Programmable HEI

[tdangle]

I just ordered a new distributor from a company out of San Diego. It is an HEI but with a fully programmable module for timing. Company is progression iginition. Should show up next week and I'll give a full report. Basically I will have timing control without having to have EFI.

[mattfranklin]

Originally Posted by tdangle

I just ordered a new distributor from a company out of San Diego. It is an HEI but with a fully programmable module for timing. Company is progression iginition. Should show up next week and I'll give a full report. Basically I will have timing control without having to have EFI.

Sounds interesting. How is it programmed? With DIP switches or a PC connection?

[hjewell2]

Subd

[The Rocknrod]

Do they have a web site?

[AussieinNC]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Do they have a web site?

Here ya go...

https://progressionignition.com/

[tdangle]

programmed via bluetooth. Looks like you can actually see it in live time and make changes. I'm especially interested in what it does for idle. Looks like it will adjust the timing when you load it putting it in gear Also like the lock-out anti-theft feature. Basically disables the ignition. The main reason I'm getting it is I want more initial timing but total with advance limited to 32 at the most. HEI dist aren't the most friendly trying to limit total advance and like most mine has 22 degrees built in due to the center plate and weights configuration. Currently running 10 initial and 32 total. Running say 16 initial with 32 total would allow the throttle plates to be closed more, showing less of the transfer circuit in the carb. This is all because of the overlap of my cam.

[Captainfab]

Interesting. They aren't cheap but if the quality is there it would be worth it.

[tdangle]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Interesting. They aren't cheap but if the quality is there it would be worth it.

I hope so. I spoke to them about heat and was assured that they use high temp rated components and have had no heat related failures so far. Looks like they have been around about a year now. Couldn't find to many reviews on them, but as we all know, most people only share when they have problems not when everything works well. As far as the cost, I was comparing it to adding timing control to an EFI System and its pretty comparable. And timing control with the EFI systems pretty much does the same as this unit. They are timing only maps and do not relate to AFR.

[geezer#99]

I’ve read lots of comments on other forums about these 600 buck distributors. Most of the comments mentioned carrying a spare 80 buck hei just in case!

[burnin oil]

If it doesn't pan out the adjustable MSD 6 series is really nice. I have had it on my 72 for several years. It does full timing curve along with vac advance and boost retard. The unit allowed me to ramp in the initial timing while cranking and still have a base timing in the mid 20 degrees! Only thing that sucks is that you need a laptop to program it.

[tdangle]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

I’ve read lots of comments on other forums about these 600 buck distributors. Most of the comments mentioned carrying a spare 80 buck hei just in case!

I think some are also afraid of new technology. I know a lot of people also carry spare modules for HEI. Never been stranded yet and when I think of all the cars I have had with a HEI system over the years I probably have 1/2 million miles with no failures

It also has a 30 return policy, so if I don't like it, it goes back. $459 for the HEI

[The Rocknrod]

Having an extra HEI module is good practice on the road even with a non programmable HEI.

[AcampoDave]

If I carried a spare part for everything that I feared may fail on a long trip I would need a trailer. The AAA platinum card is cheaper and way lighter.

[tdangle]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

If I carried a spare part for everything that I feared may fail on a long trip I would need a trailer. The AAA platinum card is cheaper and way lighter.

Thats the nice thing about a chevy with a SBC motor. You can pretty much buy anything you need anywhere and do a parking lot repair. I do have a socket set, couple of combination wrenches and screwdrivers that live in the truck.

[The Rocknrod]

I have a whole soft sided tool bag I place behind the seat, even when I go to shows. When I was in the O.T.H.G. in San Diego almost every show I went to someone would ask for some tool. I mean people I didn't even know who had a car in the run or show would ask around and people would point them in my direction. I met people I would have never have met that way. It was kind of enjoying. Once you get your own car/truck dialed in you don't really need it, but people do and it was nice to be helpful.

[mattfranklin]

Part of me says wow, that's pretty cool. The other part of me says wow, are you sure bluetooth has a chance in the middle of all of the RF noise of a spark-jumping ignition system? ;-) I've worked with designing digital ignition and fuel injection systems for research engine test stands (way before bluetooth), so I'm sensitive to how tricky that stuff can be.

Please let us know how it works.

[tdangle]

The dist showed up Monday and I was hoping to get it installed yesterday, but work got in the way. It does look like a very nice piece, the machining of the housing looks to be top notch and heavier than most I've seen. Maybe tonight. I will also post pictures.

[tdangle]

Finally got time to install. Super simple, set engine at 10 BTDC pull the old one, stab the new one with the rotor pointing towards #1 then rotate dist lining up rotor and a mark on the housing. This phases the rotor. Put the cap on, which looks to be an off the shelf type cap and rotor. Plug the wires in and start the engine. Verify 10 degrees lock down the dist. Download the app, scan for dist and enter pin. Generate a timing map by answering a few questions save and your good to go. I was able to set initial at 16 total at 30 with 15 "vac advance". One thing I like is 16 at idle in park, when I put it in drive it increases to apron 20 to keep idle up. You can monitor what's going on in real time and make adjustments to each condition as you want.

Still playing with it, but overall seems great. I'll continue to update as I put more miles on it, both around town and hwy.

[geezer#99]

When you set up your ‘timing map’ on your app and got 16 initial etc did you confirm these numbers with a timing light?

[tdangle]

Yes, I verified a few steps and looked like it was tracking well

[AcampoDave]

Awesome, sound like a fun toy. I'm gonna send a letter to Santa asking for one of those. Thanks for posting about it.

[mattfranklin]

Originally Posted by tdangle

Yes, I verified a few steps and looked like it was tracking well

Nice! Thanks for the update.

[tdangle]

Update: Still playing with it. It is everything claimed and works great. I've been able to smooth and raise the idle speed only when in gear by adding timing to the lowest rpm settings. so far works great. Need to dial in my new carb also but the other day with about 80% freeway and 20% in town driving, not really taking it easy I managed 15 MPG.

[Flmarine71]

Originally Posted by tdangle

Update: Still playing with it. It is everything claimed and works great. I've been able to smooth and raise the idle speed only when in gear by adding timing to the lowest rpm settings. so far works great. Need to dial in my new carb also but the other day with about 80% freeway and 20% in town driving, not really taking it easy I managed 15 MPG.

Tdangle, how are you liking this after a few months? Any issue with the bluetooth connection? My son is having similar idle/transfer slot issues you had with the 454 we installed in his camaro. I was going to do the set screw thing to his HEI to limit his mechanical to about 10 but I like the idea of the kill switch and starting retard feature with your distributor. But I have always been hesitant to use things like ignition boxes because of adding one more possible electronic failure point. Everything is a tradeoff I guess.

[tdangle]

So far very happy with the unit. Fun to watch the timing in real time. I’ve been making some small adjustments to cruise timing to help mileage while on the hwy. for the most part just driving it.