HEI Distributor opinions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
HEI Distributor opinions
So I may be looking into a distributor for my (90)L98.
I have the stock ACdelco in there now, but just wanted to see if there are ways to save money with moderate output of a new one.
Should I just replace the coil or get a different HEI distributor?
Are there distributors that give out "harder sparks" in certain RPM's?
MSD and DUI seem to be the most popular for distributors, as far as what I read.
With my vette being over 20 years old, is it a good idea to have a performance distributor?
Thank you again guys
I have the stock ACdelco in there now, but just wanted to see if there are ways to save money with moderate output of a new one.
Should I just replace the coil or get a different HEI distributor?
Are there distributors that give out "harder sparks" in certain RPM's?
MSD and DUI seem to be the most popular for distributors, as far as what I read.
With my vette being over 20 years old, is it a good idea to have a performance distributor?
Thank you again guys
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
So I may be looking into a distributor for my (90)L98.
I have the stock ACdelco in there now, but just wanted to see if there are ways to save money with moderate output of a new one.
Should I just replace the coil or get a different HEI distributor?
Are there distributors that give out "harder sparks" in certain RPM's?
MSD and DUI seem to be the most popular for distributors, as far as what I read.
With my vette being over 20 years old, is it a good idea to have a performance distributor?
Thank you again guys
I have the stock ACdelco in there now, but just wanted to see if there are ways to save money with moderate output of a new one.
Should I just replace the coil or get a different HEI distributor?
Are there distributors that give out "harder sparks" in certain RPM's?
MSD and DUI seem to be the most popular for distributors, as far as what I read.
With my vette being over 20 years old, is it a good idea to have a performance distributor?
Thank you again guys
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
I have a DUI. But honestly if there's nothing wrong with the stock distributor a new one isn't going to give any better performance. In my opinion, the higher output coils from DUI really don't make any difference over stock. You may be able to run a little larger spark plug gap.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
A local performance/speed shop had new small cap dist for sale, complete, ready to drop in for $80 a few months ago. The only real reason to change one is when the original fails from bad bushings or a damaged drive gear.. If its ok there is little point in rushing to the distributor store.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
And guess what?..DUI uses the exact same distributor that's in you car from the factory, a "Delco Remy"..I have a DUI in my 89 now so I know what Im talking about. The only thing Davis Unified Ignition does is put there own cap, coil and Icm on the distributor to make it there own..If you want a new distributor go to Advance auto, buy a Delco Remy rebuilt distributor housing for $35.00 , put your own Accel Cap, Accel Coil, and Accel ICM on the thing and you have a high performance distributor for just over half the money DUI wants for theirs...WW
Last edited by WW7; Jan 19, 2013 at 10:33 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 788
Likes: 100
From: Indianapolis IN
Two of the "tricks" that are supposed to make a slight - but noticable differance are (the 1st was just mentioned here) ; 1st - opening up your plug gap to .060, which accomplishing this by cutting back the electrode would be the better way, and 2nd - wiring the distributor off of a lead of the alternator for a direct 14V ( there is a slick diagram of this on one of the magazine tech boards written by a member of The Brotherhood of Street Racers).
There is positive mention of the wider plug gap in Grumpy Jenkins book.
If you distributor is high mileage check for excessive wear 'n play.
There is positive mention of the wider plug gap in Grumpy Jenkins book.
If you distributor is high mileage check for excessive wear 'n play.
Last edited by 68post; Jan 19, 2013 at 10:57 PM. Reason: no Y
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
The high-energy ignitions in our C4 isn't one of the things really needing an upgrade. As mentioned, go to Advanced, O'Reilly's, etc...and pickup a rebuilt -- if you need one. (Or you can put a new bushing/gear/module) in your existing unit.
Aftermarket doesn't "have anything on" the OEM units.
Aftermarket doesn't "have anything on" the OEM units.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
If you need a humungo spark to get a stock car to run there are problems elsewhere.
You know theres 0 power gain from a points dist to electronic? whats that tell you?
You know theres 0 power gain from a points dist to electronic? whats that tell you?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: state of insanity
to a point(no pun intended)the advantage of electronic ignitions over the old points is obvious. elec. ign. eliminates point bounce to give a more constant spark to all cylinders at higher rpm,above 4500.the other is you maintain a constant dwell,points wear out. unless the shaft bushing in your dist are worn leave it alone.i've used an oem hei to 8000 and no problems.
Cruising
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Normal IL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
Been some time since factory point systems were used. 12v point systems need a ballast resistor between the ignition feed & coil or a resistance coil in order to keep the points from burning up. The ballast resistor or resistor coil knocked coil operating voltage down to approximately 7V = weaker spark than an electronic distributor which allows the coil to operate @ charging system voltage +/- 14v.