Points to HEI

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theblindchicken

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Hey guys, still gathering parts in preparation for pulling the 350 in my truck and giving it a good overhaul.

Plan is to go from the factory Points Distributor to the improved HEI ignition system.

What I know I need:

1. HEI Distributor

2. Convert from +6v ignition to +12v ignition.

What else do I need? Any specific part numbers? Is there a difference between the points oil pump shafts and one for an HEI distributor?

https://www.summitracing.com/int/se...&sw=HEI Distributor Upgrade Kits&N=4294951399
 

HotRodPC

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You'll need to change plug wires and probably the plugs too. If not the plugs at least the gap. HEI takes a wider gap in the plug.
 

theblindchicken

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You'll need to change plug wires and probably the plugs too. If not the plugs at least the gap. HEI takes a wider gap in the plug.
What's the difference in the plug wires?

I'm currently running a set of Accel SuperStock Wires 4038B - 8 Cyl. Universal Straight Boot w/ Points Cap

I've got my gapped currently to 0.035" I've seen that some say going to 0.040-45 is best performance with the HEI.
 

HotRodPC

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Point Dizzy cap is Female for the wires, HEI Dizzy cap is Male for the wires. Yes, IIRC, HEI gap is .045 to .060.
 

74 Shortbed

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HEI is .045 gap, .060 is hard on the coil especially on a stock one.
 

HotRodPC

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HEI is .045 gap, .060 is hard on the coil especially on a stock one.
True. I'm just saying ot the best of my remembering. It might have been other breeds that were .060, but It just seems to me even some GM were calling for .060 early on in the HEI. I remember having a discussion with a buddy one time. He says, Damn !!! For real?!?! Is this gap really supposed to be .060? I don't even need gap tool, I can use my dick to gap these plugs. :laughing1: I remember telling him, I don't think I'd let anyone know that buddy.
 

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True. I'm just saying ot the best of my remembering. It might have been other breeds that were .060, but It just seems to me even some GM were calling for .060 early on in the HEI. I remember having a discussion with a buddy one time. He says, Damn !!! For real?!?! Is this gap really supposed to be .060? I don't even need gap tool, I can use my dick to gap these plugs. :laughing1: I remember telling him, I don't think I'd let anyone know that buddy.
That's some funny **** there, lol.. I think you're right though there was a period when they recommended .060, but that went away fairly quick too..
 

theblindchicken

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Bringing back an older thread,

Where did you guys run the new 12v line from? Firewall pass through? Off the starter somehow?

Also, where is the vac advance go to on the quadrajet?

Thanks.
 

HotRodPC

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OMG, here we go again with the Ported Vac port or the manifold vac port for the Vac Advance. That's on going infamous arguement. You'll get 50% to say ported vacuum port on the carb, and some will say manifold vacuum always hot with vacuum port. Ported Vacuum is where at idle there is no vacuum. As soon as you give a little gas, the throttle plates move in the Carb, then vacuum comes to life right off of idle. That's where I like to hook but assured, there's going to be plenty that disagree. I like ported so at idle the vac advance is NOT activated. Why do you need advance at idle??? You DON'T. Also, this way your timing is a retarded a bit at idle so when you shut the truck off, you're not likely to have dieseling or engine run on.

As for the 12V, I believe most just run a 10gu red wire off the IGN from the fuse block to the coil on the cap where it says BATT or IGN whatever it says. The other side says TACH and that's where you'd hook the wire for your aftermarket Tach if you have one.
 

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Nice kit.

I set my plugs at .045 and have never had a problem. Good light tan on them after several thousand miles.

If you are using the old shaft and housing be sure to check your end play. You may need to add a shim.
I think the spec is around .020.
 

theblindchicken

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I think i'll run a temporary 12v from the fuse box, but I was thinking of doing it this way for a permanent fix: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=708975

He replaced the 12v all the way up to the firewall.

@Snoots I'm using a new HEI distributor from Summit Racing, Part#: SUM-850001R

I'm at the point where I need to prime the engine so I can bump it over real quick to install the flexplate/torque converter bolts. Then finish the radiator shroud and get her all back together.
 

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