HEI Distributor - Too Tall
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 52
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From: Richmond, VA area
HEI Distributor - Too Tall
I have just installed an electronic distributor in my 1971 ls5 to compliment a FiTech EFI system. The distributor with cap and wires installed (HEI) sit quite a bit higher than my original cable drive points distributor. I removed the plastic plug wires retainer and tried installing the distributor cover again and it still won't fit. Any suggestions how I can use the cover with the new, taller distributor? Is there some combination of HEI wires/boots that will work?
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perhaps get the chrome covers for a 76 or 77? look much the same and definitely fit over the HEI.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,248
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Or perhaps extend your side brackets upwards a bit?
Last edited by 4-vettes; May 16, 2021 at 08:28 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 52
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From: Richmond, VA area
Since the plastic wire retaining cap won't be used, how about carefully trimming the pointed top off the distributor boots? I don't know if cutting off the boot top will expose the plug wire or clip. Anyone tried?
Sorry, I wasn't very clear. The plastic retainer has two screws that holds the wire boots onto the distributor cap. If I can get the older style boots or trimming off the top of the HEI wire boot, the chrome cover will fit so tight that it will hold the distributor boots in place ...... if this makes sense.
Bob
Sorry, I wasn't very clear. The plastic retainer has two screws that holds the wire boots onto the distributor cap. If I can get the older style boots or trimming off the top of the HEI wire boot, the chrome cover will fit so tight that it will hold the distributor boots in place ...... if this makes sense.
Bob
Last edited by armstrrw; May 22, 2021 at 04:42 PM. Reason: unclear description
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,248
Likes: 7,839
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Sounds like it would work to me. I'd try trimming. if you goof em up, then plan B. buy wires without the tops on the distributor cap end.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,248
Likes: 7,839
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
or maybe just cause they look nice.
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