Replacing distributor, to HEI
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Breaux Bridge Louisiana
Replacing distributor, to HEI
If I were to switch out my current stock distributor to this one with a built in coil. Do I have to bypass my stock coil? Im a bit confused here.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
No coil,but you will need a fairly heavy switched 12vdc source.(Turns off with the ignition switch off).
The old points style coils circuits had a ballast resistor in line to limit current. Because the new HEI can produce much more spark energy,the primary feed will have to have a larger wire to support the draw.(and eliminate the ballast resistor)
The old points style coils circuits had a ballast resistor in line to limit current. Because the new HEI can produce much more spark energy,the primary feed will have to have a larger wire to support the draw.(and eliminate the ballast resistor)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Use a minimum of 10 gauge wire from a switched ignition source.
Cap and stow the original wires to the coil in case you ever want to go back to original..
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Norcross GA
There are a couple of alternatives to the HEI option. If you want to retain the stock look there are a couple of kits that replace the point plate in your stock distributor and give electroic ignition performance. One is made by Pertronix, called the Ignitor. I've had one for twenty-odd years. This one requires a direct 12v source to the coil and has two wires running into the distributor.
The second one is sold by Lectric Limited, called the Breakerless SE. It requires a single wire to the coil, just like original, and uses the existing wiring that provides 6.6 (?) volts. Both use a Hall cell. I just bought one to replace my Ignitor, since I am installing new wiring harnesses, and hated to cut up a new harness to use my ignitor. The price is a little less than the HEI, but I wanted to retain the stock look and ignition shielding.
Lectric Limited can also modify a stock engine harness to allow HEI distributors, if you call them and ask when you buy the harness. I guess it all depends on how persnickety you are.
The second one is sold by Lectric Limited, called the Breakerless SE. It requires a single wire to the coil, just like original, and uses the existing wiring that provides 6.6 (?) volts. Both use a Hall cell. I just bought one to replace my Ignitor, since I am installing new wiring harnesses, and hated to cut up a new harness to use my ignitor. The price is a little less than the HEI, but I wanted to retain the stock look and ignition shielding.
Lectric Limited can also modify a stock engine harness to allow HEI distributors, if you call them and ask when you buy the harness. I guess it all depends on how persnickety you are.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 1
From: Valparaiso IN
The HEI will work great for you. Use this guy's wire kit or just run a new wire..
http://www.madelectrical.com/catalog/hei-1.shtml
http://www.madelectrical.com/catalog/hei-1.shtml
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: kalamazoo MI
I performed the same conversion.
I am extremely happy with the HEI.
I ran a dedicated 10 gauge wire from the ignition wire at the fuse block (pink).
I had a connection already in place. I picked up 2 distributor connections from Jegs P/N 55-10550 and they fit perfect.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...p/DSCF2138.jpg
I am extremely happy with the HEI.
I ran a dedicated 10 gauge wire from the ignition wire at the fuse block (pink).
I had a connection already in place. I picked up 2 distributor connections from Jegs P/N 55-10550 and they fit perfect.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...p/DSCF2138.jpg
