hei - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**truckdude239** · 10-07-2005, 08:08 PM

what exatacty is hei? i have had alot of people tell me i need to cheangemine to an hei disturbtor. what does this cost and what are the advangtes? since i just picked up the truck yesterday i'm still learning

cableguy0 · 10-07-2005, 08:13 PM

hei stands for high energy ignition. its all electronic more accurate and a ton more reliable than points. it will let the truck start up easier and run better as well and sometimes gain a few mpg in the process

**truckdude239** · 10-07-2005, 08:29 PM

cool depending on how much it cost i think i will switch to it

weasel29gm · 10-07-2005, 08:36 PM

Price depends on new or used. Used around $50, new $100 and up.

alf1096 · 10-07-2005, 08:38 PM

I think the coils run about 150-250 but check jegs or summit if you wanted you could get like an msd 6 gal system but they are more money not sure what the advantages are but I am sure that someone knows

cableguy0 · 10-07-2005, 08:43 PM

you can get a brand new proform hei for 160 bucks. gm always makes a high performace hei which runs about 100 bucks i believe. theres deal on ebay all the time for around 100 bucks. used usually goes for about 35 bucks here on the board

racer face · 10-07-2005, 08:51 PM

when you change to an HEI distributor make sure your getting 14volts, and the wires that power the distributor has to be changed to a heavier wire. there is a kit available through MAD Enterprises for less than $20.00.(www.madelectrical.com) It saves alot of time when installing.

shifty · 10-07-2005, 08:52 PM

I did a full writeup on doing the HEI swap over in the FAQ forum:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=148346

There are a couple of other HEI writeups in there as well. The FAQ forum here is your best friend. Go into the FAQ forum, click on the "Thread index" post up near the top and search for the word HEI and you'll see at least 4-5 threads on it.

Bruce68SB · 10-14-2005, 08:09 PM

Truckdude239-
HEI stands for High Energy Ignition. It was introducted in GM vehicles in 1975. The main advantages are; it has solid state coil actuation, compared to points on earlier distributors, that wear and degrade with time; the HEI coil operates at around 40k to 45k volts, compared to 30k volts for a points distributor; this allows you to run wider spark plug gaps of .045 to .060 inch, compared to .030 inch for a points distributor; the HEI gives you faster/easier start-ups, especially in foul weather. Where I live, none of the auto parts stores stock points for distributors any more. They have to be special ordered. That is what made me switch over to HEI. Replacement parts for HEI distributors are everywhere. The first version HEI distributor that came out in 1975 had a vaccume advance diaphram on it. This is the distributor you want. It is an easily installed replacement for your points distributor. Sometime in the 1980's, when the engines started being controlled by computer, they came out with another version of the HEI distributor that did not have a vaccume advance diaphram on it. The spark advance was completely controled by computer. You do not want this version. The vaccume advance feature will give you better mileage. The HEI system is so powerful, compared to a points distributor, that it is almost like a racing ignition. You can't do much better than that.

kelsfine69 · 10-14-2005, 08:19 PM

Check out...Pertronics. I think they are better than Proform

Sweet72 · 10-15-2005, 05:35 AM

Crane Cams also makes a points to electronic conversion that I was considering. I've heard the Pertronix units are cheesy. I read about a guy who will convert your old points dist. to full hei using MSD components and decided to go that route. He can completely rebuild your old unit and set up the advance curve to match your vehicle. www.Dave'sSmallBodyHei's.com I haven't contacted him yet so can't comment on turnaround but I've heard that he does quality work.

junkyardjohn · 10-15-2005, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckdude239

since i just picked up the truck yesterday i'm still learning

WELL I'M NUT SURPRISED. IT TAKES THE AVERAGE PERSON 3 OR 4 DAYS TO LEARN EVERTHING ABOUT THESE TRUCKS.

WHY SHOOT.... I'VE HAD MINE ALMOST A WEEK... & I STILL DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT EM. I FIGURE TO BECOME A REAL BONEYFRIED EXPERT BY THIS TIME NEXT WEEK THOUGH..

JOHN

shifty · 10-17-2005, 01:49 PM

Whoo! There's some smartass commentary for you

**VetteVet** · 10-17-2005, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifty

Whoo! There's some smartass commentary for you

Uh Oh here we go.-

I was working on these trucks when they were built and I"m still learning or relearning about them. My dad bought a new 1965 longbox and drove it to So. Car to get me when I got out of the Air Force in 1967. On the way down he broke a piston on it and we put in a new piston and rings in that cylinder. it was an inline six and I learned that they used the same piston as a 283. That's the first thing I learned about chevy trucks.

junkyardjohn · 10-18-2005, 03:42 AM

[Quote: by vetavet]
Originally Posted by shifty
Whoo! There's some smartass commentary for you

Uh Oh here we go.- [quote]
NAW... I WON'T LET SHIFTY DRAW ME IN WITH HIS CUSSING, NAME CALLING & TROLLING. SOONER OR LATER SOME MOD IS GOING TO NOTICE ALL THE BREAKING OF POSTED RULES THAT HE IS DOING & BAN HIM FOR GOOD, & ALL THE BROWN NOSING IN THE WORLD ISN'T GOING TO STOP IT. IF YOU GIVE A PERSON ENOUGH ROPE...........

JOHN

krue · 10-18-2005, 04:12 AM

You two need to cool it. BTW shifty I edited your post to fix the link.

shifty · 10-18-2005, 10:02 AM

Thanks, krue

Hey, truckdude239, I notice you haven't posted in a little bit regarding this. If you need any more help with HEI and you don't want to air it out in public where you can be openly harassed, shoot me a PM and if I can't help, I'll hook you up with another member who can.

I highly recommend you don't let any of the other members around here discourage you from posting.

PS - please note the WINK at the end of my post above with the "smartass" commentary. There is a wink there for a reason. I am not trying to start fights. If more people would use the smileys, we might have a clue if they were serious or not. I think some people around here need to be a little more aware of how their comments (which usually aren't related to the threads at all) sound to new members.

junkyardjohn · 10-18-2005, 10:45 AM

HEY TRUCKDUDE 239.... I'VE GOT AN EXTRA HEI DISTRIBUTER LAYING AROUND. SEND ME YOUR SHIPPING ADDRESS (NO P.O. BOXES) TO FK9U812@AOL.COM & I'LL SEND YOU A G.M. OEM HEI ALONG WITH A CAP, ROTOR, & COIL (USED). SHOOT ... I'LL EVEN PAY THE SHIPPING. SORRY ABOUT TEASING YOU, IT JUST STRUCK ME AS VERY FUNNY.

JOHN

**truckdude239** · 10-18-2005, 12:24 PM

cool i'll pm

krue · 10-18-2005, 01:01 PM

MrC1 · 10-18-2005, 04:13 PM

Nobody mentioned the RPM limitations of the HEIs. I'm sure this issue was probably fixed at some point, but I remember the HEIs only being good up to 5500 RPM. Is that still true?

If you end up looking like you might spend $300 on the conversion, you might consider MSD (as was already mentioned). The 6AL box is about $200 if I remember right and you can get a really powerful coil for $35 or so (can't remember what that thing is called, but it's an unusual design that's both powerful and cheap - good combo! It's that little MSD block-type lookin thing.). You can always go with a MSD distributor, but there's no real need - a Pertronix (or something similar) would work fine.

The benefit of MSD is the multiple sparks at lower RPM, which supposedly smooth out idle, improve mileage, etc. If you get the 6AL, you'll also have a rev limiter, which is always a nice safety net.

Bruce68SB · 10-19-2005, 08:41 PM

MrC1, you are correct.
The control module inside the HEI distributor can come from the factory with a rev limit programmed into it. It cannot be changed. I don't think all HEI control modules were made with a rev limit. It depended on model car the distributor came in. Also, the rev limit is not the same for all models. For example, an HEI in a truck will have a lower rev limit than an HEI for, say a Corvette. I am sure there are aftermarket modules out there with no rev limit.
The rev limit stuff does not bother me, my good 'ol 307 V8 tacks out around 3500 RPM.

Bruce68SB · 10-19-2005, 08:45 PM

Sweet 72 has an interesting point. Pardon my pun. But there is no point converting the older style points distributor to pointless on our trucks, where an HEI distribtuor will fit just fine. And HEI's are really easy to find now. Where you want to convert an older distributor to HEI is when the larger diameter of the HEI distributor will not fit in your vehicle. Then you have to use an older style distributor.

**truckdude239** · 10-20-2005, 01:26 AM

ummm done really matter to me i don't drive t5he truck very hard anyway lol

Huck · 10-20-2005, 07:50 AM

HEI is great however, butttt, etc. The only really big drawback I have with the HEI's from GM is that they are much larger then the original distributors. If you have a 4x4 like a Blazer, the sucker fits so tight that you need to climb into the engine compartment to do anything with it. Sometimes you have to dent the firewall a bit for dist cap clearance! You may have to remove the cap for installation then it's a bear to use a screwdriver for latching the cap down. Aftermarket manufacturers do make a small bodied distributor with HEI similar to the original equipment distributor which is probably the best solution for a 4x4. It is not a big issue on normal 2x4 trucks. Huck

10-07-2005, 08:08 PM	#1
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	hei what exatacty is hei? i have had alot of people tell me i need to cheangemine to an hei disturbtor. what does this cost and what are the advangtes? since i just picked up the truck yesterday i'm still learning

10-07-2005, 08:13 PM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	hei stands for high energy ignition. its all electronic more accurate and a ton more reliable than points. it will let the truck start up easier and run better as well and sometimes gain a few mpg in the process __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-07-2005, 08:36 PM	#4
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,091	Price depends on new or used. Used around $50, new $100 and up. __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

10-07-2005, 08:38 PM	#5
alf1096 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 124	I think the coils run about 150-250 but check jegs or summit if you wanted you could get like an msd 6 gal system but they are more money not sure what the advantages are but I am sure that someone knows __________________ 1970 Short Stepside----Process of Restoring 1983 1/2 Silverado Last edited by alf1096; 10-07-2005 at 08:39 PM.

10-07-2005, 08:43 PM	#6
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	you can get a brand new proform hei for 160 bucks. gm always makes a high performace hei which runs about 100 bucks i believe. theres deal on ebay all the time for around 100 bucks. used usually goes for about 35 bucks here on the board __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-07-2005, 08:29 PM	#3
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	cool depending on how much it cost i think i will switch to it

10-07-2005, 08:51 PM	#7
racer face Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wellington Ohio(GO BUCKEYES) Posts: 74	when you change to an HEI distributor make sure your getting 14volts, and the wires that power the distributor has to be changed to a heavier wire. there is a kit available through MAD Enterprises for less than $20.00.(www.madelectrical.com) It saves alot of time when installing. __________________ Pat ______________________ 1968 1 Ton Dually Flatbed 327/th400 1968 C30 Open Road 327/th400 1997 F350 CREWCAB 4X4 460 BIGBLOCK

10-07-2005, 08:52 PM	#8
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I did a full writeup on doing the HEI swap over in the FAQ forum: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=148346 There are a couple of other HEI writeups in there as well. The FAQ forum here is your best friend. Go into the FAQ forum, click on the "Thread index" post up near the top and search for the word HEI and you'll see at least 4-5 threads on it. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by krue; 10-18-2005 at 04:10 AM.

10-14-2005, 08:09 PM	#9
Bruce68SB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Pomona, CA, USA Posts: 90	Truckdude239- HEI stands for High Energy Ignition. It was introducted in GM vehicles in 1975. The main advantages are; it has solid state coil actuation, compared to points on earlier distributors, that wear and degrade with time; the HEI coil operates at around 40k to 45k volts, compared to 30k volts for a points distributor; this allows you to run wider spark plug gaps of .045 to .060 inch, compared to .030 inch for a points distributor; the HEI gives you faster/easier start-ups, especially in foul weather. Where I live, none of the auto parts stores stock points for distributors any more. They have to be special ordered. That is what made me switch over to HEI. Replacement parts for HEI distributors are everywhere. The first version HEI distributor that came out in 1975 had a vaccume advance diaphram on it. This is the distributor you want. It is an easily installed replacement for your points distributor. Sometime in the 1980's, when the engines started being controlled by computer, they came out with another version of the HEI distributor that did not have a vaccume advance diaphram on it. The spark advance was completely controled by computer. You do not want this version. The vaccume advance feature will give you better mileage. The HEI system is so powerful, compared to a points distributor, that it is almost like a racing ignition. You can't do much better than that.

10-14-2005, 08:19 PM	#10
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Check out...Pertronics. I think they are better than Proform __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

10-15-2005, 05:35 AM	#11
Sweet72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,534	Crane Cams also makes a points to electronic conversion that I was considering. I've heard the Pertronix units are cheesy. I read about a guy who will convert your old points dist. to full hei using MSD components and decided to go that route. He can completely rebuild your old unit and set up the advance curve to match your vehicle. www.Dave'sSmallBodyHei's.com I haven't contacted him yet so can't comment on turnaround but I've heard that he does quality work. __________________ '72 GMC SWB C1500 Custom, frame-off in progress. 383 SBC, 9:1CR, Comp Cams XE262H, Scat internal balanced crank, Eagle SIR 6" rods, Keith Black dish pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 72/180 heads, Weiand Stealth intake, Stewart stage I water pump, Holley 4bbl vac sec, TH350 with B&M Shift Improver Kit. 12 bolt positraction.

10-17-2005, 01:49 PM	#13
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Re: hei Whoo! There's some smartass commentary for you __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

10-18-2005, 03:42 AM	#15
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Re: hei [Quote: by vetavet] Originally Posted by shifty Whoo! There's some smartass commentary for you Uh Oh here we go.- [quote] NAW... I WON'T LET SHIFTY DRAW ME IN WITH HIS CUSSING, NAME CALLING & TROLLING. SOONER OR LATER SOME MOD IS GOING TO NOTICE ALL THE BREAKING OF POSTED RULES THAT HE IS DOING & BAN HIM FOR GOOD, & ALL THE BROWN NOSING IN THE WORLD ISN'T GOING TO STOP IT. IF YOU GIVE A PERSON ENOUGH ROPE........... JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-18-2005, 04:12 AM	#16
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: hei You two need to cool it. BTW shifty I edited your post to fix the link. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

10-18-2005, 10:02 AM	#17
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Re: hei Thanks, krue Hey, truckdude239, I notice you haven't posted in a little bit regarding this. If you need any more help with HEI and you don't want to air it out in public where you can be openly harassed, shoot me a PM and if I can't help, I'll hook you up with another member who can. I highly recommend you don't let any of the other members around here discourage you from posting. PS - please note the WINK at the end of my post above with the "smartass" commentary. There is a wink there for a reason. I am not trying to start fights. If more people would use the smileys, we might have a clue if they were serious or not. I think some people around here need to be a little more aware of how their comments (which usually aren't related to the threads at all) sound to new members. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by shifty; 10-18-2005 at 10:07 AM.



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10-18-2005, 10:45 AM	#18
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Re: hei HEY TRUCKDUDE 239.... I'VE GOT AN EXTRA HEI DISTRIBUTER LAYING AROUND. SEND ME YOUR SHIPPING ADDRESS (NO P.O. BOXES) TO FK9U812@AOL.COM & I'LL SEND YOU A G.M. OEM HEI ALONG WITH A CAP, ROTOR, & COIL (USED). SHOOT ... I'LL EVEN PAY THE SHIPPING. SORRY ABOUT TEASING YOU, IT JUST STRUCK ME AS VERY FUNNY. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-18-2005, 12:24 PM	#19
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: hei cool i'll pm

10-18-2005, 01:01 PM	#20
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: hei __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

10-18-2005, 04:13 PM	#21
MrC1 Dork For Days Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 407	Re: hei Nobody mentioned the RPM limitations of the HEIs. I'm sure this issue was probably fixed at some point, but I remember the HEIs only being good up to 5500 RPM. Is that still true? If you end up looking like you might spend $300 on the conversion, you might consider MSD (as was already mentioned). The 6AL box is about $200 if I remember right and you can get a really powerful coil for $35 or so (can't remember what that thing is called, but it's an unusual design that's both powerful and cheap - good combo! It's that little MSD block-type lookin thing.). You can always go with a MSD distributor, but there's no real need - a Pertronix (or something similar) would work fine. The benefit of MSD is the multiple sparks at lower RPM, which supposedly smooth out idle, improve mileage, etc. If you get the 6AL, you'll also have a rev limiter, which is always a nice safety net.

10-19-2005, 08:41 PM	#22
Bruce68SB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Pomona, CA, USA Posts: 90	Re: hei MrC1, you are correct. The control module inside the HEI distributor can come from the factory with a rev limit programmed into it. It cannot be changed. I don't think all HEI control modules were made with a rev limit. It depended on model car the distributor came in. Also, the rev limit is not the same for all models. For example, an HEI in a truck will have a lower rev limit than an HEI for, say a Corvette. I am sure there are aftermarket modules out there with no rev limit. The rev limit stuff does not bother me, my good 'ol 307 V8 tacks out around 3500 RPM.

10-19-2005, 08:45 PM	#23
Bruce68SB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Pomona, CA, USA Posts: 90	Re: hei Sweet 72 has an interesting point. Pardon my pun. But there is no point converting the older style points distributor to pointless on our trucks, where an HEI distribtuor will fit just fine. And HEI's are really easy to find now. Where you want to convert an older distributor to HEI is when the larger diameter of the HEI distributor will not fit in your vehicle. Then you have to use an older style distributor.

10-20-2005, 01:26 AM	#24
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: hei ummm done really matter to me i don't drive t5he truck very hard anyway lol

10-20-2005, 07:50 AM	#25
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: hei HEI is great however, butttt, etc. The only really big drawback I have with the HEI's from GM is that they are much larger then the original distributors. If you have a 4x4 like a Blazer, the sucker fits so tight that you need to climb into the engine compartment to do anything with it. Sometimes you have to dent the firewall a bit for dist cap clearance! You may have to remove the cap for installation then it's a bear to use a screwdriver for latching the cap down. Aftermarket manufacturers do make a small bodied distributor with HEI similar to the original equipment distributor which is probably the best solution for a 4x4. It is not a big issue on normal 2x4 trucks. Huck

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