HEI Distributor Replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Lakeland FL
HEI Distributor Replacement
Dear forum members.
I have a '75 Coupe and would like to replace the original HEI distributor with an Accel Street Billet (52100) and an Accel Super Coil (140001).
I have just repaired the tach (new circuit board). Is this conversion/upgrade possible?
If so what are the issues? Is there a wiring harness available?
Thanks......
Kirk
I have a '75 Coupe and would like to replace the original HEI distributor with an Accel Street Billet (52100) and an Accel Super Coil (140001).
I have just repaired the tach (new circuit board). Is this conversion/upgrade possible?
If so what are the issues? Is there a wiring harness available?
Thanks......
Kirk
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Another 'go-faster' bubble popped. 
Yes. It's true. The GM HEI system is as good as the stock engine would ever require. Bump it to 12:1 compression and capable of 7000 rpm and you might get more reliable spark power from a high $$$ aftermarket system....but I doubt you would ever need it for your engine.
Yes. It's true. The GM HEI system is as good as the stock engine would ever require. Bump it to 12:1 compression and capable of 7000 rpm and you might get more reliable spark power from a high $$$ aftermarket system....but I doubt you would ever need it for your engine.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Another 'go-faster' bubble popped. Yes. It's true. The GM HEI system is as good as the stock engine would ever require. Bump it to 12:1 compression and capable of 7000 rpm and you might get more reliable spark power from a high $$$ aftermarket system....but I doubt you would ever need it for your engine.
Yes. It's true. The GM HEI system is as good as the stock engine would ever require. Bump it to 12:1 compression and capable of 7000 rpm and you might get more reliable spark power from a high $$$ aftermarket system....but I doubt you would ever need it for your engine.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Lakeland FL
Thanks haters....just kidding.
Here's the issue that I was attacking. I've placed three separate orders for three separate oil pressure sending unit from three suppliers (Auto Zone, Eckler's, and Corvette Central), that fits below the distributor. Each time I've received and returned, until the last. They were all identical so I assumed the one I have left is correct. The male wire slip on connector stuck straight up and is so close that I had to bend the contact 90 degrees and even then it contacts the bottom of the distributor, giving me unreliable results.
I employed a slip on connector with a plastic sheath and that has taken care of what appears to be the unit grounding against the bottom of the distributor.
The Accel distributor is a smaller diameter than the original, giving me all of the clearance I need and the distributor and coil combo, I was able to pick up (brand new) for about $100.
I agree that my thought process is a little askew.
Best regards,
Kirk
Here's the issue that I was attacking. I've placed three separate orders for three separate oil pressure sending unit from three suppliers (Auto Zone, Eckler's, and Corvette Central), that fits below the distributor. Each time I've received and returned, until the last. They were all identical so I assumed the one I have left is correct. The male wire slip on connector stuck straight up and is so close that I had to bend the contact 90 degrees and even then it contacts the bottom of the distributor, giving me unreliable results.
I employed a slip on connector with a plastic sheath and that has taken care of what appears to be the unit grounding against the bottom of the distributor.
The Accel distributor is a smaller diameter than the original, giving me all of the clearance I need and the distributor and coil combo, I was able to pick up (brand new) for about $100.
I agree that my thought process is a little askew.
Best regards,
Kirk
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 7
From: l In
Your oil sending unit is in the wrong place if your car is a 75. The oil sending unit installs in the driver side of the block just above the oil filter. Sounds like Bubba has been at it again.
Last edited by Phil Zell; Dec 18, 2011 at 08:48 AM.
Pro
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From: Lakeland FL
I affectionately call "the Mistress" "Frankenstein's Monster" instead when I run across issues like this. I bought her in Apr' of 2009 from a d-bag that seemed to just 1/2 a$$ solutions for this car.
The engine isn't original....and one of my mods that I have planned is to pull the engine. I have no idea what the origin of the block is or when. If I had known this great tidbit of information when I replaced the oil pump I would have known what I was looking at when I didn't find the sending unit. I'll take another look and if no place for the sending unit in that area is found, I'll move ahead with my conversion.
Each project is a discovery of how the car was mistreated in the past. As I fix each issue I am first frustrated, and then unbelievably satisfied.
Thanks for the information. If I had simply provided the entire picture in my original statement........
Best regards.
Kirk
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,113
From: Crossville TN
Kirk...
One way to get ahead of these types of 'configuration' problems is to purchase a copy of the AIM for your year car (Assembly Instruction Manual). Then, you can scour through all the areas of the intended assembly of the Corvette via the AIM and compare to what you presently have.
Not only will it help to educate you on the original configuration of your car, it will assist you in knowing how to properly disassemble and reassemble the various components when you are planning and/or doing work on it. The AIM and the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual are two invaluable assets to any C3 owner...especially if they are DIY'ers.
One way to get ahead of these types of 'configuration' problems is to purchase a copy of the AIM for your year car (Assembly Instruction Manual). Then, you can scour through all the areas of the intended assembly of the Corvette via the AIM and compare to what you presently have.
Not only will it help to educate you on the original configuration of your car, it will assist you in knowing how to properly disassemble and reassemble the various components when you are planning and/or doing work on it. The AIM and the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual are two invaluable assets to any C3 owner...especially if they are DIY'ers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
If I understand correctly, your oil sending unit is interferring with the bottom of the distributor? I put a 90* elbow on the base of my sending unit to clear the distributor. You can get them at your local hardware/plumbing store.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 215
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From: Lakeland FL
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
Kirk...
One way to get ahead of these types of 'configuration' problems is to purchase a copy of the AIM for your year car (Assembly Instruction Manual). Then, you can scour through all the areas of the intended assembly of the Corvette via the AIM and compare to what you presently have.
Not only will it help to educate you on the original configuration of your car, it will assist you in knowing how to properly disassemble and reassemble the various components when you are planning and/or doing work on it. The AIM and the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual are two invaluable assets to any C3 owner...especially if they are DIY'ers.
One way to get ahead of these types of 'configuration' problems is to purchase a copy of the AIM for your year car (Assembly Instruction Manual). Then, you can scour through all the areas of the intended assembly of the Corvette via the AIM and compare to what you presently have.
Not only will it help to educate you on the original configuration of your car, it will assist you in knowing how to properly disassemble and reassemble the various components when you are planning and/or doing work on it. The AIM and the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual are two invaluable assets to any C3 owner...especially if they are DIY'ers.
The second purchase I made on the day I brought her home was an Assembly Manual. What you suggest is the development of a good habit. Why is it that bad habits are the ones that are easier to recall?
What this brings to the forefront to me is that with this "Frankenstiein's Monster" I have to stop assuming that the previous owner did anything right the first time.
Thanks...
Last edited by kirt8548; Dec 19, 2011 at 02:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 215
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From: Lakeland FL
There is what appears to be a plug just in front of the oil filter that will take a square wrench fitting.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
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From: Pittsburgh PA
You have some options. Personally if MSD makes a "Street Fire" distributor for your year and model then IMO it will give you great service. Go to the Summit site and fill in the information, do a search and check out your options. Jack
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
kirk8548...
Relatively 'new' to C3's, or not, you have mastered the "First Conundrum" of C3 mythology and discovered the "TRUTH":
The only valid assumption, when dealing with a previously owned C3, is to believe that NOTHING is as it should be!
Ergo: When you find something that IS as it was originally configured, you may jump and shout joyously
that it only requires complete replacement; salvaging the lousy repair work will not be needed. {This is akin to the theory of taking your yearly vacations to Cleveland (OH). Your stay will likely be miserable; but the other 50 weeks of the year will be delightful! }
Relatively 'new' to C3's, or not, you have mastered the "First Conundrum" of C3 mythology and discovered the "TRUTH":
The only valid assumption, when dealing with a previously owned C3, is to believe that NOTHING is as it should be!
Ergo: When you find something that IS as it was originally configured, you may jump and shout joyously
that it only requires complete replacement; salvaging the lousy repair work will not be needed. {This is akin to the theory of taking your yearly vacations to Cleveland (OH). Your stay will likely be miserable; but the other 50 weeks of the year will be delightful! }
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
kirk8548...
Relatively 'new' to C3's, or not, you have mastered the "First Conundrum" of C3 mythology and discovered the "TRUTH":
The only valid assumption, when dealing with a previously owned C3, is to believe that NOTHING is as it should be!
Ergo: When you find something that IS as it was originally configured, you may jump and shout joyously that it only requires complete replacement; salvaging the lousy repair work will not be needed. {This is akin to the theory of taking your yearly vacations to Cleveland (OH). Your stay will likely be miserable; but the other 50 weeks of the year will be delightful! }
Relatively 'new' to C3's, or not, you have mastered the "First Conundrum" of C3 mythology and discovered the "TRUTH":
The only valid assumption, when dealing with a previously owned C3, is to believe that NOTHING is as it should be!
Ergo: When you find something that IS as it was originally configured, you may jump and shout joyously
that it only requires complete replacement; salvaging the lousy repair work will not be needed. {This is akin to the theory of taking your yearly vacations to Cleveland (OH). Your stay will likely be miserable; but the other 50 weeks of the year will be delightful! }
