09-07-2024, 06:41 PM | #1 |
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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 |
09-07-2024, 06:51 PM | #2 |
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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. |
09-07-2024, 07:35 PM | #3 |
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Re: HEI in 283?
Why not? HEI will fit any SBC V8.
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09-07-2024, 11:35 PM | #4 |
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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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09-08-2024, 12:21 PM | #5 |
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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 |
09-08-2024, 12:26 PM | #6 |
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Re: HEI in 283?
Blob of cam break in lube on the gear wouldn't hurt
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09-08-2024, 09:53 PM | #7 |
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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. |
09-09-2024, 09:38 AM | #8 |
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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 |
09-10-2024, 10:47 AM | #9 | |
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Re: HEI in 283?
Quote:
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09-10-2024, 01:26 PM | #10 |
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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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09-10-2024, 04:06 PM | #11 |
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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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Yesterday, 03:50 PM | #12 |
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Re: HEI in 283?
Absolutely possible. My truck has its original 283. I took the original resistor wire out of the terminal block and made up a totally new 12 gauge wire to the new distributor and then wrapped all the wiring to keep a factory look. Been about three years and a little over 3000 miles. I keep a spare module and tools in my tool bag though.
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Yesterday, 09:50 PM | #13 | |
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Re: HEI in 283?
Quote:
Hei distributors are big and ugly but good oem ones seldom fail and if they do you can find parts at any parts house and go again. I've been an advocate of as far as parts that commonly might fail that you can remove and replace and go again it is best to use parts that you can find at just about any parts house or wrecking yard.
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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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Yesterday, 11:06 PM | #14 | |
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Re: HEI in 283?
Quote:
292 L6/SM465/12 BOLT 3.73 W/ Eaton posi. in a '68 shortbed Stepside half ton. Ran fine for a while, but then, whenever my RPMs got over 3000 [when the Ignitor II was supposed to bump UP the voltage] the ignition would cut off completely. That left me on the freeway deadmilling until I could turn ignition Off, then On and pop the clutch in 4th or 3rd. Often the guy behind me would wonder why I was suddenly stalling and get P-O'ed at me. My Pertronix gear was out of warranty, but the company Techline guy said to send it in and they'd get back to me about why it failed. I wound up going back to Points for about a year until I tried a chinese HEI from Assault Racing. Their module was dead in the box. I got screwed by Ebay. But I left a scathing review. They changed thier name. I found another L6 HEI and was careful to outfit it with high end American components. I do keep a known-good HEI module and the White heat sink grease in my glove box. Once, my truck cut out on me on a hot July night. I coasted around the corner and parked on the curb, and called Roadside Rescue. About 90 minutes the girl on the hotline said. With nothing better to do until the Hook showed up, I tried R&R'ing the Module. Flashlight in my teeth, and a screwdriver for the distributor, I pulled the cap off, unplugged the dead module, smeared the white stuff down generously and connected the new module, then buttoned it all back up. Still sceptical I was delightfully surprized when my L6 started right up. I called the girl back and cancelled the hook. And I'm still waiting for support from Pertronix. Great for Grandpa's Car Show Antique, so he doesn't have to clunk his way to the 4th of July parade every year. No good for daily drivers. Go GM HEI.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
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