HEI Install - SUCESS!!

[javadoc]

I finally blitzed through enough of the 'honey-do' list to "earn" some time to work on the truck tonight. My goal was to rip out the tempermental points ignition system and install a new HEI system that I had purchased... and crossed my fingers that it would actually not be a fiasco.

Now, I'm absolutely no newbie to cars. I've had the bug since I was too young to legally drive and have done some fun stuff (turbo'd VW Rabbits, engine/tranny swaps... before and after spontaneous crankcase ventilation...fun stuff). I just haven't ever had anything with a carb, or w/o computers in the vehicle, or heck a distributor for many years. So of course I have been researching the process of the swap for about 3wks now,and thought that I could tackle it

I enlisted the help of Mrs. Javadoc to perform the duties of popping the ignition until I was close to TDC. When we were close, I turned the engine by hand (breaker bar), and set to work of ripping out the old-busted and installing the new-hawtness. The plugs were so wasted, I'm wondering how the thing even ran.

At any rate, 2hrs, 3 Dr. Peppers and only one bloody knuckle later (my par is 3), and I was ready to fire up this puppy. I cranked, immediately the engine fires, but was running funny and wouldn't idle. So I shut it down, positive that the wires are all a)installed correctly, and 2) securely seated.

Sure enough, timing was off. Retarded by I dunno, 8degs. So I advanced the timing to 8*BTC and the thing idles SUPER smooth now, and blips of the throttle are crisp! I'm amazed, because the engine was so slow to respond w/the points ignition. Being that it was after midnight, I didn't go for a test drive to see if this improved power/response any, or let it idle better... or eliminated the hot-start problem that I have. But, I'll surely take it out tomorrow.

So, thanks to this site, it was a painless and problem-free swap. It's great to have such a splendid resource for these old trucks.

[PrerunnerRob]

Originally Posted by javadoc

I finally blitzed through enough of the 'honey-do' list to "earn" some time to work on the truck tonight.

Too true!

[1966gmc]

I have done so many HEI swaps within the last 3 months it's not even funny.I make a living working on new cars at a local dealership so it was a step backwards for me to have to buy a timing light lol. Good deal on the swap,I love it when it works correctly the first time around

[javadoc]

Originally Posted by 1966gmc

I have done so many HEI swaps within the last 3 months it's not even funny.I make a living working on new cars at a local dealership so it was a step backwards for me to have to buy a timing light lol. Good deal on the swap,I love it when it works correctly the first time around

No doubt. I too have had to buy many tools. I swear, I don't think I had a single non-metric tool a month ago, let alone a timing light.

[65ChevyC20]

What did you do to the firewall to allow for the extra height of the HEI or did you get one of the lower profile HEI dizzy? I know on mine that the clearance between the firewall and the plug wires is so tight that I can barely turn the dizzy to set the timing correctly.

I was thinking of taking a ball pean hammer to it just to give me some clearance, this is the last resort though.

[hewlett2002000]

i have the same problem. i swapped to hei and it was way too close. i got my engine out right now so im gonna somehow make it clear a bit better while its out.
John

[javadoc]

I used the distributor from a '75 pickup (w/a 350), bought all new parts. I think the entire thing, including plugs and wires, cost about $170. I have about 3/4" between the firewall and the assembly.

Boy what a difference. The thing actually idles (purrs), and it's got a bit more get-em-up-n-go. On a hill heading to my house, I was usually have to take punched in 3rd @ 40mph, I lumbered up in 4th no problem, at 45mph. Feels snappier on initial throttle application too.

[Red Ron]

Originally Posted by hewlett2002000

i have the same problem. i swapped to hei and it was way too close. i got my engine out right now so im gonna somehow make it clear a bit better while its out.
John

Ok, I've got the same problem with the HEI the motor that I took out had a HEI and the back boots on cap touched the firewall and like you guys don't want to goober it up with a ballpeen. Anyone figured a good way yet? I thought maybe heat the area with a touch and using the rounded side of a body dollie smack it while its hot??? But was searching for a better way????

[Rich 5150 69]

I`m assuming here that Javadoc has his engine mounts in the forward holes on the crossmember, that would give him the added 3/4 inch, if anybodys using the rear holes you will be at or real close to the firewall....I am also, but it dosen`t hurt a thing other than timing a little trickier..

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Hey guys,
Never really ventured into this thread much because I have a 77 but I have an engine from a 72 and I have a points distributor.....have also been researching upgrading to a HEI for about a week and a half...and I was wondering (because I have never worked with ignitions systems before) are you going to have to change the timing if your truck is already in time? or was that just a fluky?

[Rich 5150 69]

Yes you will have to retime your engine.

[Red Ron]

I'm using the mounts on my bellhousing so my new small block will go back in close to the firewall again. Thanks

[Rich 5150 69]

If your going HEI Ron, drop the dizzy in without the cap, then place the cap on, its much easier that way. drops right in.

[Red Ron]

Ya thats what I was going to do, I already have the #1 up dtc just need to point rotor and drop. Hopfully get a chance this weekend to drop the 68 327 into my 65.... can't wait to get it back on the road. Thanks

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by 65ChevyC20

What did you do to the firewall to allow for the extra height of the HEI or did you get one of the lower profile HEI dizzy? I know on mine that the clearance between the firewall and the plug wires is so tight that I can barely turn the dizzy to set the timing correctly.

I was thinking of taking a ball pean hammer to it just to give me some clearance, this is the last resort though.

Originally Posted by hewlett2002000

i have the same problem. i swapped to hei and it was way too close. i got my engine out right now so im gonna somehow make it clear a bit better while its out.
John

Just started to drop the 350 from the donor 79 into my 66, and the distributor is way too tight against the firewall.
This thread is rather old, I googled 'firewall distributor' this one seemed most relevant.
I'm hoping someone has came up with a solution.

[Red Ron]

If I made a recessed fiberglass piece that would have the indention of a HEI distributor, with say at least a 1/2 inch clearance all around the cap have it molded off a 62-66 gm firewall. So that you would cut out a portion of your firewall (I would make a pattern to go with it) it would have like a one inch larger flange/ lip so you could rivet or bond it to the firewall.Would also be smooth and shiny. Would anyone buy one for 20.00? I would make a mold so I could make as many as we need.I'm thinking of making one for myself, if more of you would like one I'll make a mold.
I make fiberglass molds and shapes for a living.
Thanks, Ron