does hei use the coil from points ignition - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pete29 · 10-22-2008, 08:59 PM

I'm thinking about upgrading to hei, do you use the same coil from the points ignition. Also how much juice runs to the distributor when you are turning it over and when you are running it.

msgross · 10-22-2008, 09:04 PM

no, HEI will have it's own coil on top of the cap.

you have to run a new 12 volts switched wire from the fusebox as well... original coils had a white resistance wire that only pushed 6 or 9 volts to it...

as far as voltage, I think you should have about 12 volts (battery) when cranking and 13-14 with the alternator charging your system... don't quote those numbers though

cparman · 10-23-2008, 07:09 AM

If you are going to convert to HEI, This is what I did.
went to the local parts store, and asked for a distributor for a 1975-80 chevy truck with a v-8. They typically do not come with a distributor cap, ignition rotor, or a coil. I would suggest you go to the local salvage yard also, and try and find one of these. That way you will get all of the fasteners you need to connect all of the above pieces, AND have a core to turn into the parts store. You will also have a guide as to how it goes together. You will also have to replace the spark plug wires, as the points type distributor uses a different kind.

RED72blazer · 10-24-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cparman

If you are going to convert to HEI, This is what I did.
went to the local parts store, and asked for a distributor for a 1975-80 chevy truck with a v-8. They typically do not come with a distributor cap, ignition rotor, or a coil. I would suggest you go to the local salvage yard also, and try and find one of these. That way you will get all of the fasteners you need to connect all of the above pieces, AND have a core to turn into the parts store. You will also have a guide as to how it goes together. You will also have to replace the spark plug wires, as the points type distributor uses a different kind.

How much did that run you? you can buy a Brand New complete(ready to run) Mallory billet HEI from Summit or Jegs for $150. Last time I bought tune up parts for an HEI at the auto parts store. it was more than buying a new distributor. just something to think about.

Jtrux · 10-24-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RED72blazer

How much did that run you? you can buy a Brand New complete(ready to run) Mallory billet HEI from Summit or Jegs for $150. Last time I bought tune up parts for an HEI at the auto parts store. it was more than buying a new distributor. just something to think about.

Don't buy one from auto store. I did and it ended up costing me almost 200 bucks but it is warrantied. I still wouldn't do it again.

msgross · 10-24-2008, 05:07 PM

I bought the big Mallorey unit from ebay and it barely fits... If your cab has bad mounts and your engine sits different than mine then be careful...

cparman · 10-24-2008, 05:41 PM

red blazer. I do not remember.
JTRUX. you are probably right.
I went the HEI route, because I wanted to be able to get replacement parts right now if I needed them. My thinking was that IF I were to go out of town, and end up in west pucker brush, I would think they would have a parts store with HEI stuff in stock. Might not be the case in respect to the mallory. The other thing is that ANY auto repair shop should be able to diagnose a no start/runs bad as it pertains to HEI. might not be the case with aftermarket ignition systems. Mallory,and msd are great products, but just not my cup of tea. MY 2 cents worth. I think this site is a great resource for all of us to learn a TON more than we already know about our trucks!!

Hoffa · 10-24-2008, 11:46 PM

I just did this conversion on my 70 GMC 4x4. It was tight.

The one thing that caught me off guard was that #1 on a points cap is not where#1 is on a HEI cap. I had to manually turn the oil pump so that the HEI would drop in properly.

msgross · 10-25-2008, 07:29 AM

You can still line up the plug wires in the same order/location as the old points cap though. But yes, original HEI trucks were lined up different than older points styles...

I just used a long screw driver to adjust the oil pump..

**truckdude239** · 10-25-2008, 07:39 AM

i used one from skipwhite on ebay it worked great but i couldn;t get it timed so i put my points back in

PanelDeland · 10-25-2008, 11:39 AM

Member shifty did a write up on going to
HEI in a 6.It has parts # for the connector in the firewall and good info.I did mine in about 30 min.It took longer to collect the wires,connector and such than to put it in.I turned the rotor the same as the old points dist and it started right up.Within 2* of time.You should also install new plugs since you will want to regap.I think I gapped mine(250 6) at 40 but will probably go to 45 next time.

10-22-2008, 09:04 PM	#2
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: does hei use the coil from points ignition no, HEI will have it's own coil on top of the cap. you have to run a new 12 volts switched wire from the fusebox as well... original coils had a white resistance wire that only pushed 6 or 9 volts to it... as far as voltage, I think you should have about 12 volts (battery) when cranking and 13-14 with the alternator charging your system... don't quote those numbers though __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" Last edited by msgross; 10-22-2008 at 09:06 PM.

10-23-2008, 07:09 AM	#3
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: does hei use the coil from points ignition If you are going to convert to HEI, This is what I did. went to the local parts store, and asked for a distributor for a 1975-80 chevy truck with a v-8. They typically do not come with a distributor cap, ignition rotor, or a coil. I would suggest you go to the local salvage yard also, and try and find one of these. That way you will get all of the fasteners you need to connect all of the above pieces, AND have a core to turn into the parts store. You will also have a guide as to how it goes together. You will also have to replace the spark plug wires, as the points type distributor uses a different kind.

10-24-2008, 05:07 PM	#6
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: does hei use the coil from points ignition I bought the big Mallorey unit from ebay and it barely fits... If your cab has bad mounts and your engine sits different than mine then be careful... Attached Images __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

10-24-2008, 05:41 PM	#7
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: does hei use the coil from points ignition red blazer. I do not remember. JTRUX. you are probably right. I went the HEI route, because I wanted to be able to get replacement parts right now if I needed them. My thinking was that IF I were to go out of town, and end up in west pucker brush, I would think they would have a parts store with HEI stuff in stock. Might not be the case in respect to the mallory. The other thing is that ANY auto repair shop should be able to diagnose a no start/runs bad as it pertains to HEI. might not be the case with aftermarket ignition systems. Mallory,and msd are great products, but just not my cup of tea. MY 2 cents worth. I think this site is a great resource for all of us to learn a TON more than we already know about our trucks!! Last edited by cparman; 10-24-2008 at 05:42 PM. Reason: spelling

10-24-2008, 11:46 PM	#8
Hoffa Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Roseburg, Oregon Posts: 105	Re: does hei use the coil from points ignition I just did this conversion on my 70 GMC 4x4. It was tight. The one thing that caught me off guard was that #1 on a points cap is not where#1 is on a HEI cap. I had to manually turn the oil pump so that the HEI would drop in properly. __________________ 68 Chev SWB 2WD w/'95 LT1, 6spd, 4:56, 17" whls - family owned since 1973. 70 GMC LWB 4WD w/RAMJET 350, 4spd, 4inch lift, 33" tires, Warn Winch 72 Chev Blazer CST, 350, TH350, 4WD, factory A/C, tilt, radio delete, 77K miles, orig. paint/interior

10-22-2008, 08:59 PM	#1
pete29 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Knoxville, Iowa Posts: 122	does hei use the coil from points ignition I'm thinking about upgrading to hei, do you use the same coil from the points ignition. Also how much juice runs to the distributor when you are turning it over and when you are running it.

10-25-2008, 07:29 AM	#9
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: does hei use the coil from points ignition You can still line up the plug wires in the same order/location as the old points cap though. But yes, original HEI trucks were lined up different than older points styles... I just used a long screw driver to adjust the oil pump.. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

10-25-2008, 07:39 AM	#10
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: does hei use the coil from points ignition i used one from skipwhite on ebay it worked great but i couldn;t get it timed so i put my points back in __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

10-25-2008, 11:39 AM	#11
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: does hei use the coil from points ignition Member shifty did a write up on going to HEI in a 6.It has parts # for the connector in the firewall and good info.I did mine in about 30 min.It took longer to collect the wires,connector and such than to put it in.I turned the rotor the same as the old points dist and it started right up.Within 2* of time.You should also install new plugs since you will want to regap.I think I gapped mine(250 6) at 40 but will probably go to 45 next time. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 10-25-2008 at 11:41 AM.



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