, CA
Posts: 760
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Re: HEI in 283?
You could just put in a Pertronix module in the stock distributor. What I did.
You need to run a #10 gauge stranded copper wire from IGN tap on fusr block to + coil and just tape back into wire loom the white braided resistance wire that was stock to + coil so it gets full 12vdc |
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#9 | |
Senior Member
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Location: Winona Lake, IN
Posts: 6,299
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Re: HEI in 283?
Quote:
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70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Power windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear |
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#10 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,651
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Re: HEI in 283?
Yep. I installed my GM HEI sometime in the 1980s with a 12 ga. power wire and it works fine.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Buffalo Gap, TX
Posts: 229
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Re: HEI in 283?
HEI's are Great!
One thing to be aware of though, is the ignition's centrifugal advance curve. There are a zillion different center-plates and weights out there, so whether you get a GM or a chinese unit, you'll really really really want to check out what it's advance curve looks like, and more than likely modify it to suit. It's not hard to do, but takes some learning and effort. Edit: Also, be *SURE* there is good heat-sink paste under the module, and know that as long as you have a spare module in the glovebox it will never fail - but if you don't...say hello to the 3am gremlin.
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My Chevy Truck Project Build Thread '62 Ranchero - 200 I6, 3-on-the-tree, power nothing. '71 LeSabre - 455 Stage 1, power everything. |
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