HEI Conversion
 

Since I only know fuel injection and electronic ignition, I'm struggling with getting my 283 / 2bbl / points ignition running smooth. Thinking about swapping to HEI. Is there a complete kit available for this, or what parts should I look for?
Thanks
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Re: HEI Conversion
 

Various manufacturers sell a pigtail to connect to a HEI
Here is classic industries one for $30
Product # CT39694
http://www.classicindustries.com/sho...k/parts/?q=hei

Re: HEI Conversion
 

It's pretty straightforward, This will help. http://chevellestuff.net/tech/hei.htm

Re: HEI Conversion
 

It's the simplest and best upgrade you'll make. Just remember you need a full 12v for HEI; the points ignition uses a resistor to step down the voltage to conserve the points.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

for those that have it how is your clearance with the firewall? My truck came with an HEI in it but it seems super close, I havn't started my truck to see how much it moves around

Re: HEI Conversion
 

C'mon, points are FUN! It's a good skill to learn to set them - but, very true that for a daily driver, it's just hard to beat an HEI, practically maintenance free and no degradation in perf (like as when points burn down). I've not done the conversion to HEI, but I'm gonna follow along and listen in. What I won't do is ever, ever again get a dual points distributor. That pretty much sucked to tune. Stock points or HEI for me. Keep it Simple Stupid (KISS) is how I roll... Or maybe, it's the only way I CAN roll :)

Re: HEI Conversion
 

It is close alright -- mine is a GM HEI from a mid-Seventies Chevy. I had to remove the cap to drop the distributor in, but it has never hit the firewall.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

You could convert your points distributor to electronic. And you wouldn't have to worry about firewall clearance. Google this. PerTronix Ignitor® Solid-State Ignition Systems.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

I have did the conversion on both of my trucks. They make a small HEI distributor and that is what I when with it is great. I got both of my distributor
off of eBay.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

A buddy of mine told me about the pertronix drop in, they did that on an early numbers matching Vette to keep the stock appearance.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

Re: HEI Conversion
 

That pertronix modual replaces the points and you get an adjustable rev limiter all for around $100. Used em for years, no problems.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

https://www.holley.com/products/igni.../parts/59107CK

I'm a Holley dealer, but I don't see a drop in for the stock distributor. I could go this route.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

I just finished converting mr k10 to HEI. It is a tight fit but it's in without bending anything. It runs so much nicer now. I love it!
I also cut open the wire loom over to the firewall block and removed the inline resistor. I installed a whole new wire on to the factory connector. Not too big of a deal, just retaped it and put it back into the loom holder over the top of the firewall.
If you do a quick search, there is a pictorial thread of how to do it.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=737738

I find this helpful when using a hei and a tach

Re: HEI Conversion
 

Found this from Holley

https://www.holley.com/products/igni...s/parts/170072

Re: HEI Conversion
 

My "factory stock" appearing resto runs the Pertronix. As does my other high end resto! So I've had great luck with them.

In the truck the tach reads high at idle sometimes, I think it's the multispark feature of the module.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

That seems like best way to go, I need to pull the dist out and see if it's just plain worn out before I do that tho.
I'm trying to keep it looking like a late 60's custom.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

X2 definitely

Re: HEI Conversion
 

With an HEI you want as much voltage to it as possible. The performance difference from using a fused terminal on the stock fuse box to a direct battery source that sees full alternator output voltage when running is hard to believe. Well worth the little bit of effort to set it up that way from the start.

Getting the power for the HEI from a full battery voltage source supplied 30-amp relay is the way I like to do my conversions. Use the stock resistor wire to actuate the relay. This way it is sure to get power during the start and run cycles of the ignition switch.

I'm going to a pre 68' show next weekend, I don't want to tear into it until after that. I'll update then.
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Re: HEI Conversion
 

that's not a bad price for a HEI hi output

Not sure what my price on it is yet, I'll check tomorrow.
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Re: HEI Conversion
 

Seeing as you plan on driving it.

>>I'm struggling with getting my 283 / 2bbl / points ignition running smooth<<

Have you checked the dwell with a Dwell Meter?

To check for a worn out distributor, check dwell variation while checking mechanical advance and while checking vacuum advance.

Disconnect and plug vacuum line to distributor. With timing light and Dwell Meter connected, rev engine up/down. Timing should advance smoothly and return to base timing, consistently. During this test, dwell should remain steady and not change more than 1-2 degrees.

Connect hand vacuum pump to dist vacuum can. At idle, when vacuum is applied, timing should advance smoothly and return to base timing. During this test, dwell should remain steady and not change more than 1-2 degrees.

Re: HEI Conversion
 

I added a Pertonix distributor to my truck. Now all I have to do is look at the ignition key and it starts...