HEI or Pertronix - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**53burb** · 05-17-2004, 08:57 PM

I recently bought a '69 Burb. It has a 350 in it with a points distributor. Is it better to go with an HEI Distributor or Pertronix Kit?? The cost of a complete HEI, including wires will be $150-$200. Does the Pertronix Unit put out the same amount of volts as an HEI. Thanks for any suggestions.
Chris

*chevytruckfan* · 05-18-2004, 10:26 AM

Pertronix is an HEI unit. It is just a different brand name. Most of the ones I have seen are also $150 and are very good, just less expensive than an MSD, Mallory, or Accel unit. To swap a points to HEI Pull the old dist. Drop in the new one with #1 cyl at TDC, wire in your power terminal to a hot lead either the starter or battery, and set your timing. It is a very easy swap.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 05-18-2004, 10:36 AM

We have used both HEI and Petronix distributors in our cars/trucks. Performancewise they both work very well. For an original look, I would go with a Petronix or if you have a clearance problem.

HEI's are good reliable distributors and I think that you can get a pretty good deal on them new from Summit.

Jim

**53burb** · 05-18-2004, 03:08 PM

Thank you guys...

*Sublvr72* · 05-25-2004, 02:58 PM

I got my HEI on ebay for $40, Works great, and you wont have to deal with that external coil like you do on the points distributors.

motoretro · 06-15-2004, 01:16 PM

A Pertronix kit is not a HEI. It is simply a points replacement unit that triggers the spark electronically. A HEI puts out a much fatter spark hence the increased spark gap. Pertronix also makes a drop in HEI of their own as do quite a few after marker suppliers. The HEI aftermarket has taken all the bugs out of them since they came out in the early 70's. Buy with a good waranty, and adjustability.

smokekiki · 06-15-2004, 03:01 PM

With the HEI you can by replacement modules at any parts house,when the need arrives.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 06-17-2004, 05:28 PM

May want to post a want to buy on the part's board I just recently bought 2 hei dizzy's 100 for one and 35 for the other. Both work great too.

**53burb** · 06-17-2004, 05:31 PM

I already bought and installed an HEI I bought from Summit. If I would have thought about it more, I would have checked EBay...
Chris

05-25-2004, 02:58 PM	#5
Sublvr72 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2004 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 1,387	Hei I got my HEI on ebay for $40, Works great, and you wont have to deal with that external coil like you do on the points distributors.

06-15-2004, 01:16 PM	#6
motoretro Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mid-MI Posts: 110	A Pertronix kit is not a HEI. It is simply a points replacement unit that triggers the spark electronically. A HEI puts out a much fatter spark hence the increased spark gap. Pertronix also makes a drop in HEI of their own as do quite a few after marker suppliers. The HEI aftermarket has taken all the bugs out of them since they came out in the early 70's. Buy with a good waranty, and adjustability. __________________ motoretro 1972 Chevrolet Custom 10 Lwb www.esivart.com/ebay/truck.gif

06-15-2004, 03:01 PM	#7
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,473	With the HEI you can by replacement modules at any parts house,when the need arrives. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

05-17-2004, 08:57 PM	#1
53burb Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,010	HEI or Pertronix I recently bought a '69 Burb. It has a 350 in it with a points distributor. Is it better to go with an HEI Distributor or Pertronix Kit?? The cost of a complete HEI, including wires will be $150-$200. Does the Pertronix Unit put out the same amount of volts as an HEI. Thanks for any suggestions. Chris

05-18-2004, 10:26 AM	#2
chevytruckfan Account Suspended Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lake Placid, Florida Posts: 930	Pertronix is an HEI unit. It is just a different brand name. Most of the ones I have seen are also $150 and are very good, just less expensive than an MSD, Mallory, or Accel unit. To swap a points to HEI Pull the old dist. Drop in the new one with #1 cyl at TDC, wire in your power terminal to a hot lead either the starter or battery, and set your timing. It is a very easy swap.

05-18-2004, 10:36 AM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	We have used both HEI and Petronix distributors in our cars/trucks. Performancewise they both work very well. For an original look, I would go with a Petronix or if you have a clearance problem. HEI's are good reliable distributors and I think that you can get a pretty good deal on them new from Summit. Jim

05-18-2004, 03:08 PM	#4
53burb Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,010	Thank you guys...

06-17-2004, 05:28 PM	#8
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	May want to post a want to buy on the part's board I just recently bought 2 hei dizzy's 100 for one and 35 for the other. Both work great too.

06-17-2004, 05:31 PM	#9
53burb Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,010	I already bought and installed an HEI I bought from Summit. If I would have thought about it more, I would have checked EBay... Chris



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