HEI conversion on 1972
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis Minnesota
HEI conversion on 1972
Going to do an HEI conversion on my '72. Base 350/200 engine. Wondering if there will be any clearance issues with the stock dual snorkel air cleaner. I've read differing opinions.
Any preferences on brand/model? From what I've read, there's a lot of crap out there.
I did some reading and wanted to confirm I'm reading this right; if I get a tach-drive HEI distributor, it will work with my mechanical cable-driven tachometer, correct? My tach cable is broken, so I'd need to get that fixed as well.
Any preferences on brand/model? From what I've read, there's a lot of crap out there.
I did some reading and wanted to confirm I'm reading this right; if I get a tach-drive HEI distributor, it will work with my mechanical cable-driven tachometer, correct? My tach cable is broken, so I'd need to get that fixed as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You can install a GM HEI distributor...but you won't be able to re-install the chrome shielding around the distributor. Not enough room for HEI unit and '72 shielding.
You CAN install a Pertronix or other aftermarket electronic ignition module in your existing distributor and achieve the same results. Then, you can still put the chrome shielding back on the engine.
I take it, you don't do "points"...
You CAN install a Pertronix or other aftermarket electronic ignition module in your existing distributor and achieve the same results. Then, you can still put the chrome shielding back on the engine.
I take it, you don't do "points"...
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jul 11, 2016 at 08:34 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
Look at Performance Distributors. The Chevy HEI with tach drive is $319. It is a little pricey compared to the ebay stuff but is an excellent quality piece. I've been pleased with mine.
http://performancedistributors.com/p...reetstrip-dui/
http://performancedistributors.com/p...reetstrip-dui/
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I love old school but some upgrades I do embrace the HEI is one, on my 69 which is modded so I do not care about things like the shielding or air cleaners, I bought the ebay tach drive hei dizzy for about 100.00 it worked flawlessly,
At the time they didn't offer the small cap hei's but if I was to do it again I would score the small cap tach drive hei, it will look old school and work new school....
At the time they didn't offer the small cap hei's but if I was to do it again I would score the small cap tach drive hei, it will look old school and work new school....
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 1,121
From: North tonawanda NY
I bought mine on ebay 3 years ago for $60... Its actually a pretty nice piece and I have found at least in my experience that they are not inferior to the indentical ones with the big brand names at 6 times the price which is crazy considering they all come from china. There is nothing that can justify the cost that some of these companies ask.
After so many years of manufacturing for the name brand company that contracted them its not unusual for the manufactuers to start selling their own clone version for less happens with everything these days.
years ago I believe the early clones were hit or miss but that doesnt seem to be the case now.
I did replace my springs for a combination that came alive at lower rpms which took all of 5 minutes and $6 for the kit.
The tach drive model is what you need.
After so many years of manufacturing for the name brand company that contracted them its not unusual for the manufactuers to start selling their own clone version for less happens with everything these days.
years ago I believe the early clones were hit or miss but that doesnt seem to be the case now.
I did replace my springs for a combination that came alive at lower rpms which took all of 5 minutes and $6 for the kit.
The tach drive model is what you need.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Jul 13, 2016 at 07:59 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
I try to buy American whenever possible unfortunately that is getting more and more difficult. This is what I will be putting on my car.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CORVETTE-TACH-DRIVE-HEI-Distributor-RED-SPARK-PLUG-WIRES-under-Exhaust-manifol-/200941757896?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368At least the wires are made in the USA.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ach-drive.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CORVETTE-TACH-DRIVE-HEI-Distributor-RED-SPARK-PLUG-WIRES-under-Exhaust-manifol-/200941757896?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368At least the wires are made in the USA.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ach-drive.html
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,634
From: Draper Utah
I installed the Lectric Limited Breakerless Ignition in my 70. There are no extra wires to run with this system as it basically just takes the place of your points.
http://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless_se.htm
The entire system installs in about 15 minutes and best of all it requires no modifications to your car. The car can easily be converted back to points at any time. The only down side is the system costs a little more than the Pertronix but if your time is worth anything you have quickly made up the difference.
http://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless_se.htm
The entire system installs in about 15 minutes and best of all it requires no modifications to your car. The car can easily be converted back to points at any time. The only down side is the system costs a little more than the Pertronix but if your time is worth anything you have quickly made up the difference.
Last edited by Iceaxe; Jul 13, 2016 at 04:41 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
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
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,264
Likes: 1,678
From: Long Island
I installed the Heli in my 71,
you can use the chrome cover from a 75 which had a Heli Distributor.
The stock LT1 air cleaner cover fits, the dual may not .
This is with a 14" air cleaner. Drop base -3" tall.
you can use the chrome cover from a 75 which had a Heli Distributor.
The stock LT1 air cleaner cover fits, the dual may not .
This is with a 14" air cleaner. Drop base -3" tall.
Last edited by BLUE1972; Jul 14, 2016 at 10:58 PM. Reason: spell
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 1,121
From: North tonawanda NY
I installed the Lectric Limited Breakerless Ignition in my 70. There are no extra wires to run with this system as it basically just takes the place of your points.
http://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless_se.htm
The entire system installs in about 15 minutes and best of all it requires no modifications to your car. The car can easily be converted back to points at any time. The only down side is the system costs a little more than the Pertronix but if your time is worth anything you have quickly made up the difference.
http://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless_se.htm
The entire system installs in about 15 minutes and best of all it requires no modifications to your car. The car can easily be converted back to points at any time. The only down side is the system costs a little more than the Pertronix but if your time is worth anything you have quickly made up the difference.
It also doesnt give you things like the performance curve or adjustable vacuum advance can that come on the aftermarket hei setups, plus your still using the old oil filled coil which is fine until you have to replace it with one of the new ones which ALL come from china now or you have to search out an old stock oem one...
Last edited by augiedoggy; Jul 15, 2016 at 07:44 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
where theres a will
Going to do an HEI conversion on my '72. Base 350/200 engine. Wondering if there will be any clearance issues with the stock dual snorkel air cleaner. I've read differing opinions.
Any preferences on brand/model? From what I've read, there's a lot of crap out there.
I did some reading and wanted to confirm I'm reading this right; if I get a tach-drive HEI distributor, it will work with my mechanical cable-driven tachometer, correct? My tach cable is broken, so I'd need to get that fixed as well.
Any preferences on brand/model? From what I've read, there's a lot of crap out there.
I did some reading and wanted to confirm I'm reading this right; if I get a tach-drive HEI distributor, it will work with my mechanical cable-driven tachometer, correct? My tach cable is broken, so I'd need to get that fixed as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 1,121
From: North tonawanda NY
If I remember correctly the L82 and l48 came with different distributors due to a different performance curve. Its something I read in a book but never see mentioned here.(They were actually different for different years as well) .. Just pointing out that a pertronix points elimination module like what came on my l48 when I bought it did not do anything for performance but make the stock distributor more reliable than the points. they would still perform the same as they would with points or if they were in the station wagons and other cars they came with.
As others DO mention here often the performance curve on the distributor can make a big difference in how the car performs.
As others DO mention here often the performance curve on the distributor can make a big difference in how the car performs.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Jul 20, 2016 at 07:35 AM.