Replacing HEI with original style distributor
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 108
From: Phoenix, AZ
Replacing HEI with original style distributor
In another thread, I shared pictures of the damage to my HEI and the need for a new distributor on my 1969, 350 L-46, 4 speed. Because my goal is to keep the engine's appearance as original as possible, I made a purchase to reflect that aim.
Reading through other threads, my questions concern the installation of the new distributor and setting the dwell and timing. From the questions below, you can see the gaps in my understanding.
Questions: The HEI dizzy was removed.
1. Bump start the engine to set cylinder #1 at TDC on the compression stroke. Correct?
2. Install the distributor.
3. Align the rotor to the #1 plug as it oriented on the distributor cap, correct?
4. Attach the coil wires, plug wires. (I have more questions about the coil wires, but there is enough help on this amazing forum to figure that out.)
5. Set dwell to _____ degrees.
6. Adjust timing, ideally at 2800 RPMs.
All ideas welcomed and appreciated.
Reading through other threads, my questions concern the installation of the new distributor and setting the dwell and timing. From the questions below, you can see the gaps in my understanding.
Questions: The HEI dizzy was removed.
1. Bump start the engine to set cylinder #1 at TDC on the compression stroke. Correct?
2. Install the distributor.
3. Align the rotor to the #1 plug as it oriented on the distributor cap, correct?
4. Attach the coil wires, plug wires. (I have more questions about the coil wires, but there is enough help on this amazing forum to figure that out.)
5. Set dwell to _____ degrees.
6. Adjust timing, ideally at 2800 RPMs.
All ideas welcomed and appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
In another thread, I shared pictures of the damage to my HEI and the need for a new distributor on my 1969, 350 L-46, 4 speed. Because my goal is to keep the engine's appearance as original as possible, I made a purchase to reflect that aim.
Reading through other threads, my questions concern the installation of the new distributor and setting the dwell and timing. From the questions below, you can see the gaps in my understanding.
Questions: The HEI dizzy was removed.
1. Bump start the engine to set cylinder #1 at TDC on the compression stroke. Correct?
Remove # 1 spark plug, use your finger or a compression tester to get The compression stroke, then you can turn the engine to align the timing marks if desired.
2. Install the distributor.
3. Align the rotor to the #1 plug as it oriented on the distributor cap, correct?
Point the rotor to the left front. Set the distributor in, then rotate the engine to align the oil pump shaft so it seats. (remember where the rotor was pointing)
4. Attach the coil wires, plug wires. (I have more questions about the coil wires, but there is enough help on this amazing forum to figure that out.)
5. Set dwell to _____ degrees.
30
6. Adjust timing, ideally at 2800 RPMs.
All ideas welcomed and appreciated.
Reading through other threads, my questions concern the installation of the new distributor and setting the dwell and timing. From the questions below, you can see the gaps in my understanding.
Questions: The HEI dizzy was removed.
1. Bump start the engine to set cylinder #1 at TDC on the compression stroke. Correct?
Remove # 1 spark plug, use your finger or a compression tester to get The compression stroke, then you can turn the engine to align the timing marks if desired.
2. Install the distributor.
3. Align the rotor to the #1 plug as it oriented on the distributor cap, correct?
Point the rotor to the left front. Set the distributor in, then rotate the engine to align the oil pump shaft so it seats. (remember where the rotor was pointing)
4. Attach the coil wires, plug wires. (I have more questions about the coil wires, but there is enough help on this amazing forum to figure that out.)
5. Set dwell to _____ degrees.
30
6. Adjust timing, ideally at 2800 RPMs.
All ideas welcomed and appreciated.
There's a single wire from the distributor to the coil(-), and then 2 wires from the harness to the coil (+). One from the starter and one is the resistor wire that is powered with the key on.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 108
From: Phoenix, AZ
That's pretty much it. Alternate ways to get it to #1 firing position. One way is above.
There's a single wire from the distributor to the coil(-), and then 2 wires from the harness to the coil (+). One from the starter and one is the resistor wire that is powered with the key on.
There's a single wire from the distributor to the coil(-), and then 2 wires from the harness to the coil (+). One from the starter and one is the resistor wire that is powered with the key on.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 108
From: Phoenix, AZ
Conversion completed
My one goof on the conversion was not setting the #1 plug to the correct tower--per GM spec. For another day and then I will buy correct plug wires--these came with the box of parts. Following that job it will be rewrapping the other wiring.
Dwell set to 30 degrees, and I'll borrow a timing light next weekend. Runs fabulous! Idle through WOT
I love the original look even though it is supposed to be hidden under the ignition shielding.
Dwell set to 30 degrees, and I'll borrow a timing light next weekend. Runs fabulous! Idle through WOT
I love the original look even though it is supposed to be hidden under the ignition shielding.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
I did the same thing last April on my 71. Ditched the aftermarket HEI and found a good deal on a rebuilt original with points. Also ditched the after market carb and valve covers. Working toward getting it back to a little more the way it came out of the box. I have been inspired by some cars that I have seen here.
