1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Hello good people, so I’m swapping engines currently and I figured I should also change my distributor, I’d like to upgrade to an HEI. Any tips I should be aware of? Brands? Thanks in advance.

Engine: 350 5.7L v8

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

There are many out there but my advise is buy name brand not the cheap knock-off versions for longevity. Whats your engine setup/intentions?

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Yeah I definitely want to get something decent. So the new engine is a 350 class 1 crate rated at 305hp, edelbrock 1406 carb over 2701 intake manifold.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Is the intended 350 a one or two piece rear main seal?

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Look at Skip White Performance in TN. They have billet HEI for a very good price. I bought one for my 69 C10 396 and was amazed at the quality and price. Works like a champ too. 65K volt coil and brass terminals in cap and rotor, all while being machined billet.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Man, you got me there. What’s the difference?

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

No, don't even bother with Skip White. You get what you pay for with that cheap crap. You definitely want a HEI and one with an adjustable vacuum advance. What's your budget for it?

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Man $50!? That may be tough to beat.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Yeah, $50 is suspiciously cheap in comparison to what I’ve seen. I’d like to stay under $150, but I’m open to suggestions.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Any thoughts on this one? Seems like a good value.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-850001-1

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Check your local parts store or Summit or Jegs for whats available. You should be able to buy a GM hei for $125 or so and be able to buy parts most anywhere when needed. Hard to beat.
I bought one of those skip whites for $50 a few years ago for a fresh 350. Its pretty alright. The engine ran in the shop only as the truck is not road ready yet and the module went bad with only some hours run time on it. I pulled the
module from the old OE hei and put in the SW. It still hasn’t made it to the road but it still starts every time.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Not going to preach, but ya get what ya pay for.. stay away from MSD crap.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Thats no name junk.
Im using this style https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d...make/chevrolet
Check your appication.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

I haven't used the Summit one you linked, but have heard decent things. I've had good luck with the Accel 59107 and it's in your price range. It has the correct weights & centerplate you need and it has an adjustable vac advance. You can never go wrong with MSD as they're the leader in ignition systems, but they're pricey.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

When you convert over to HEI make sure you replace the resisted power wire. You need a full 12 volts to it. It's an easy conversion and there's several threads on it.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

A little pricey, any significant advantages?

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Good to know, thanks man.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Not if your using it for daily driving. It's overkill

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

those are the best but thinking he is not using for performance.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

The drive gear on the distributor.
Usually the one piece has a roller cam which needs a melonized gear.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Right, I’m going more for reliability.

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Im thinking this might be it.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8362

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Im thinking this might be it.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8362

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

Any thoughts on this one? Seems like a good value.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-850001-1

Re: 1970 c10 distributor upgrade recommendations
 

If you had every one of those distributors torn down to reveal specs and part numbers you’d likely find they were all the same.
I read a test years ago between the Msd and skip white and they were exactly the same except the Msd was 300 at the time and the skip white was 40 bucks.
You want the best and don’t sweat the price then get one here.

http://performancedistributors.com/

Do you have a spec sheet on your 350?