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

otsenre · 03-25-2009, 11:54 AM

I want to install HEI unit on my 72-350/350, bought one from Skip White. As it is now, I can barely get my fingers between firewall and original distributor cap, this new cap is bigger, its a 4x4 so I think engine sits back a ways, has anyone run ito this problem, if so how did you solve

**CPNE** · 03-25-2009, 12:04 PM

How are your cab mounts? I've installed GM HEI's in 2 different 3/4 ton 4x4 with small block engines. It's tight but doable. One needed slight massaging with a BFH.

jaros44sr · 03-25-2009, 12:56 PM

Gotta agree with CPNE, I have the lock ring on my wires so it is even closer. About 1/2"

68gmsee · 03-25-2009, 04:34 PM

One thing to be aware of, if you ever get hit from behind or back into a solid object, like a concrete filled pipe, the motor mounts may have enough give to crack the cap. Happened to me.

Sammy · 03-25-2009, 07:32 PM

I thought Skip White also has a HEI cap that is slightly smaller diameter that fits too?

otsenre · 03-25-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy

I thought Skip White also has a HEI cap that is slightly smaller diameter that fits too?

That is something I need to look into, Thanks

Sammy · 03-25-2009, 10:01 PM

CHEVY SBC BBC READY TO RUN HEI DISTRIBUTOR RED #8926-R
FULLY ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTOR SMALL BASE DESIGN, Item number: 260371797991

otsenre · 03-25-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy

CHEVY SBC BBC READY TO RUN HEI DISTRIBUTOR RED #8926-R
FULLY ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTOR SMALL BASE DESIGN, Item number: 260371797991

You see, I already bought the distr., just failed to mention its for a 4x4, I am going out right now to compare these numbers, Thanks Sammy

otsenre · 03-25-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy

CHEVY SBC BBC READY TO RUN HEI DISTRIBUTOR RED #8926-R
FULLY ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTOR SMALL BASE DESIGN, Item number: 260371797991

No numbers anywhere! Just states its a sbc bbc 350 383 chevy super65K HEI distributor Name: IMG_0817.jpg
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#6500

otsenre · 03-27-2009, 12:40 PM

jarros, take a look

jaros44sr · 03-27-2009, 01:04 PM

Here ya go...my locking ring is about 1/4" away from firewall (diameter of ring is 5 1/2"). I have poly mounts w/ a new DIY4X crossmember, but I think I will still have to dent the firewall a bit. There is enough matrl. on the ring to cut about a 1/2" off the ring and that is the biggest part of the HEI

LMK if you need more pics

otsenre · 03-27-2009, 01:12 PM

That looks awful tight! What is the unit they sell to install and use your stock distibutor cap.

jaros44sr · 03-27-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otsenre

That looks awful tight! What is the unit they sell to install and use your stock distibutor cap.

Don't understand the Question

otsenre · 03-27-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Don't understand the Question

I had it done on my 57, they took points out and installed HEI in original dist. I dont know what they did or how as I am not mechanically inclined, all I know is there are no points in my distr. Maybe someone will chime in, Thanks Jim

jaros44sr · 03-27-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otsenre

I had it done on my 57, they took points out and installed HEI in original dist. I dont know what they did or how as I am not mechanically inclined, all I know is there are no points in my distr. Maybe someone will chime in, Thanks Jim

Well, what ever it is, it would give you more clearance than the HEI. It's tight and I don't see anyway around it, other than banging in the cowl. Yours is all painted and shiny so it doesn't look like an option for you

**El Jay** · 03-27-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otsenre

I had it done on my 57, they took points out and installed HEI in original dist. I dont know what they did or how as I am not mechanically inclined, all I know is there are no points in my distr. Maybe someone will chime in, Thanks Jim

IIRC, I believe Pertronix(sp?) makes a kit to convert a points distributor to electronic.

otsenre · 03-27-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Jay

IIRC, I believe Pertronix(sp?) makes a kit to convert a points distributor to electronic.

Yea, thats what I am talking about, it has been several years ago I had this done on my 57.

**kev2809** · 03-29-2009, 03:44 PM

wow, there is no room at all behind that thing. i just got mine in today, same exact one from white off ebay, dropped it in and i have tons of room til i hit the firewall (67 suburban). i dont see any other way to put it in unless you bang out the firewall. just use a rubber hammer, the dizzy is gonna block that area anyways so it wont be visable if you scratch it up some.

rico7769 · 03-29-2009, 11:13 PM

I have a similar set up in my 67 and its TIGHT!!! But it's there and it works. You won't have much room left at all and should be able to get it in.

Steve

kwplot34 · 03-30-2009, 12:09 AM

You can always buy an HEI unit with an externally mounted coil,the dizzy cap is no bigger than the caps for points,no need to take a hammer to the fire wall.
MSD has many different dizzys with small and low profile caps.

03-25-2009, 11:54 AM	#1
otsenre Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, Co Posts: 1,939	HEI question I want to install HEI unit on my 72-350/350, bought one from Skip White. As it is now, I can barely get my fingers between firewall and original distributor cap, this new cap is bigger, its a 4x4 so I think engine sits back a ways, has anyone run ito this problem, if so how did you solve

03-25-2009, 12:04 PM	#2
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Re: HEI question How are your cab mounts? I've installed GM HEI's in 2 different 3/4 ton 4x4 with small block engines. It's tight but doable. One needed slight massaging with a BFH. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

03-25-2009, 12:56 PM	#3
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,457	Re: HEI question Gotta agree with CPNE, I have the lock ring on my wires so it is even closer. About 1/2" __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

03-25-2009, 04:34 PM	#4
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: HEI question One thing to be aware of, if you ever get hit from behind or back into a solid object, like a concrete filled pipe, the motor mounts may have enough give to crack the cap. Happened to me.

03-25-2009, 07:32 PM	#5
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: HEI question I thought Skip White also has a HEI cap that is slightly smaller diameter that fits too? __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

03-25-2009, 10:01 PM	#7
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: HEI question CHEVY SBC BBC READY TO RUN HEI DISTRIBUTOR RED #8926-R FULLY ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTOR SMALL BASE DESIGN, Item number: 260371797991 __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

03-27-2009, 12:40 PM	#10
otsenre Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, Co Posts: 1,939	Re: HEI question jarros, take a look

03-27-2009, 01:04 PM	#11
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,457	Re: HEI question Here ya go...my locking ring is about 1/4" away from firewall (diameter of ring is 5 1/2"). I have poly mounts w/ a new DIY4X crossmember, but I think I will still have to dent the firewall a bit. There is enough matrl. on the ring to cut about a 1/2" off the ring and that is the biggest part of the HEI LMK if you need more pics __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 03-27-2009 at 01:06 PM.

03-27-2009, 01:12 PM	#12
otsenre Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, Co Posts: 1,939	Re: HEI question That looks awful tight! What is the unit they sell to install and use your stock distibutor cap.

03-29-2009, 03:44 PM	#18
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,141	Re: HEI question wow, there is no room at all behind that thing. i just got mine in today, same exact one from white off ebay, dropped it in and i have tons of room til i hit the firewall (67 suburban). i dont see any other way to put it in unless you bang out the firewall. just use a rubber hammer, the dizzy is gonna block that area anyways so it wont be visable if you scratch it up some. Last edited by kev2809; 03-29-2009 at 03:45 PM.

03-29-2009, 11:13 PM	#19
rico7769 Hybrid67 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Martinez, GA Posts: 195	Re: HEI question I have a similar set up in my 67 and its TIGHT!!! But it's there and it works. You won't have much room left at all and should be able to get it in. Steve

03-30-2009, 12:09 AM	#20
kwplot34 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Liberty, Missouri Posts: 35	Re: HEI question You can always buy an HEI unit with an externally mounted coil,the dizzy cap is no bigger than the caps for points,no need to take a hammer to the fire wall. MSD has many different dizzys with small and low profile caps.



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