HEI choices

[Freddo]

I own a 1967 Chevy C 10 with a 283 and turbo 400 transmission. I fried the original style alternator and it took out some wiring in my cab. I purchased an in cab wiring kit from M & H electrical fabricators which seemed like an exact stock replacement. I have decided to also purchase their wiring kit for the engine compartment and the front lamp assembly. It seems like now would be a good time to switch to an HEI distributor. Here are my questions:

1. What year of factory GM HEI distributors would work for my set up? I really like the idea of being able to go to the local auto parts store and buy a replacement module for it. I am assuming that the wrecking yard would be the only place I could find a factory HEI distributor?

2. Are there any decent aftermarket HEI style distributors for a reasonable price? I see quite a number of them from Summit racing and other sources for the $100 to $150 range. I have not heard great things about some of those. I would hate to spend $400 to $500 for a new distributor, but if that was what it took to get something dependable, I would sure be willing to take a look at it.
All help and wisdom is greatly appreciated!

[ivory68]

Amazon has quite a few HEI distributors within your budget (under $400). Even mainstream brands like Accel, MSD, and Pertronix are under $300. There's an MSD for $250. Accel and Pertronix are even cheaper. Super happy with my Pertronix Flame Thrower. Completely trouble free for almost 20 years. Amazon lists MAS, which I've never heard of, but they are cheap (under $100) and seem to have decent reviews. Maybe others here can comment if they have one.

[Steeveedee]

I hear stories about aftermarket HEI distributors, but I put a Mallory unit in the '68 Skylark that I converted to Chevy power (rebuilt 305) in '01. I converted it back to Buick power and installed that distributor in my truck with the BBC. That's 24 years of flawless use. Of course, I keep a tune, with plugs, wires, caps and rotors as necessary. What usually kills 'em is worn plugs and bad plug wires running the primary current up to fire the secondary voltage. Other people's MMV.

[Hotcorner]

Originally Posted by ivory68

Amazon has quite a few HEI distributors within your budget (under $400). Even mainstream brands like Accel, MSD, and Pertronix are under $300. There's an MSD for $250. Accel and Pertronix are even cheaper. Super happy with my Pertronix Flame Thrower. Completely trouble free for almost 20 years. Amazon lists MAS, which I've never heard of, but they are cheap (under $100) and seem to have decent reviews. Maybe others here can comment if they have one.

I went with Pertronix. Easy peasy (installed one on a Ford FE 360 first time around) and haven't had any issues. My new addition to the stable, a 71 Skylar, has a Pertronix too and it's GTG.

[Rick Bollinger]

I went to the MSD Streetfire. New build but so far no problems. You do want to make sure you have a vacuum advance as well as mechanical.

[Joyridin]

Personally, I would find an original HEI unit and put in an advance kit and an external coil and call it a day. Even the external coil is debatable. Just upgrade the factory one.

As you said, they are 100% reliable and easy to find parts for. I have tried a few aftermarket variations. Summit had 1 they were selling as their own brand that wasn't bad, but most of them are junk.

[kaycee]

A few years back I got a sumitt blueprint dizzy for $100 not a problem since, check it out them or Jegs have them on sale frequently.

[tim_mc]

Keep in mind that the same AC Delco HEI 'D1906' module is spec'd for both a 1974 BBC Corvette and a 1987 L4 Chevette. 50 year old stock HEI tech is OK, but adding a 50Kv coil and a performance module like a DUI Dyna-Module or Pertronix Flame Thrower module with higher dwell will make a HUGE difference in performance - hotter spark, cleaner exhaust, better throttle response. I swapped back to an OEM module in immediate back to back test drives and it ran like a dog by comparison. Advancements in ignition tech over the decades can benefit these old trucks.

[MikeB]

What I'd suggest is just about anything other than an e-Bay or Amazon special. I've had zero failures with GM, MSD, Accel, and Proform over the years. Also mentioned above is the MSD Street Fire which I think is a fine distributor for the money.

Hate to start a pi$$ing contest here, but I'd be shocked if I could tell the difference between a stock USA-made 1906 module vs. imported aftermarket whiz-bang replacements, especially in a mild-to-mid performance street vehicle. No need for 50K volts coil unless you're running huge plug gaps. I think it was Dr. Chris Jacobs who called them something like "Johnny Racer" coils. As for dwell time, I'd like to see the differences on an oscilloscope.

Another thing: While you're at it, get a name brand set of plug wires. I've used MSD wires quite a bit, but I like the Taylor Spiro Pro terminals better than MSD. Then again, a pre-cut set might work for you.

[tim_mc]

Yep, I was so amazed (or shocked as you might say) that I switched between the store-bought and DUI modules in back to back test drives within minutes of each other in June '21. I still have the US-made Carquest module from Advance Auto Parts as a 3rd spare in the toolbox (pic of it next to the DUI glovebox spare for reference).

Throttle response and acceleration are much better with the DUI module. As far as I know, they're made in the US too. My brother was skeptical until we replaced his Accel module in his '69 Chevelle SS 396.

High Energy Ignition added a lot more energy over points systems, but that was 50 years ago. Hotter coils and longer dwell allow wider spark plug gaps for better burn, which is good for both performance and efficiency, especially with today's fuel quality. I think Smokey Yunick would concur.

A complete street/strip distributor is $349 (either direct from Performance Distributors in Memphis, TN or from Amazon), which based on my experience is likely worth it over taking a chance on an imported one with original GM HEI specs. My ACDelco GM HEI (P/N 93440806, Taiwan) coil failed after a little over a year, which got me into HEI research. I still use the ACDelco distributor, but added a DUI coil, cap and module with solid results.

HotRod article: https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/dui-ignition-need
Dyna-Module: https://performancedistributors.com/...-distributors/
Street/Strip Coil/Cap Kit: https://performancedistributors.com/...i-distributors
Street/Strip Distributor: https://performancedistributors.com/...reetstrip-dui/

Agree that new quality plug wires are a must.

[mr48chev]

Most 75-80 Chev V8 Hei are the same except the advance curve was factory set to fit the application.

The main problem now is getting a good module that has all the circuits inside. The Nap Echlin rep explained to me back in the 80's that the big difference between the Napa module and the Delco module and the cheaper aftermarket modules was the circuits inside them.

Still in my book it is a bit of a wast of money to put a bunch of spendy igniton parts above and beyond a decent oem style HEI on a basically stock engine. The "OH you gotta have ______ & _____ that may well be needed if you are racing and putting out 500 hp but are not needed for reliable daily street driving or weekend cruising.

My experience is that if you are blowing modules it is being caused by something else and that may be something in the secondary side.

One issue with an Hei especially an older one is that the pickup coil wires tend to break right at the connection with the insulation holding them together and may start and run but act up when the vacuum advance is moving the distributor plate. I've got that going on with my 77 C 30 right now if what I think is happening actually is.

I have one major issue with Pertronix dang few walk in parts houses have anything for them that you can buy and if one craps out you have to order from Pertronix to get a part and go through the down time. Remember that their selling point for their conversion kits has always been that you can carry points and a condenser in the glove box and swap them out for the Pertronix kit on the side of the road. The other thing with them is that you have to use every piece and especially the coil when you do the swap or you blow a module all too quickly. They work good if you follow their directions to the letter but if you cheap out on one of the parts you are in for trouble.

[Freddo]

Thank you to everyone for your replies. Lots of great information!
I now have more options to look at. Thanks again.

[steveo70]

Ive had a FAST 303051 XDi Street HEI on my big block the since 2019 with no issues.

[HalfBrit]

I ran a Performance Distributors HEI for at least 10 or 15 years on my '70 C10 SBC. The cool thing is they set up the unit for your application. Fuel type, gearing, intended use, etc.

[PbFut]

I have a HEI in the parts for sale section. Worked fantasticly until I needed a Hall style for a efi system. Remember you need 12 volts to the hei. The oem wire to the coil is a stainless steel resistor wire. You must replace that wire or your new hei system will wither and die in short period of time.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by HalfBrit

I ran a Performance Distributors HEI for at least 10 or 15 years on my '70 C10 SBC. The cool thing is they set up the unit for your application. Fuel type, gearing, intended use, etc.

That's starting to sound like a worthwhile mod. I think my truck's distributor has been in use since 1994. All I've ever done to it is change cap and rotor. I say "I think" above, because I've had several HEIs in various vehicles--mine and friend's--and can't remember which ones are which! I do know for sure that it has an MSD module and coil, and plug wires are Taylor Spiro-Pro.

A little off-topic here, but one of my to-dos for the week is to check initial and centrifugal advance on my truck. Also, I need to limit vacuum advance to 10-12 degrees, if I haven't already done it. I have a new canister on the workbench that was used by GM on performance engines. It's an AR12, also listed as VC1838. It limits vacuum advance to around 10 degrees, as I recall. FYI, adjustable canisters change the rate, not the max.

[tim_mc]

Hey Mike, The vacuum advance will be different when changing to an HEI distributor, something Freddo and others switching to HEI should be aware of, so I think it's good that you mentioned it.

For example, the vac can on the ACDelco HEI I installed on my last build added 20 degrees of timing, causing my truck to surge and buck at cruising. I messed with it for hours before swapping to an AR12/NAPA-Echlin VC1838 from the old motor (cross-reference to Standard Motor Parts VC-204). It's specs are Starts @ 7-9Hg, Max Advance = 7 distributor degrees (14 at crank) @ 10-12Hg.

Yes, I admit I have a spreadsheet of my latest engine setup and save articles like the one from Lars Grimsrud about vacuum advance. I have to keep records of this stuff or I'll wind up switching to something I've already tried! Anyway, interested to hear how the timing and the new vacuum canister works out.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

Hey Mike, The vacuum advance will be different when changing to an HEI distributor, something Freddo and others switching to HEI should be aware of, so I think it's good that you mentioned it.

For example, the vac can on the ACDelco HEI I installed on my last build added 20 degrees of timing, causing my truck to surge and buck at cruising. I messed with it for hours before swapping to an AR12/NAPA-Echlin VC1838 from the old motor (cross-reference to Standard Motor Parts VC-204). It's specs are Starts @ 7-9Hg, Max Advance = 7 distributor degrees (14 at crank) @ 10-12Hg.

Thanks for correcting me on the AR12 spec. Just found it myself.