Thread: Distributor

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It's time to start thinking about my ignition system and I'd like to get some thoughts on distributor selection. I am running a 454 in my 55 Chevy build. The car is for the strip only. One consideration is firewall clearance, of course. But I do not know if the smaller cap H.E.I systems are good for 6 - 7000 rpm. Also, vacuum or mechanical advance?
What works good for you guys?

Originally Posted by drofdar

It's time to start thinking about my ignition system and I'd like to get some thoughts on distributor selection. I am running a 454 in my 55 Chevy build. The car is for the strip only. One consideration is firewall clearance, of course. But I do not know if the smaller cap H.E.I systems are good for 6 - 7000 rpm. Also, vacuum or mechanical advance?
What works good for you guys?

I would look at the MSD billet distributor if it is a strip only car.

MSD is what i would use

:hmmm:

Any thoughts on the smaller units, and vac or mech advance?

If it's drag strip only, think I'd be for notching the firewall and putting on the big cap. I've always preferred the bigger caps to get more separation between the contacts in the cap. Also, the bigger caps have bigger contact areas on the cap and rotor.

I use nothing but HEI in my race and street cars, and never had a problem.
I have a small HEI in my Hemi, but I customized a Chevy housing and shaft to fit it.
I see no need for a MSD on street. Just for the "cool factor", for some, not me.

Pat

I have heard about crossfire with the smaller cap units at high rpm. What about vac vs. mech advance?

Here's another vote for MSD Billet Dist. Spend a couple more bucks for one with a vacuum advance - they give you a block off plate and extra springs for fine tuning - and try it both ways, not that a drag only car would normally use the vac can, but...