If you get a complete pre computer HEI, all you need is the wires. Open up the spark gap and enjoy.

They do require full 12 volts.......no resistors in line.

Rather than mess with used, questionable Ebay stuff....I would buy a new MSD HI unit. ....$250 or so.



:thumbup:

 

Make sure you have sufficient room as the HEI is larger then the points setup. I just put one in my 74 El camino that I got at thebone yard. I had to look at quite a few to find one that was in good shape. then I just got the main assembly as I was going to replace the cap and rotor anyway. While I was there I also found a car with the 12v lead easily accessable and pulled about 5 feet of that out. Total cost was $20 at the yard, $25 for a good cap and rotor, $25 for new wires. And I'll never have to replace points again, Hooray!!

Mike

 

The best upgrade you can do. I did the same I went to a local bone yard bought the complete GM HEI wires and all for $60.00 Cleaned it lubed the springs and weights dropped in and fired-up the engine set the timing and I was rocking. Same unit in the vette for last 2 years.

 

The bone yard approach sounds fine, but I am not clear on what components I need besides the distributor. I understand the coil is part of the distributor. What I am not clear on is if there are other components like some kind of electronic box, gizmo, special wire or connector that I should grab. Remember, I'm kinda new at this and I want to learn by doing, but I'm trying to work smarter, not harder. I have heard that some of these things may require a computer. My buggy doesn't have one and I would not know hot to set one up if it was necessary. For example, what is the MSD box that I se in ads all about?
Thanks for the help and advice.

 

Bring along a pair of ***** and look for the 12 volt wire that hooks up to distributor.

 

Its like the guys above have already said. All you need is the new distributer and a new power wire. There is nothing else you need if you get a HEI distributer from a non-computer vehicle. Everything the distributer needs is in it. No extra parts. Just make sure you have 12 volt power to it. Just make sure there is not a resistor in the line. Upgrading to HEI is about the most simple thing you can do.

 

The bone yard approach sounds fine, but I am not clear on what components I need besides the distributor. I understand the coil is part of the distributor. What I am not clear on is if there are other components like some kind of electronic box, gizmo, special wire or connector that I should grab. Remember, I'm kinda new at this and I want to learn by doing, but I'm trying to work smarter, not harder. I have heard that some of these things may require a computer. My buggy doesn't have one and I would not know hot to set one up if it was necessary. For example, what is the MSD box that I se in ads all about?
Thanks for the help and advice.

If you are still confused. I can sell you a complete tested GM HEI for $100 plus shipping. all you will need to do is go to your local parts store and buy the ignition wires. Email me if interested.

 

http://www.pontiacstreetperformance.com/psp/HEIconversion.html

 

Thanks for the info and the offer. I picked up a couple of good publications on building small block Chevy motors that gives me a real education on ignition systems. I should have a setup on my buggy in time for the next season of cruisin'.

 

If you need a hand with the GM HEI let me know I have one on the shark and I do visit South/Cal every few months.