Trouble installing HEI into 71
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Trouble installing HEI into 71
So I purchased an HEI tach drive with the understanding that I will have to modify my ignition shielding, but I never heard anyone say they had trouble with their air cleaner base not fitting onto the carburator after the install. Here is a photo of what I'm running into. The only thing I can think of is to grind down the air cleaner base 
which I really don't want to do. Am I missing something? Has anyone else run into this when installing HEI?
which I really don't want to do. Am I missing something? Has anyone else run into this when installing HEI?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
no choice with OEM air cleaner,...either find a different air cleaner base for HEI iginition,
or customize yours, ballpeen hammer and couple blocks of wood ! 69VETT
or customize yours, ballpeen hammer and couple blocks of wood ! 69VETT
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 51
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 8
From: Murphy Texas
I've got a 71 and was going to install same HEI tomorrow. This thing came with nothing. no instructions or labeling. How do I know what spark wire goes on what post? And as for wiring, where exactly is the 12v wire connected on firewall. And where do I ground the other.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
So I purchased an HEI tach drive with the understanding that I will have to modify my ignition shielding, but I never heard anyone say they had trouble with their air cleaner base not fitting onto the carburator after the install. Here is a photo of what I'm running into. The only thing I can think of is to grind down the air cleaner base which I really don't want to do. Am I missing something? Has anyone else run into this when installing HEI?
which I really don't want to do. Am I missing something? Has anyone else run into this when installing HEI?I see your problem, you nee to clock the distibutor differently, that'll mean moving all your plug wires over 1 position once you clock it flat to the air cleaner.:
HEIs groung to the engine--> frame, no wire needed.
Last edited by RunningMan373; Jun 12, 2009 at 02:28 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: Taunton Ma
I believe that 1975 was the first year for HEI and that they have the bottom portion of their air cleaner with a small area "dented" to accomidate the HEI. Not sure if the top will match you original but it might. I know that if you do a search for a 75 air cleaner you will see pictures of the modification from 74 to 75 the bottom section.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
Had the same situation with putting HEI on my '70 - dent the air cleaner and it works fine - no one can see - takes just a few minutes. As far as the shielding - unless you just want to look original - you don't need it - it's for AM radio.
Then use the K&N filter and you are all set.
