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

54blackhornet · 01-06-2015, 01:26 PM

Looking for a HEI for a 350, first time installing one so also need a little guidance on different versions. Would prefer one with coil inside, but open to suggestions....

**70STOVEBOLT** · 01-06-2015, 01:51 PM

The only major change is the power wire. You will need at least a 12 gauge wire going directly to a key-on hot source. The most likely choice is one of the IGN terminals on the fuse block. And the plug wires will need to be changed as well. This is one of the best, but least expensive, mods you can make. If I left anything out, I am sure someone will chime in with more info.

**Already Gone** · 01-06-2015, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

The only major change is the power wire. You will need at least a 12 gauge wire going directly to a key-on hot source. The most likely choice is one of the IGN terminals on the fuse block. And the plug wires will need to be changed as well. This is one of the best, but least expensive, mods you can make. If I left anything out, I am sure someone will chime in with more info.

Wondering why the plug wires have to be changed?

**70STOVEBOLT** · 01-06-2015, 03:17 PM

The ends are different at the distributor cap end and you want at least 8mm wires. Standard points-type use 7mm wires.

54blackhornet · 01-06-2015, 03:28 PM

I already have 8mm HEI wires installed, I knew an HEI was a future upgrade so when I needed new wires I bit the bullett . What I am not sure about is what HaeI to buy ? Is a a skip White unit any good ? Is one with coil in cap better then one that is separate ? Putting it on a 350/350 cobo. Was thinking about a new one but open to a good used unit if possible....thanks guy's

**70STOVEBOLT** · 01-06-2015, 03:49 PM

I don't know what brand is better than another, but I can tell you that you will want one with an adjustable vacuum advance. You may want to change the weights and springs as well to tailor it to your particular engine.

**michael bustamante** · 01-06-2015, 03:50 PM

ive run an edelbrock hei. very nice but i didnt notice any real difference between it and a stock HEI. ive also run a super coil and didnt notice much difference either. if youre engine isint a serius modded one like a stroker, just use a good GM HEI

**Already Gone** · 01-06-2015, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

The ends are different at the distributor cap end and you want at least 8mm wires. Standard points-type use 7mm wires.

Thanks for the info. It'll be good to know when I change my original points distributor to an HEI. Do you have to change the wires if you install a Pertronix conversion?

**tll74** · 01-06-2015, 05:21 PM

A side from MSD and other name brand units, the original GM 85-86 cores are best ones to start with. Buy the Petronix kit with the coil and a adjustable vac advance. I run two of these in my circle track cars and spin them 7000ish rpm with no problems. Stay away from the 49.95 new ones as they have problems.

54blackhornet · 01-06-2015, 05:31 PM

Tom, do you have a GM Hei ?

**70STOVEBOLT** · 01-06-2015, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Thanks for the info. It'll be good to know when I change my original points distributor to an HEI. Do you have to change the wires if you install a Pertronix conversion?

No you can run 7mm stock wires with the Pertronix.

Wrenchbender Ret · 01-06-2015, 05:40 PM

I have a factory one for sale. It is complete with wires & connecter. I have inspected it & tested it. It is in real good condition & all the advance mechanisms are good. $75 plus shipping. George

57larry · 01-06-2015, 06:32 PM

go to pick/pull a part and get one

**Already Gone** · 01-06-2015, 07:16 PM

I had one of these in my other 72 with the BB and liked it. I want to keep my new truck more original so I'm thinking Petronix as I can use the original diet, cap etc.

http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...8362/overview/

**70CHEVYBB** · 01-06-2015, 11:56 PM

I have one if you still need one . 60 shipped

scotts72heavyhalf · 01-07-2015, 01:24 AM

I have one too factory GM I was using until I went to a more HP engine so I went MSD, cant tell any difference so that was a bit of a waste but you can have it for $60 comes with cap and wires included and coil in the cap of course. Shipping might run $15.95 if I sent it USPS or you can pick it up im just south of Portland

**tll74** · 01-07-2015, 01:49 AM

Jack, I answered this in the thread you posted in earlier. Thanks, Tom

54blackhornet · 01-07-2015, 01:31 PM

I see you can get a new MSD for under a $100.00 ? Is the older GM HEI unit better then new ?

**tll74** · 01-08-2015, 12:26 AM

Jack, I personally have no experience with the MSD version. MSD is a great brand name so I would have to think that it would be a quality part. Maybe someone that has bought one will chime in. Thanks, Tom

01-06-2015, 01:26 PM	#1
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,305	HEI Wanted Looking for a HEI for a 350, first time installing one so also need a little guidance on different versions. Would prefer one with coil inside, but open to suggestions.... __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

01-06-2015, 01:51 PM	#2
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,261	Re: HEI Wanted The only major change is the power wire. You will need at least a 12 gauge wire going directly to a key-on hot source. The most likely choice is one of the IGN terminals on the fuse block. And the plug wires will need to be changed as well. This is one of the best, but least expensive, mods you can make. If I left anything out, I am sure someone will chime in with more info. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Power windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

01-06-2015, 03:17 PM	#4
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,261	Re: HEI Wanted The ends are different at the distributor cap end and you want at least 8mm wires. Standard points-type use 7mm wires. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Power windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

01-06-2015, 03:28 PM	#5
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,305	Re: HEI Wanted I already have 8mm HEI wires installed, I knew an HEI was a future upgrade so when I needed new wires I bit the bullett . What I am not sure about is what HaeI to buy ? Is a a skip White unit any good ? Is one with coil in cap better then one that is separate ? Putting it on a 350/350 cobo. Was thinking about a new one but open to a good used unit if possible....thanks guy's __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

01-06-2015, 03:49 PM	#6
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,261	Re: HEI Wanted I don't know what brand is better than another, but I can tell you that you will want one with an adjustable vacuum advance. You may want to change the weights and springs as well to tailor it to your particular engine. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Power windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

01-06-2015, 03:50 PM	#7
michael bustamante Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,843	Re: HEI Wanted ive run an edelbrock hei. very nice but i didnt notice any real difference between it and a stock HEI. ive also run a super coil and didnt notice much difference either. if youre engine isint a serius modded one like a stroker, just use a good GM HEI __________________ 1967custom

01-06-2015, 05:21 PM	#9
tll74 "Junkyard Dog" Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Springfield Oregon Posts: 2,527	Re: HEI Wanted A side from MSD and other name brand units, the original GM 85-86 cores are best ones to start with. Buy the Petronix kit with the coil and a adjustable vac advance. I run two of these in my circle track cars and spin them 7000ish rpm with no problems. Stay away from the 49.95 new ones as they have problems. __________________ 72 C-10 Cheyenne Super LWB, Vortec 427,TH700, 3.73 posi, tach, tilt, AM-FM,Frame off in process. http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/l...t=7eae161e.pbw 88 Monte Carlo SS bought new only 10k miles. 73 Chevelle SS 454 had since high school. 74 Camaro Z28 350 AT numbers matching, Black on Black. 73 El Camino SS 350 4sp. 70 Chevelle SS 396 4sp, number matching with LS6 454 69 Chevy C30 Car Hauler 86 K20 383 4sp 4" lift frame off restoration. http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/l...t=1b1082d3.pbw

01-06-2015, 05:31 PM	#10
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,305	Re: HEI Wanted Tom, do you have a GM Hei ? __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

01-06-2015, 05:40 PM	#12
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,205	Re: HEI Wanted I have a factory one for sale. It is complete with wires & connecter. I have inspected it & tested it. It is in real good condition & all the advance mechanisms are good. $75 plus shipping. George

01-06-2015, 06:32 PM	#13
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,162	Re: HEI Wanted go to pick/pull a part and get one

01-06-2015, 07:16 PM	#14
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,107	Re: HEI Wanted I had one of these in my other 72 with the BB and liked it. I want to keep my new truck more original so I'm thinking Petronix as I can use the original diet, cap etc. http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...8362/overview/ __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

01-06-2015, 11:56 PM	#15
70CHEVYBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: chillicothe, illinois Posts: 688	Re: HEI Wanted I have one if you still need one . 60 shipped

01-07-2015, 01:24 AM	#16
scotts72heavyhalf Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sandy, Oregon Posts: 1,551	Re: HEI Wanted I have one too factory GM I was using until I went to a more HP engine so I went MSD, cant tell any difference so that was a bit of a waste but you can have it for $60 comes with cap and wires included and coil in the cap of course. Shipping might run $15.95 if I sent it USPS or you can pick it up im just south of Portland __________________ Scotts72C10

01-07-2015, 01:49 AM	#17
tll74 "Junkyard Dog" Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Springfield Oregon Posts: 2,527	Re: HEI Wanted Jack, I answered this in the thread you posted in earlier. Thanks, Tom __________________ 72 C-10 Cheyenne Super LWB, Vortec 427,TH700, 3.73 posi, tach, tilt, AM-FM,Frame off in process. http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/l...t=7eae161e.pbw 88 Monte Carlo SS bought new only 10k miles. 73 Chevelle SS 454 had since high school. 74 Camaro Z28 350 AT numbers matching, Black on Black. 73 El Camino SS 350 4sp. 70 Chevelle SS 396 4sp, number matching with LS6 454 69 Chevy C30 Car Hauler 86 K20 383 4sp 4" lift frame off restoration. http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/l...t=1b1082d3.pbw

01-07-2015, 01:31 PM	#18
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,305	Re: HEI Wanted I see you can get a new MSD for under a $100.00 ? Is the older GM HEI unit better then new ? __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD



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01-08-2015, 12:26 AM	#19
tll74 "Junkyard Dog" Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Springfield Oregon Posts: 2,527	Re: HEI Wanted Jack, I personally have no experience with the MSD version. MSD is a great brand name so I would have to think that it would be a quality part. Maybe someone that has bought one will chime in. Thanks, Tom __________________ 72 C-10 Cheyenne Super LWB, Vortec 427,TH700, 3.73 posi, tach, tilt, AM-FM,Frame off in process. http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/l...t=7eae161e.pbw 88 Monte Carlo SS bought new only 10k miles. 73 Chevelle SS 454 had since high school. 74 Camaro Z28 350 AT numbers matching, Black on Black. 73 El Camino SS 350 4sp. 70 Chevelle SS 396 4sp, number matching with LS6 454 69 Chevy C30 Car Hauler 86 K20 383 4sp 4" lift frame off restoration. http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/l...t=1b1082d3.pbw

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