HEI conversion in a 72
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
HEI conversion in a 72
72 stock SB, thinking of converting to HEI. I have read on the forum before guys talking of the dragonfire unit and saw this one. With this I would also have to get new wires and change plug gap from .035 to .045 to .055 correct? Is that the jist of the install? Or maybe I should just stay with the stock unit and learn more about points! After 5 years into the restor and finally just getting the car back from paint I really want to get to drive it soon!
Thanks in advance,
Sully
Thanks in advance,
Sully
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
I have got one of those bargain HEI distributor and it works ok for now anyway.
The cap and rotor are thinner plastic than Delco. The module is obviously cheaper. To be honest I think there are better options out there to look at.
The cap and rotor are thinner plastic than Delco. The module is obviously cheaper. To be honest I think there are better options out there to look at.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you don't have a "performance" engine and don't need more spark power, why change anything at all? The only thing you need for a 'points' system is a dwell meter. If that is a problem, install a Pertronix system meant for use with your car. Most electronic systems require constant 12vdc power going to them. The coil power wire on yours is a resistance wire which should only be used to power electronic ignition systems that specifically instruct you to use the existing power wire for hookup. All others require you to run a new dedicated wire from the fuse block so that full 12vdc is sourced.
I suggested Pertronix because it fits into the stock distributor and is a simple wiring job. When done, it looks just like a stock configuration, so you won't have problems fitting all the shielding components back on to a [larger] HEI distributor.
The only reason for going electronic is that you won't have to change points & condenser any more.
P.S. If you go electronic which uses a full 12vdc power source, you will also need to replace the stock coil...it is meant for use with the resistance wire only.
I suggested Pertronix because it fits into the stock distributor and is a simple wiring job. When done, it looks just like a stock configuration, so you won't have problems fitting all the shielding components back on to a [larger] HEI distributor.
The only reason for going electronic is that you won't have to change points & condenser any more.
P.S. If you go electronic which uses a full 12vdc power source, you will also need to replace the stock coil...it is meant for use with the resistance wire only.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
If you don't mind spending a little more, this IMHO is the best of the points replacement systems - http://www.breakerless.com
Plus, there is only one wire going to the coil - so unless you take off the distributor cap, there is no way to tell you are not using points.
Plus, there is only one wire going to the coil - so unless you take off the distributor cap, there is no way to tell you are not using points.
Last edited by Mashman; Oct 6, 2011 at 04:09 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
The HEI is a good change and everything is located in the distributor....simple change....no need to change the plug gap........035 is correct........those wide gaps 45-80 are a result of GM trying to meet emission standards and they finally gave up....performance is the 35 figure
