HEI info needed

[Steve Cole]

Could someone tell me what gauge the "battery" terminal wire is that runs to a stock HEI setup? In other words, would the 18 gauge wire that used to go to the positive side of the coil be ok to run to a stock, ( but not original) HEI system In my '68? Thanks.
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[Longhorn 70]

I think they will work with 14 but I do 12 gauge.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Longhorn 70

I think they will work with 14 but I do 12 gauge.

Agreed..... I wouldn't even try 18 ga.

I've seen 10 ga. recommended but that's way too fat and is overkill.

[volksworld]

if vou're talking about the original wire from the ignition switch to the coil ,it is a resistance wire to lower the voltage to the coil...HEI needs a full 12v via a normal wire

[Street Smart]

Originally Posted by volksworld

if vou're talking about the original wire from the ignition switch to the coil ,it is a resistance wire to lower the voltage to the coil...HEI needs a full 12v via a normal wire

X2, like other brands use ballast resisters Gm built the resistance into the wire. Run a 12 gauge straight from the ignition switch out to the Dist.

[FirstOwner69]

Start reading at post 13 in this thread. I did this and used a 12 gauge wire.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=148346

Post 7 in this thread gives two options.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562034

[Steve Cole]

Thanks so much guys for the quick replys, this is EXACTLY what I was looking for! My plan is to completly remove the white and yellow wires starting a the firewall connector and install a replacement (12 gauge) wire and run directly to the distributor.

My final question is: I need two parts, the crimp on terminal wire ends and the plastic connector clip that plugs into the HEI, (Batt and Tach connector)can I buy these pieces locally (NAPA, etc.) and if so, does anyone know the part numbers?

Thanks for everyones help, this board rocks!

P.S., The NAPA p/n for the terminal ends looks like it is #725145 but that is for 16-14 gauge wire, is there anther p/n for use with the 12 gauge wires?

[volksworld]

you don't actually need the plastic plug...a female spade terminal fits right on the male in the distributor...just get a small asst of blue solderless connectors

[Steve Cole]

Thanks Volksworld I may do that but I wanted to first try and get that connector to make the connection look "factory".

[Pick]

If you're going for a REALLY stock look and have alittle time to wait for it, Year One has a HEI conversion wire available that actually has the correct connectors on each end to fit into the stock fuse block in place of the original resitor wire.

https://www.yearone.com/Product/1967...c-truck/l00510

I think Classic Industries and a few others have it as well.......and I'd probably try another vendor if I was doing it again. It took three weeks for Year One to get it from just north of Atlanta (them) to just south of Atlanta (me)........so I'm not sure I'd recommend Year One as a source, but to just let you know there is a pre-made conversion wire available.

I hope that helps.

[Longhorn 70]

Steve,

If I'm not mistaken, I found the connector at a local auto electric shop. It was only a buck. I bought 2. One Brown one White.....Wanted to make sure I had one for the tach.

This shop had the shell and the connector seperate.

[Ol Blue K20]

I have purchased both pigtails from an auto parts store as well as robbed them at the wrecking yard

[camrycurt]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

P.S., The NAPA p/n for the terminal ends looks like it is #725145 but that is for 16-14 gauge wire, is there anther p/n for use with the 12 gauge wires?

Do a Google search for "Delphi 2971859" and it should pull up a bunch of sources for the 12 ga. Packard 56 series terminals. That's the male version, the female part number is 2989877.

Good luck!

[Steve Cole]

Thanks Camrycurt!

[FirstOwner69]

Here's a link (think I found it here on the forum) that has everything you may need to make all your wiring modifications look original. http://www.repairconnector.com/

The connector you need for a 12 gauge connection to the under hood side of the fuse block is also available at this place. I got my HEI connector for the distributor and correct pink wire from a 70s GM truck. There are also pigtails on eBay with the correct distributor connector.

[wraprail]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Here's a link (think I found it here on the forum) that has everything you may need to make all your wiring modifications look original. http://www.repairconnector.com/

The connector you need for a 12 gauge connection to the under hood side of the fuse block is also available at this place. I got my HEI connector for the distributor and correct pink wire from a 70s GM truck. There are also pigtails on eBay with the correct distributor connector.

The site you linked shows the HEI B+ wire as 18 ga.

http://www.repairconnector.com/produ...d-Repair-.html

So maybe the OP question about 18 ga wire would be ok?
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[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by wraprail

The site you linked shows the HEI B+ wire as 18 ga.

http://www.repairconnector.com/produ...d-Repair-.html

So maybe the OP question about 18 ga wire would be ok?
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Not sure why it says 18 ga. All those I've gotten from late 70s trucks are 12 ga. as well as those like you linked that I've seen on eBay. Perhaps it's a typo. I definitely would use 12 ga. Never smaller.

Here's a link to the split tab connectors in 10/12 ga. that I referenced in my post above to use as a replacement connector when replacing the resistor wire from the under hood fuse block .