I'm thinking either 12 volts is not supplied to hei .perhaps bad connection at distributor "BAT" terminal or broken wire somewhere maybe even bad ignition switch .Need to check to see if voltage is present at dist while cranking .is the hei wired up using resistor wire? I have heard that HEI wont work right without 12v and I always ran a new wire.I can't imagine it has anything to do with starter unless its dragging badly.I 12v is present and connectiond is good and still no spark I would replace module,coil in that order.
I hope this helps
good luck ,Bill