I plan on upgrading from points to HEI after I find a donor engine build and run it. I only plan to do things this way as I can rule out other issues from too many changes at one time.

Anyway, what is the best part#/ model/ brand HEI to go with? I know most HEIs are relatively the same, I just want to make it easy on myself.

Thanks!!

Dave

Dave:
Can’t really recommend any specific brand.

I’m too cheap. I just use whatever factory one I can get and replace all the parts. I like the MSD components just because I have never had an issue. Never compared different component brands.

As far as compete units, Summit Racing sells a few different ones including their own brand. (Never used any of them, though.)

Brian

Another cheapo here too. I bet the price on a new ACDelco would choke a horse. Boneyard is okay, but imo, a reman from the local part's store gives you the highest quality for your money. I have a part's store reman, and the modgual has a GM logo on it. The weights and springs are all junk, so with that all distributors are equal.

I've used the "Summit" brand and ended up returning it after about a month. To cheaply made, contacts were breaking off where the spark plug wires connect to the cap(only after removing them once!). I ended up going with a Pertronix Flamethrower. If I had to do it all over again I would use the small cap MSD unit for firewall clearance. I would also go with mechanical advance instead of vacuum because the canister hits the intake manifold so you have limited adjustability.

They also sell kits to "upgrade" your points distributor and it looks stock.

I'm running the Accel HEI in my vert. I also added this 32 Mhz controller kit. It's a sweet combo. Top of the line new technology. I don't get hard starting at temps even as high as 220 degrees. I'm running stock compression. I like to use the Accel Supercoil.
Here's a link to that controller kit:
http://www.msdignition.com/dist_82.htm
I bought just the control module:
http://www.shopatron.com/product/product_id=MSD83641/424.0

Thanks guys.

I have looked at the conversion kits. I just want to be sure I am getting the best spark I can.

I have used remans on my other GM with good success. I just wanted to be sure I am getting parts that will fit and work correctly.

Do you guys just get a dist. recurve set and tear in?

Dave

No need for a recurve. Buy whatever brand you feel comfortable with and install. I bought the processor kit to see if I could get a little more out of my distributor. I really can't tell the difference between the one I upgraded and the one that comes right off the shelf. I would think that a GM HEI that's available at several of the good auto parts chains for around $150 would do the trick. One good and easy upgrade is a super coil that sits right on top of the cap. I have this exact set up in one of my cars and it's simple and effective.

For the HEI your choices are the GM version for around $150 at NAPA.

This Accel I used:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=ACC%2D52102&N=700+4294908153+4294925143+4294839065+4294881256+4294881254+115&autoview=sku

Or this one that is cheaper and has a good review from a board member:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bran...itemZ250040491956QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

You can use a few of the different new "all-in-one" HEI assemblies that we tested last Fall:



Or you can use the original 1970s GM HEI assemblies and Accel coils:

Yes Nash, I used a lot of the info from your thread to 'boil down' the choices listed above. It's great to have the pics to go with it. The one on the right above is the new one from NAPA for around $150.

Hey Nash, on that 'ol bone hei. What are the numbers on the center and the weights of the advances? Of course, you'll have to pull them off because the numbers are on the bottom. You didn't think that they would make it easy--did you?

One of the best improvements you can make on a old HEI is to take out the end play. Advance is a 'crap-shoot' without the proper end play.

Aw hell.....

But where do you find the shims to correct it? And I've looked and can't actually find a spec on what the end play is "supposed" to be.

I make it about .003-.005. I've seen them have as much as .050 play. Any play will allow the distributor to rotate. Which makes the advance delayed. And also makes the advance not consistent and repeating. I make my own shim out of a hardened washer. You would have to have access to a precision grinder. Probably best for most people to not bother with the old, worn out, distributors.

Did you guy and gals know that if you own a 1969 or 1970 firebird or GTO and switch to HEI system you HAVE to replace the 20 Guage Black wire from the igition switch to terminal behide the fuse block. The wire from the factory is a resistance wire the limits the voltage to 9.5 volts ( it keep the orginal points from burning up). I just ordered a new wiring harness from Ames...they had there manufacture call me and tell me about this (M&H Electic Fab.)
The HEI will work on the lower voltage but, the proformance is severly limited. This blew me away to hear that I had put a HEI system in and had no idea that I had to change the feeder wire to the wiring harness to ensure proper voltage.....:)

You will have firewall clearance issues with an HEI.

If you buy a used HEI, I recommend... http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=MSD%2D8501&autoview=sku

If don't want to beat the crap out of the firewall to get the HEI to fit, try this... http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8528&N=700+4294908153+400122+4294840135+115&autoview=sku

I have to go directly against this. I've had HEI's in several first gens with no clearance problems at all.

Maybe it's a problem if you have sagging body mounts?

I can provide a pic of the HEI in my vert if there are any 'non-believers'.

Just giving him a course of direction Jim.

Not a personal attack against you that requires 3 seperate rebuttals.

Body mounts are 7 years old.

If it is a case of body mounts, this HEI issue in 67-9 has been a recurring topic over 4 boards since I can remember.

Yes, they will technically fit, but you have to have the HEI dialed dead nuts on as there is no room with the wires installed to rotate distributor for adjustment. If you are not dead on or are off slightly and need to rotate a few degrees, fine. If you are way off, plan on taking the cap off, pinning down the counterweights, removing and rotation the gear to get it right.

I will not qualify my comments how many this and that. There are fitment problems with some HEI caps installed on a 67-8 Firebird. There may be a buffer for 69 as the platform changed for that year, was that considered?

I refuse to get into another my "blank" is bigger than yours. The initial requestor is mature enough to come to his own conclusion.

Firewall fit with OEM HEI is the same in my '69. It would drop in, but not turn.

It's my choice whether I edit or add separate posts. My posts were to give acurate facts for someone to make an informed choice. What surprises me the most is that you think I would smash in my firewall or leave out this part when giving advice. If you install it in the correct position there's plenty of room to turn the distributor for timing. Sometimes the most important post you can make is to refute a myth. The HEI not fitting in a 1st gen is a myth.

Never said you would smash your firewall Jim, or suggested in any way that anyone else should smash theirs....there you go again putting words in my mouth.

Why do you have to be diminutive with exaggerated commentary of what you think I mean?

Some fit. Some obviously do not. I have seen many "relieved" Firebird firewalls, to make clearance to rotate an HEI.

If you want to switch to HEI, test fit a spare or junkyard unit with cap and wires before altering anything.

You put your own words in your own mouth by saying it wouldn't fit unless you cave in your firewall. The logical direction of thought would be that I did this if one were to believe you.

Dave, all three of the HEIs I tested (pictured previously)worked fine with no real noticeable performance difference. So its just a matter of what color you like, and how much money you want to spend. The GM HEI (with an Accel Cap) costs over twice as much as the aftermarket HEIs we tested off Ebay.

Tagman makes a good point: If you'll all recall, once I replaced the main power line last summer with a big fat new wire and connector, my previous issues went away completely.

Where within this thread did I say this Jim?

Seek help, you read into stuff that is not there.

You edited it out...... Do you want me to drag it out of the email notify?

Here you go; Banshee Quote; "If don't want to beat the crap out of the firewall to get the HEI to fit, try this... http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8528&N=700+4294908153+400122+4294840135+115&autoview=sku"

Sorry, you didn't edit. You just have a very short memory.

So I edited it then it reappeared? Wow.

Just checking.

I did not say, in fact, as you quoted me that you have to beat the firewall to get it to fit. DID I?

In fact I stated "If don't want to beat the crap out of the firewall to get the HEI to fit, try this..."

You have way too much time on your hands to read into other peoples replies to start a fight. Get a dog, a friend or something. Find the light Jim, your attitude and disposition is scaring many people.

Your problem is that you INFER. I never told him to beat the firewall. I stated in order to avoid fitment issues, try this alternative.

If you look back at the posts in this thread, you will see that mine were not personal until you said that I shouldn't make multiple posts in a row and that my thing is bigger than yours. LOL I have two dogs, a loving wife and a done car that suits me fine, thank you. And I'm here to help, that's all, no motives. Well, maybe for grins too. Thanks for the grins.

Hey. I just looked back and my posts didn't really ever get personal. OOOPS There I go making two posts in a row. I have to work on that......

Jim, you are certifiable, a post digger, an antagonist and just an overall mean spirited person who picks fights over nothing.

Get a life, again. YOU NEED HELP!

Going to preferences and blocking all of your posts so I dont make myself look like a fool...and follow in your footsteps.

Is it not my right to go against something you say your highness? I would hope you would do the same for me.

Owning more than one of various models of car has taught me an important lesson...that each car is similar, but each is slightly different. They've been through different stresses and strains, have had different mechanical work done, may have had slight differences imparted during assembly, model year parts changes and subsequent repairs, and have deteriorated differently with age. Replacement parts also vary slightly in specification; '67 water pumps are an example (relieved ribs vs. non-relieved). Each model year imparts its own changes, and subchanges to correct issues during the year.

Simply put, you can rarely use absolutes. A more helpful type of answer would be "Many people install HEI with no fitment issues, but in some cars there are firewall-to-cap clearance issues."

This is a more helpful, less confrontational approach, and others can post their personal experiences with a particular part in a particular car. This does not devalue or disclaim someone else's experience with a similar combination.

There is a lot more information available from the "quiet" members of the forum that I'd like to hear, but a lot of people are reluctant to post if they're going to be contradicted right off the bat. I want to learn from those personal experiences.

Exactly and If Tom would have posted what you suggested;

"Many people install HEI with no fitment issues, but in some cars there are firewall-to-cap clearance issues."

Instead of;

"If don't want to beat the crap out of the firewall to get the HEI to fit, try this... "

I wouldn't have posted anything at all.



Everyone now knows that you don't have to bash in your firewall to fit an HEI unless your car, somehow, has lost clearance between the engine and firewall.

If you want to try an HEI, get it and install all spark plug wires.

I am happy to supply you an HEI for trial fit. Just pay for the return shipping. You will need wires though.

If the HEI does not work for you, try the alternatives I previously listed.

Feel free to PM anytime.