HEI distributor worth upgrading?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 297
From: Slovenia, EU
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
HEI distributor worth upgrading?
Hi!
Is it worth upgrading stock 1971 Corvette with 350cui and 270bhp with HEI distributor?
Will it give any benefits?
I'm looking at this from my beloved supplier:
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...i-w-tach-drive
Is it worth upgrading stock 1971 Corvette with 350cui and 270bhp with HEI distributor?
Will it give any benefits?
I'm looking at this from my beloved supplier:
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...i-w-tach-drive
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,700
Likes: 3,468
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
It depends really. I have had no issue setting up points and having the car run fine. Some people think the HEI is easier and more efficient. I personally wouldn't spend the money unless the stock unit was broken or going to cost a lot to repair, especially on a stock engine where you probably won't notice much of a difference.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I would use a Ready to Run MSD or Mallory. There are a few reasons for this....but the main two reasons are the physical size of a HEI....and the fact that they are not conducive to setting up a nice advance curve unless the weights are modified.
There is nothing wrong with a HEI unit.....I just do not like them.
There is nothing wrong with points either.....unless you leave the key on and the contacts are closed
An electronic ignition tends to start easier and run crisper.....especially with a Spark Box......but points work remarkably well....and you will see zero actual power gain.
Jebby
There is nothing wrong with a HEI unit.....I just do not like them.
There is nothing wrong with points either.....unless you leave the key on and the contacts are closed
An electronic ignition tends to start easier and run crisper.....especially with a Spark Box......but points work remarkably well....and you will see zero actual power gain.
Jebby
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 188
From: Wabasha Mn
If you have a lot of miles on your stock distributor and are having problems with it I would find someone to rebuild and recurve it. The distributor you are looking at is most likely built in china.....some have marginal modules in them. I always think the hei big heads look out of place in a classic c3 like yours!!
Last edited by wilcar; Mar 3, 2016 at 07:53 PM. Reason: more info
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,351
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
If you like tuning and understand how points distributors work then keep it. If that's not your thing switch to an HEI. But I wouldnt trust one of the cheap ones as mentioned above....
I asked the local speed shop about getting my points distributor recurved, they dont have a machine and dont know anyone that does. He says, most people do it by feel. Whatever.
I asked the local speed shop about getting my points distributor recurved, they dont have a machine and dont know anyone that does. He says, most people do it by feel. Whatever.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
Quality HEI Modules Are A MUST
HEI's are great as long as you have a quality module in them. The cheap Chinese-made modules will quit at the worst possible time so only buy quality American-made modules like AC Delco or Standard Motor Products.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Not if you don't mind checking/cleaning/adjusting points and replacing them every 10,000 miles or so with GOOD QUALITY points and condensor.
But, if you want maintenance free timing, HEI is a good choice. Or you can install an electronic ignition module in your points dizzy.
But, if you want maintenance free timing, HEI is a good choice. Or you can install an electronic ignition module in your points dizzy.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 6
From: Hessen
I have this one in my 200hp base engine...
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/sum-850001-t
The main difference is better starting and better throttle response... and I would think that low rpm torque feels a little stronger... and fuel consumption seems to be a little lower. However, very important... you will also have to upgrade with the required spark plugs and spark plug wires!
However, I would definitely recommend a distributor from a well known manufacturer and no "aftermarket crap"... because from a cheap one you will not get the benefits... and in the end might buy the expensive one afterwards anyway!
Cheers...
René
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/sum-850001-t
The main difference is better starting and better throttle response... and I would think that low rpm torque feels a little stronger... and fuel consumption seems to be a little lower. However, very important... you will also have to upgrade with the required spark plugs and spark plug wires!
However, I would definitely recommend a distributor from a well known manufacturer and no "aftermarket crap"... because from a cheap one you will not get the benefits... and in the end might buy the expensive one afterwards anyway!
Cheers...
René
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Go to your local parts store and buy a 1975 GM HEI...Its a one wire
distributor....The GM distributors are as good as they get....not fancy but you cant buy any better,
much cheaper also...
The brand we sold is A`1 Cardone.
.
distributor....The GM distributors are as good as they get....not fancy but you cant buy any better,
much cheaper also...
The brand we sold is A`1 Cardone.
.
Last edited by Ironcross; Mar 7, 2016 at 08:57 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 126
Likes: 11
From: Tulsa
In my opinion to keep it stock looking I would go with a Petronix drop in complete distributor. They have the small style cap similar to the '72. I was in the same position last year, buying a distributor set-up for a '69, took a TPI set-up out w/HEI & decided to keep a electronic ignition.
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-...FQocHwod3GIDww
Just looks better than the fat cap of an HEI
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-...FQocHwod3GIDww
Just looks better than the fat cap of an HEI
Last edited by grancuda; Mar 7, 2016 at 09:31 PM. Reason: Added pic
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 163
Likes: 2
I just installed a after market hei with tach drive in my 72. I have the dual snorkel air cleaner on it . I installed it in about a half hr.. ran one wire from the fuse box on the ignition post. it cranked right up and I set the timing..