Thread: HEI reliable?

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Guys - I'd like to get a decent distributor for my 80s 350 and seeing all the choices at Summit, Speedway and Jegs my head's about to explode. Who's a good manufacturer? A friend said to avoid Chinese stuff. Any recommendations? Thanks!

"....... Who's a good manufacturer?......."

Uh......GM. The stock non-computer controlled units are just about bullet proof, reliable, cheap and easily upgraded. Plus you will be able to walk into almost any parts store on a Sunday and get parts if needed.

The one upgrade you will probably want to do to it is tailor the advance curve which is a simple procedure involving new weights and springs and an advance timing light.....something if you're not comfortable doing, is a job most hootrod shops are capable of.


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Agree with Mike and would further urge you to at least read through everything these guys have to say about their specialty HEI products. They'll custom build an HEI for you, based on the specifications you give them about your motor, trans, gears, etc.
Performance Distributors - Performance Distributors

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I've installed several Summit brand HEIs: I've found their function to be perfectly satisfactory.

i`ll do a little research and see if i can find who made the one i recently put in my 4.3 V6 pinto .. a simply one wire hookup that`s been perfect ..i got it off ebay ..

GM, Delco-Remy at my local u-pull-it is $35. Rebuild kit - PerTronix Flame-Thrower Tuneup Kit D8001 from Summit $122. PerTronix Flame-Thrower Tuneup Kits D8001 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

So for about $160 you can have one of the best distributors ever built. Hotrod Magazine had this to say about the GM HEI:

"Usually considered the father of all modern ignition systems, GM's venerable HEI ignition made its initial appearance in a few '74 models, but became standard equipment by the following year. One of the main breakthroughs that put HEI miles ahead of previous points-style systems was its then-revolutionary expanding dwell circuit, which increased the amount of saturation time experienced by the secondary side of the coil as rpm increased. That concept brought in more power where it was needed most; under high rpm and load. Plus, without troublesome points to wear, the current carrying capacity, voltage, and spark duration all went up while the required coil charge time decreased. That's why to this day, HEI remains a staple for any hot street/strip engine that makes all its beans under 6,500 rpm."

Next question please..

I usually build my own from the cores I've collected. Genuine GM. If you're worried about getting stranded, carry a spare module. That's the most common failure I've had over the years. I had 2 pickup coils go bad from broken wires. Most of the time the module can be replaced without pulling the distributor.

I usually replace the carbon coil button under the coil with the one MSD sells that looks copperish. I've had the cap burn in that area with low resistance plug wires. Apparently, the carbon button became the point of maximum resistance and built heat.

I also prefer GM modules. Some of the aftermarket units don't seem to hold up as well. If you pull a salvage part, some parts places like Orielly's can test the module.

Oh, be sure to use the heat sink grease that comes with the module. They rely on the distributor body for cooling.