HEI ignition or something else\better??

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Aug 28, 2007 | 06:36 PM

rickeolis

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Instructor

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 131

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From: Albuquerque New Mexico

HEI ignition or something else\better??

I'm dropping in a rebuilt 350 small-block which will be carbureted, and I'm looking for the best way to go with an ignition. I have the stock points style small diameter distributor, but am wondering if I should replace it with a GM HEI, or full blown aftermarket setup like MSD or Mallory?
I plan to race it on the road courses locally.

-Rick-

Aug 28, 2007 | 07:01 PM

69427

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.

The HEI system will require less maintenance than points, while also supplying more energy to the plugs. There's several other threads which discuss the selling points and reliability issues of some of the aftermarket systems.
I'm using an HEI system in my big block. I use it for a lot of road couse track days. I'm completely happy with the cost and performance of this system.

Aug 28, 2007 | 08:07 PM

Matt Cramer

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 230

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From: Covington GA

I'd say go with an HEI module - less maintenance, low price, hot enough for a naturally aspirated smallblock if you don't go crazy with the RPM or compression ratio. I actually put a HEI on a Mopar slant six once.

I'm not sure a typical street motor really needs a CDI type ignition. If you'd started this post with, "Now that I've got the bugs sorted out of my twin turbo setup..." that might be another story.

Aug 28, 2007 | 08:52 PM

emo-vet

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From: the best car on earth ,vettes are best

hi guys,
i decided to buy msd equipment for my 8 throttle body cross ram intake for my 1991 vette.
i brought msd #8366 small cap dist and msd PRO coil 55,000 volt= 800 mA of spark current & one of the largest power single coils available #8201.
then i brought from Jims performance the tpi wring conversion harneses to suit and convert.
regards
shae

Last edited by emo-vet; Aug 29, 2007 at 01:45 AM.

Aug 28, 2007 | 10:38 PM

69427

Tech Contributor

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 20,910

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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emo-vet

hi guys,
i decided to buy msd equipment for my 8 throttle body cross ram intake for my 1991 vette.
i brought msd #8366 small cap dist and msd PRO coil 55,000 volt,one of the largest power single coils available #8201.
then i brought from Jims performance the tpi wring conversion harneses to suit and convert.
regards
shae

Just FYI, please beware of marketing hype. (Dielectric breakdown) voltage is not power. And, what you are looking for is energy out of the coil, not "power".
Ignition 101