Ignition question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
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From: Santa Monica CA
Ignition question
I just bought a used ZZ4 engine which came with an MSD 6A module and Blaster coil. An HEI distributor was supposed to be shipped with the engine, but the guy forgot to include it. 
Currently I've got the stock distributor in my '73.
I know next to nothing about ignition components, so is the HEI distributor something I need for this engine or can I use my stock? I figure that there's a reason it's sold with the ZZ4 in the first place. The engine will be approaching 400 hp once all the parts are on.
Currently I've got the stock distributor in my '73.I know next to nothing about ignition components, so is the HEI distributor something I need for this engine or can I use my stock? I figure that there's a reason it's sold with the ZZ4 in the first place. The engine will be approaching 400 hp once all the parts are on.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
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From: Santa Monica CA
Thanks for the reply! That's exactly the kind of stuff I need to know... 
The engine is in my garage, out of the car, and I'm planning to install it this winter. So do I need to switch distributors or just the distributor gear?
The engine is in my garage, out of the car, and I'm planning to install it this winter. So do I need to switch distributors or just the distributor gear?
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad CA
Found this on a GM site
Your sig caught my eye, and since I have considered a ZZ4, I looked into your question. I found this on a ZZ4 page:
Technical Notes:
Carburetor, spark plug wires, starter, oil filter and oil filter
adapter, and exhaust manifolds not included. Distributor P/N 1104067 or melonized distributor gear P/N 10456413 must be used on all crate
engines with steel camshafts.
Looks to me like you can just buy the melonized (a type of hardening) gear and go with your stock distributor. I just swapped my stock '74 distributor for a MSD, so let me know if you need one. I'm right around the corner in Brentwood.
Bob B.
Technical Notes:
Carburetor, spark plug wires, starter, oil filter and oil filter
adapter, and exhaust manifolds not included. Distributor P/N 1104067 or melonized distributor gear P/N 10456413 must be used on all crate
engines with steel camshafts.
Looks to me like you can just buy the melonized (a type of hardening) gear and go with your stock distributor. I just swapped my stock '74 distributor for a MSD, so let me know if you need one. I'm right around the corner in Brentwood.
Bob B.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica CA
Thanks Bob. I'll call the guy tonight and ask him to ship me the distributor. Seems like an HEI has advantages over a stock distributor anyway, so I might as well ask him for it.
I might see you at the local race track - San Vincente
Dave
I might see you at the local race track - San Vincente
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by thebruce
Your sig caught my eye, and since I have considered a ZZ4, I looked into your question. I found this on a ZZ4 page:
Technical Notes:
Carburetor, spark plug wires, starter, oil filter and oil filter
adapter, and exhaust manifolds not included. Distributor P/N 1104067 or melonized distributor gear P/N 10456413 must be used on all crate
engines with steel camshafts.
Looks to me like you can just buy the melonized (a type of hardening) gear and go with your stock distributor. I just swapped my stock '74 distributor for a MSD, so let me know if you need one. I'm right around the corner in Brentwood.
Bob B.
Technical Notes:
Carburetor, spark plug wires, starter, oil filter and oil filter
adapter, and exhaust manifolds not included. Distributor P/N 1104067 or melonized distributor gear P/N 10456413 must be used on all crate
engines with steel camshafts.
Looks to me like you can just buy the melonized (a type of hardening) gear and go with your stock distributor. I just swapped my stock '74 distributor for a MSD, so let me know if you need one. I'm right around the corner in Brentwood.
Bob B.
, if you think about it a roller cam does not need to be as hard since the tappets roll across it while a flat tappet drags a across the cam which would require a much hard surface to withstand this. Bronze gears are compatible with roller cams and bronze is def a soft metal. 
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad CA
Originally Posted by humiliategravity
I might see you at the local race track - San Vincente
Dave
Dave
I'll be in the white '74 roadster. It's easy to spot-- seems like every other time I hit the road it decides to do a Blue Angels airshow impression and dumps a bunch of white (or blue) smoke after I get into it. I've had everything from power steering fluid to coolant to oil spray onto the headers at full throttle.
