HEI ignition for a 283

Got my old GMC pickup running (with a 1966 283) after a long time in storage. In a past post, it was suggested that I get an HEI ignition - and I was given this link for Summit for about $90.
Summit Racing SUM-850001R - Summit Racing® Blueprinted HEI Distributors - Suggested Parts - SummitRacing.com

Techinspector1 suggested in the other post to hook up a wire directly from the ignition switch to the HEI. Currently, the wire for the coil goes from the starter to a ballast to reduce the voltage, then to the coil. Do I remove this wire and instead hook up a wire directly from the key switch to the coil, or do I just run a wire from the starter directly to the coil and get rid of the ballast?

This will get rid of my distrib and points, right? I still keep my coil, right? Do I need anything to keep from getting static on my radio?

Thanks for the help. I'm learning a lot as I get this truck running.

That HEI has a built in coil...you won't use your original coil at all. Do as Tech suggested and it will work fine.

ballast like you said cut the voltage to keep points happy .HEI you want 12 volts going to the dist.

....and you shouldn't have any problems with radio static with the HEI.

If you hear static on your radio the exhaust isn't loud enough or the truck isn't running--------

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Originally Posted by jerry clayton

If you hear static on your radio the exhaust isn't loud enough or the truck isn't running--------

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who the hell has a radio ?

Thanks Guys, I didn't realize HEI had a built in coil. I will hopefully pick one up this week. I assume install is just remove old distrib, and put the new HEI in it's place?

Do I just cut off the hot wire running from the starter and use a new wire from the ignition, or use the starter wire and just bypass the ballast?

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Originally Posted by hpcbmw

Thanks Guys, I didn't realize HEI had a built in coil. I will hopefully pick one up this week. I assume install is just remove old distrib, and put the new HEI in it's place?

Do I just cut off the hot wire running from the starter and use a new wire from the ignition, or use the starter wire and just bypass the ballast?

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If it were me I'd use the wire from the starter and take out the ballast, after first verifying that I had the full battery voltage for start, and then once started for the run condition.

Just remove the ballast resistor. That will give you 12 volts to the HEI in the run position.

Here, try this picture. It should give you a basic idea of what your trying to do. Check the wire that goes to the positive side of your coil, (disconnect it first) with the ignition switch in the run position, see if it has 12 volts on it. If it does your all set! That will be the 12 volt input into the HEI distributor. If it doesn't, follow it back to the ignition switch, measure voltage at the switch. It "should have" 12 volts ( or battery voltage) at the switch. If you have 12 volts (or battery voltage) at the switch but not at the coil, there is either a ballast resistor in the circuit or the wire itself is resistor wire.

If you have a known resistor, bypass it (simply connect together the 2 wires you remove from the ballast resistor) If the wire itself is the resistor, then simply run a new piece of wire from the switch to the new distributor.

Maybe this will help or you can simply ignore me...:LOL:

Thanks guys. The pic was very helpful. Checking with my local speed shop to see if they can get the Summit HEI or a similar product. Hoping to have the HEI and a new carb installed in the next week.

Glad to hear it! If you're interested in Summit products. You can search Summit dot com yourself! Summit Racing
They'll ship right to your door alot of times next day!

You can cut out the middleman and save a few dollars too!

Keep us informed with your progress, we always like to hear the outcome!

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If you disconnect a resistive wire and check voltage, you'll measure full source voltage.

The resistive wire won't drop voltage without a load.

your going to need a new set of plug wires also plus gap the plugs at about.40 you will be vary happy with the change .....ted

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Originally Posted by firebird77clone

If you disconnect a resistive wire and check voltage, you'll measure full source voltage.

The resistive wire won't drop voltage without a load.

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Say what? Whoever told you that was pulling your leg. With the wire disconnected there will be minimal current flow, but there will definitely be a voltage drop.