I installed a new 290 HP 350 engine in my 77 Corvette. The distributor I had in the old engine was a HEI. I'd like to install a new distributor because everything else is new. I don't know if I want to use a mechanical advance or stick with using a vacuum advance. A distributor using vacuum advance supposedly allows better mileage and drivability verses the mechanical advance. I have a line on a new MSD Street Fire 8362 distributor. But I'm not familiar enough with this to say I want it?

All I want is dependability and ease of set-up. Not a bunch of adjustments. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks,
White One

 

You want a distributor that has both, just like your old HEI.

 

I would urge you to have Lars on this forum rebuild and recurve your stock hei! That 8362 is made in China of I am not mistaken. If you want to go to points am sure Lars would build you a points distributor too!

 

Dont use the Msd you dont need it (I have one), a good HEI is all you need in most cases.
Lots of nitrous, boost etc may require something more. With these 02 sensor systems out today its easy to see where youre at (if youre not a plug reader)so you arent lean or pig rich leading one to think they "need an MSD" or fancy coil to avoid fouling plugs.
Those GM crates usually come wiht a carb thats already calibrated for that exact motor.

 

I run the MSD StreetFire 8362. No issues. I like the extra thick cap that some dizzys do not have. As far as china parts? Maybe. IDK I don't care, it works and works well.

I will be switching out the Vac Can to a adjustable one due to the lower vacuum / more duration cam.

Whatever dizzy you end up with, buy an spare module, keep it and the necessary tools needed in one of the rear compartments just in case.

 

 

If your HEI is ok just use it. And you want both Vacuum and Mechanical advance when you decide to replace it. I would not replace the HEI if it's fine.

 

Adjustable vacuum cans only adjust the amount of advance, and do zero to adjust for low vacuum.

 

Well yes and no. If the canister is designed for 12" of vacuum and you only have 9 available . . . . . . . .

 

You can buy a rebuilt HEI from Rock for $90.
You can buy a new one from Summit for $200
Either will need tweaking for optimum performance

You can buy a new one from DUI for $325.00, and they will set it up for you.

The MSD Chinese unit has too long a curve, and needs work.

 

Then I would use a VC-1703 and your done.

 

OE 77 HEI is best bet.

Have Someone freshen & tweak it.

Either try it yourself send it out to Lars etc.

 

If you don't want the HEI (and I'd suggest getting a ZZ4 take-off, and tuning it according to Lars' instructions, if you do), buy a distributor that you can later use to support electronic control via EFI, should you go that route.

 

When I ordered the engine, The sales guy at GM Performance wanted to include the valve covers timing chain cover distributor and air cleaner with it. I didn't want nor did I need that stuff because I already had a nice intake, air cleaner, tall aluminum valve covers and Holley 650 carb. I opted for the long block only. My original distributor, I was going to use in this engine? The only weak link in the chain is the distributor! Being it's 42 years old this year? I thought it may be wise to install a new one.

I'll weigh my options and come up with a plan of some kind? But I do appreciate you and the others advice, options, and ideas!

Thanks again,
White One

 

This is a stock assembly for a Street Fire out of the box. Notice 22* ? That is 44* crank degrees.

 

Do you use the vacuum advance? Or would you use the mechanical advance? If you are familiar with the 8362? Have you changed any of the settings inside of the 8362?
Just questions I have so I can make an informed decision on what to use. I appreciate your input and advice.

Thanks!

 

Money spent by throwing parts at anything is what I'm trying to avoid . Through the years I've found it advantageous to ask informed knowledgeable people their opinions about a subject before diving in and making bad decisions. I appreciate you all giving me the pros and cons of different distributors. Which in turn saves me time, money and aggravation!

This is a learning curve for me. The biggest mistake I've made is considering distributors old technology. As with anything else, technology advances to keep up with older engines. Some of this new stuff is better! But, as with a mousetrap. There are some new designs and technology that don't improve the original design and need? This is where I am right now! In this day of computers, crank triggers, coil packs, sensors and so on, I'm trying to wrap my head around all of this because dealing with a seemingly simple distributor is an area I've been away from for a long time. Too Long!

However, I did opt to buy a new timing light (spending money on tools is never wasteful) At least that's what I tell my wife. I ordered a new Innova digital timing light that should be in this week. I had already added a new cap, rotor, and wires for my original HEI distributor right before I decided to replace the engine and transmission.

Again, Thanks for the help and advice!

 

I started playing with it this summer, but am shut down for now. I am ;looking at two solutions, but need to try some things first.

You NEED a mechanical AND a vacuum advance for a street driven car.

 

Thanks again!

 

Part of my confusion came when reading the info that came with the engine on start up and timing. It gave info on how to set the timing which was the same way it was done long ago by making sure no vacuum advance hose was hooked to the carburetor. The confusion came in when the provided info stated once timing was set, there was no need to hook a vacuum advance up as this engine was built to use the mechanical advance?

To make sure I was understanding the info on the engine Spec sheet? I called the number and spoke to the GM Rep who's name was provided as a contact point. When I asked him about the vacuum advance not being used after setting the timing, he said it was not needed. No answers or explanation as to why this was? Just it wasn't needed. I guess as I've gotten older I've become **** in trying to get things done the way it was designed? But years of living experience leads me down the road to ask questions if you believe something doesn't seem to be quite right!

You all are helping me get through this!

THANKS!!