HEI swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Longhorn Man · 11-22-2001, 06:24 PM

A REAL EASY, CHEAP, AND PRACTICAL UPGRADE YOU CAN DO TO ANY OLDER G.M. VEHICLE, WOULD BE TO DROP IN AN H.E.I. DISTRIBUTOR OUT OF A MID TO LATE '70'S CHEVY.
IT'S A STRAIGHT FORWARD SWAP, THAT IS ALMOST AS EASY AS PULLING THE OLD AND DROPPING IN THE NEW. ABOUT THE ONLY THING TO REMEMBER WHEN DOING THIS, IS THAT IN ORDER FOR THE H.E.I. TO WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NEED FULL SYSTEM VOLTAGE. THE WIRE GOING TO YOUR COIL WILL NOT SUPPORT THIS KIND OF LOAD. THE BEST WAY TO DO THIS, IS TO PLUG THE HEI FEED WIRE INTO THE IGN. UN FUSED LOCATION ON YOUR FUSE BOX, AND RUN THE NEW WIRE OUT TO THE DISTRIBUTOR. WHILE DOING THIS, THE YELLOW WIRE GOING TO THE STARTER CAN BE DELETED ALSO. THE 2 WIRES CAN BE SNIPPED, OR TAPED AND TUCKED AWAY.
ONE OTHER THING TO REMEMBER WHEN DOING THIS, IS YOU WILL NEED A NEW SET OF PLUG WIRES. FOR A FEW BUCKS MORE, YOU CAN HAVE HIGH QUALITY WIRES THAT WILL GET ALL OF THE NEW FOUND POWER TO YOUR PLUGS.
FOR A LITTLE MORE POWER AND ECONOMY, PUT IN A HOTTER COIL AND AN AFTER MARKET ADVANCE KIT.
THIS EASY MODIFICATION WILL REWARD YOU WITH EASIER STARTING, BETTER GAS ECONOMY, AND LONGER PLUG LIFE. NOT TO MENTION THAT YOU'LL NEVER HAVE TO MESS WITH THE POINTS SYSTEM AGAIN.

------------------
The hot rod;
a'69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350 W/a heluva cam and nice stance. Still a beater though. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man...a real bummer. See it at http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/

I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Check out my Longhorn site at http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/8752/
IM me on Yahoo pager...cockroach93.
hey, stop laughing!!!

**Yukon Jack** · 03-29-2002, 08:30 AM

To keep info on HEI in an easy to find spot I'm adding this info posted by members regarding HEI.

bigjimzlll: I bought a proform HEI..its a hi performance..higher volt coil..better advance curve..low saturation module..they cost about a 150.00 ..thats a brand new bolt in set up...its a simple install...just run a #10 wire from the unfused ignition terminal on your on your fuse block to the HEI..do away with the resistor and wire from your starter to the old distributor..and new plug wires.

Fast68Chevy: any HEi distributor on any chevy V8 without the extra 4 pin flat wiring plug will work, make sure it has the vacuum advance diapragm on it(not ESC controlled in some of the 81-up vehicles such as camaros firebirds pickups, etc) caprices and impalas and such didnt have that stuff tht Ive ever seen.

Run new feed wire form instrument panel fromt he ign unfused port, and use inline fuse, and do away with the old white wire that goes to + on the coil and also do away with the yellow wire thjat goes to + on coil and goes from there to R on the starter solenoid.

Project1970: Everyone else already got it as far as the install (just in case - you need new wires, of course) but as for what to expect when you get it done...well, when I did mine...I got a better idle, easier starts, and - the best part, and I've got numbers to back them both up! - a boost of nearly 20hp (191 to 208) and 2 miles per gallon (from 7.7 to 9.7!!) - and I still haven't regapped the plugs for HEI. I'll probably pick up a little more all around once I widen the gap to .045 or so.

------------------
1969 C20 4x4 with roughly 6" lift and 35's
residing near Rose Hill, Kansas

Yukon Jack's Web Pages

**Yukon Jack** · 04-10-2002, 10:42 AM

BigJackDaddy posted the following diagram

kxmotox247 · 12-18-2002, 03:42 PM

This is quality information here. I wanted to respond to keep the post going.
I switched to an HEI and I couldn't believe the difference.
To hell with the points type.

Thanks for the diagram.

GMC Jim · 12-23-2002, 05:27 AM

I purchased my H.E.I. unit from a firm that specializes in distributors, re-building ; including H.E.I. I was told they would calibrate the unit to factory specs or what I might desire...
I furnished the specs as outlined in the GM Service Manual for a 402 engine. Centrifugal advance - - [ degrees] ( 0 @ 930 RPM )
(2 @ 1260 RPM ) (16 @ 2400 RPM ) 30 @ 4400 RPM). GM also specifies ( 0 degrees vacuum advance @ 8" Hg ) ( 20 degrees vacuum @ 17" hg ). Purchased a new vac advance as old one was not in calibration.
I installed the distributor on the engine and set it up per previous stated specs. I also have another reference which, I believe is a great cross check and is not difficult to accomplish!...
This manual "1971-80 Tune-Up Specifications" published by GM-AC-Delco ( Man # SD-100 ) This reference states that centrigal spark advance @ 2000 RPM should be 10-13 & total advance ( incl. vacuum) should be 28-35.
So, I dialed in the timing lite 32 degrees; set engine speed at 2000 read on the "0" mark on the c/shaft damper timing indicator.....

our64 · 01-12-2003, 10:44 PM

Does anybody know..can I get a HEI from a 250 6cyl and use it in my 64..Think I got a 230 CID

jimfulco · 05-08-2003, 10:07 PM

I used a 65 Chevy II distributor and coil when I broke my 77 6cyl. distributor shaft.

mutant-jimbo · 11-02-2003, 01:47 PM

i have always had HEI, but am thinking of getting the hotter coil package i see in summit. i didnt know it helped gas milage.....

Longhorn Man · 11-02-2003, 03:53 PM

It does...but you will never see the increase, to say it is minimal is an understatement.

dinnut · 01-29-2004, 01:07 AM

if im going to run my pink hei wire from the ign unfused port... do i need an inline fuse?

Longhorn Man · 01-30-2004, 10:39 AM

Yes you will.

67ChevyC10Stepside · 09-19-2004, 09:22 PM

what is this ign unfused port? does it say that on the fuse block? so i just drop HEI in run wire from there to the HEI and im done? what can i do to the HEI to make it better? the one i have is just stock as far as i know.

Longhorn Man · 09-23-2004, 09:51 PM

Stock is fine. higher output coils do little tro nothing in stock or stock-ish engines. (dynos don't lie)
Ignition unfused is a terminal in the fuse box, if the print is still readable, then it'll say it...if not, I can post a pic of it when the attachments are up and working.

franko72 · 01-28-2005, 05:09 PM

what about the fact. tach hook up?Do you hook it the the neg, side of the coil?

krue · 01-28-2005, 06:33 PM

My HEI cap has a spade for the tach hookup. It's right beside the hot wire for the coil.

franko72 · 01-29-2005, 11:53 AM

sounds like an easy swap.The truck wont have any more performance power will it? It just gets rid of those problem points ,right?

marvxyz · 01-29-2005, 09:09 PM

I have a 80 GMC and it has no points. I am wondering if I have a HEI distributer system.
marvxyz Pittsburgh Pa.

krue · 01-30-2005, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvxyz

I have a 80 GMC and it has no points. I am wondering if I have a HEI distributer system.
marvxyz Pittsburgh Pa.

Yeah, your 80 should have had HEI. They quit putting points on them in the early 70's.

1STtimePRo'71 · 02-07-2005, 02:26 AM

I have a 71 k20. Do I have HEI. How can I tell? I'm having starting problems, and I dont understand why. When did they start using HEI factory.

67ChevyC10Stepside · 02-07-2005, 02:27 AM

hei is real big and has coil in the cap.....points is just big enough for all the plug wires..

krue · 02-07-2005, 03:35 AM

Here are some pics I got from Ebay.
First is points type dizzy.
Second is HEI

ryanroo · 03-17-2005, 01:45 AM

What size inline fuse should you use for the wire from the firewall? thanks
Ryan

1974gmc · 03-17-2005, 02:14 AM

can anyone post where the unfused terminal would be on a '74, i cant read a thing off my fuse block

1978steven · 04-17-2005, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanroo

What size inline fuse should you use for the wire from the firewall? thanks
Ryan

I would also like to know what size inline fuse to run to the H.E.I.

jtminton · 05-02-2005, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1978steven

I would also like to know what size inline fuse to run to the H.E.I.

Me too. I just picked up a HEI and am eager to get it hooked up.

03-29-2002, 08:30 AM	#2
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	To keep info on HEI in an easy to find spot I'm adding this info posted by members regarding HEI. bigjimzlll: I bought a proform HEI..its a hi performance..higher volt coil..better advance curve..low saturation module..they cost about a 150.00 ..thats a brand new bolt in set up...its a simple install...just run a #10 wire from the unfused ignition terminal on your on your fuse block to the HEI..do away with the resistor and wire from your starter to the old distributor..and new plug wires. Fast68Chevy: any HEi distributor on any chevy V8 without the extra 4 pin flat wiring plug will work, make sure it has the vacuum advance diapragm on it(not ESC controlled in some of the 81-up vehicles such as camaros firebirds pickups, etc) caprices and impalas and such didnt have that stuff tht Ive ever seen. Run new feed wire form instrument panel fromt he ign unfused port, and use inline fuse, and do away with the old white wire that goes to + on the coil and also do away with the yellow wire thjat goes to + on coil and goes from there to R on the starter solenoid. Project1970: Everyone else already got it as far as the install (just in case - you need new wires, of course) but as for what to expect when you get it done...well, when I did mine...I got a better idle, easier starts, and - the best part, and I've got numbers to back them both up! - a boost of nearly 20hp (191 to 208) and 2 miles per gallon (from 7.7 to 9.7!!) - and I still haven't regapped the plugs for HEI. I'll probably pick up a little more all around once I widen the gap to .045 or so. ------------------ 1969 C20 4x4 with roughly 6" lift and 35's residing near Rose Hill, Kansas Yukon Jack's Web Pages __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

04-10-2002, 10:42 AM	#3
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	BigJackDaddy posted the following diagram __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

12-18-2002, 03:42 PM	#4
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	This is quality information here. I wanted to respond to keep the post going. I switched to an HEI and I couldn't believe the difference. To hell with the points type. Thanks for the diagram. __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

12-23-2002, 05:27 AM	#5
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	HEI-- Cent & Vac advance I purchased my H.E.I. unit from a firm that specializes in distributors, re-building ; including H.E.I. I was told they would calibrate the unit to factory specs or what I might desire... I furnished the specs as outlined in the GM Service Manual for a 402 engine. Centrifugal advance - - [ degrees] ( 0 @ 930 RPM ) (2 @ 1260 RPM ) (16 @ 2400 RPM ) 30 @ 4400 RPM). GM also specifies ( 0 degrees vacuum advance @ 8" Hg ) ( 20 degrees vacuum @ 17" hg ). Purchased a new vac advance as old one was not in calibration. I installed the distributor on the engine and set it up per previous stated specs. I also have another reference which, I believe is a great cross check and is not difficult to accomplish!... This manual "1971-80 Tune-Up Specifications" published by GM-AC-Delco ( Man # SD-100 ) This reference states that centrigal spark advance @ 2000 RPM should be 10-13 & total advance ( incl. vacuum) should be 28-35. So, I dialed in the timing lite 32 degrees; set engine speed at 2000 read on the "0" mark on the c/shaft damper timing indicator..... __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

11-02-2003, 01:47 PM	#8
mutant-jimbo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Joplin, Mo. Posts: 166	i have always had HEI, but am thinking of getting the hotter coil package i see in summit. i didnt know it helped gas milage..... __________________ "Texas is an outrage when your husband is dead, Texas is an outrage when they pick up his head, Texas is the reason why the presidents dead"-bullet by The Misfits

11-22-2001, 06:24 PM	#1
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	HEI swap A REAL EASY, CHEAP, AND PRACTICAL UPGRADE YOU CAN DO TO ANY OLDER G.M. VEHICLE, WOULD BE TO DROP IN AN H.E.I. DISTRIBUTOR OUT OF A MID TO LATE '70'S CHEVY. IT'S A STRAIGHT FORWARD SWAP, THAT IS ALMOST AS EASY AS PULLING THE OLD AND DROPPING IN THE NEW. ABOUT THE ONLY THING TO REMEMBER WHEN DOING THIS, IS THAT IN ORDER FOR THE H.E.I. TO WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NEED FULL SYSTEM VOLTAGE. THE WIRE GOING TO YOUR COIL WILL NOT SUPPORT THIS KIND OF LOAD. THE BEST WAY TO DO THIS, IS TO PLUG THE HEI FEED WIRE INTO THE IGN. UN FUSED LOCATION ON YOUR FUSE BOX, AND RUN THE NEW WIRE OUT TO THE DISTRIBUTOR. WHILE DOING THIS, THE YELLOW WIRE GOING TO THE STARTER CAN BE DELETED ALSO. THE 2 WIRES CAN BE SNIPPED, OR TAPED AND TUCKED AWAY. ONE OTHER THING TO REMEMBER WHEN DOING THIS, IS YOU WILL NEED A NEW SET OF PLUG WIRES. FOR A FEW BUCKS MORE, YOU CAN HAVE HIGH QUALITY WIRES THAT WILL GET ALL OF THE NEW FOUND POWER TO YOUR PLUGS. FOR A LITTLE MORE POWER AND ECONOMY, PUT IN A HOTTER COIL AND AN AFTER MARKET ADVANCE KIT. THIS EASY MODIFICATION WILL REWARD YOU WITH EASIER STARTING, BETTER GAS ECONOMY, AND LONGER PLUG LIFE. NOT TO MENTION THAT YOU'LL NEVER HAVE TO MESS WITH THE POINTS SYSTEM AGAIN. ------------------ The hot rod; a'69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350 W/a heluva cam and nice stance. Still a beater though. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man...a real bummer. See it at http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/ I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Check out my Longhorn site at http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/8752/ IM me on Yahoo pager...cockroach93. hey, stop laughing!!!

01-12-2003, 10:44 PM	#6
our64 http://public.fotki.com/street Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 169	Does anybody know..can I get a HEI from a 250 6cyl and use it in my 64..Think I got a 230 CID

05-08-2003, 10:07 PM	#7
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	I used a 65 Chevy II distributor and coil when I broke my 77 6cyl. distributor shaft.

11-02-2003, 03:53 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	It does...but you will never see the increase, to say it is minimal is an understatement.

01-29-2004, 01:07 AM	#10
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	if im going to run my pink hei wire from the ign unfused port... do i need an inline fuse? __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

01-30-2004, 10:39 AM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Yes you will.

09-19-2004, 09:22 PM	#12
67ChevyC10Stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Butler PA Posts: 3,034	what is this ign unfused port? does it say that on the fuse block? so i just drop HEI in run wire from there to the HEI and im done? what can i do to the HEI to make it better? the one i have is just stock as far as i know. __________________ 67 c-10, 400 SB, TH350, 4.10 gears, Blazer tank,camaro tach, sidemarker fuel fill (soon) WTB: stepside parts, 67 front end parts, 67 small window cab. posi for 3.73 or 4.10 for 12 bolt and 10 bolt.

09-23-2004, 09:51 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Stock is fine. higher output coils do little tro nothing in stock or stock-ish engines. (dynos don't lie) Ignition unfused is a terminal in the fuse box, if the print is still readable, then it'll say it...if not, I can post a pic of it when the attachments are up and working.

01-28-2005, 05:09 PM	#14
franko72 Franko72 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Posts: 471	what about the fact. tach hook up?Do you hook it the the neg, side of the coil? __________________ 1972 C20 cheyenne Super 402 BB/400 turbo LWB A/C Tilt, Cruise Control, Saddle tanks, Tach My Home Page Better to burn out than it is to rust

01-28-2005, 06:33 PM	#15
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	My HEI cap has a spade for the tach hookup. It's right beside the hot wire for the coil. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"



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01-29-2005, 11:53 AM	#16
franko72 Franko72 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Posts: 471	sounds like an easy swap.The truck wont have any more performance power will it? It just gets rid of those problem points ,right? __________________ 1972 C20 cheyenne Super 402 BB/400 turbo LWB A/C Tilt, Cruise Control, Saddle tanks, Tach My Home Page Better to burn out than it is to rust

01-29-2005, 09:09 PM	#17
marvxyz Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 27	hei swap I have a 80 GMC and it has no points. I am wondering if I have a HEI distributer system. marvxyz Pittsburgh Pa.

02-07-2005, 02:26 AM	#19
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	I have a 71 k20. Do I have HEI. How can I tell? I'm having starting problems, and I dont understand why. When did they start using HEI factory.

02-07-2005, 02:27 AM	#20
67ChevyC10Stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Butler PA Posts: 3,034	hei is real big and has coil in the cap.....points is just big enough for all the plug wires.. __________________ 67 c-10, 400 SB, TH350, 4.10 gears, Blazer tank,camaro tach, sidemarker fuel fill (soon) WTB: stepside parts, 67 front end parts, 67 small window cab. posi for 3.73 or 4.10 for 12 bolt and 10 bolt.

02-07-2005, 03:35 AM	#21
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Here are some pics I got from Ebay. First is points type dizzy. Second is HEI Attached Images __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

03-17-2005, 01:45 AM	#22
ryanroo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: sw colorado Posts: 2,720	What size inline fuse should you use for the wire from the firewall? thanks Ryan __________________ 72 K20 12v build 72 K20 "parts truck" A place for your diesel swap questions

03-17-2005, 02:14 AM	#23
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	can anyone post where the unfused terminal would be on a '74, i cant read a thing off my fuse block __________________ 1993 Chevrolet K2500 454 4L80E 1974 GMC 1/2t 2wd Stepside 305 auto sold 1985 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 5spd

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