Another HEI install question???
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Another HEI install question???
I removed my HEI distributor from the ZZ4 for ease of engine install, and to replace with tach drive HEI. I subsequently rotated the engine to install torque converter..SO, the crank/cam/timing are NOT in the position they were when I pulled the distributor..
I have read Lars' paper on distributor install, but it applies mainly to points type distributor. Can I use the same procedure of positioning the #1 cylinder at TDC on compression, the approx 8 degrees timing on the harmonic balancer, and "walking" the distributor so that the rotor is in its correct position...to re-install my distributor??
Or, is there a thread out there that outlines specifically HEI install?
Thanks.
I have read Lars' paper on distributor install, but it applies mainly to points type distributor. Can I use the same procedure of positioning the #1 cylinder at TDC on compression, the approx 8 degrees timing on the harmonic balancer, and "walking" the distributor so that the rotor is in its correct position...to re-install my distributor??
Or, is there a thread out there that outlines specifically HEI install?
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 29,745
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
that will work. Set the timing to about 10 degrees - I remember the ZZ4 liking 10-12 initial timing.
from there install the HEI and make sure that the rotor tip points directly at the number 1 terminal.
I usually make a mark on the body of the distributor just under where the number 1 terminal is on the cap. That way when you remove the cap you still see a line where #1 terminal should be. Line up the rotor with that and you should be set.
EDIT: I had several replies in the past on HEI installs, with pictures and all, but I think they were hosted on servers that are dead. I will try and revive them and post it again.
from there install the HEI and make sure that the rotor tip points directly at the number 1 terminal.
I usually make a mark on the body of the distributor just under where the number 1 terminal is on the cap. That way when you remove the cap you still see a line where #1 terminal should be. Line up the rotor with that and you should be set.
EDIT: I had several replies in the past on HEI installs, with pictures and all, but I think they were hosted on servers that are dead. I will try and revive them and post it again.
Last edited by BSeery; Jun 11, 2008 at 03:07 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
You could pull your drivers side valve cover and watch the two valves on the #1 piston while rotating the Crank bolt with a breaker bar (plugs out). in one rotation as the timing mark approaches 0 degrees, the exhaust valve will be open (180 off) on the the other both will be closed- TDC on the compression stroke.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Formerly DFW Missing Texas Now in NJ
Take #1 Spark Plug Out and put your finger over the hole. Rotate the crank. When the timing mark comes into the right position the air pressure from the compression stroke will pop your finger off the hole for the spark plug. Line the mark up on the balancer with the timing mark on the block. You're close enough to #1 TDC to put the tach back in.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Roselle IL
sounds like this is an initial firing of the engine. Getting the timing close helps to start quickly. The posts are very wide on HEI. I suggest getting #1 to TDC on compression, as suggested, then bump the engine to the timing setting you are looking for. When you put dist. in, line up the rotor to the #1 post as discussed. However use the magnetic pickup to determine the final setting of dist. The point where the two triangles touch is where the spark will fire. This will get you much closer to your timing goal.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Thanks!!!!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 29,745
Likes: 3
From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
As long as you get the engine set to about 10 degrees and put the distributor in with the rotor pointing at the terminal for cylinder #1 it should fire right up. After that use a timing light and set the timing to the specs. that came with the engine.
Also, if I remember the ZZ4 right they stamped a little mark in the distributor body casting and another on the intake manifold where the distributor mounts. I believe that if these are lined up then your timing will be pretty close. I am going from memory of a job done 7 years ago.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Ahhhh...THANKS!!
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
yes, adjustable vac. cans on the distributor and a set of weights and springs are great tuning aids.