HEI conversion
 

Hey, there.
Purchased a '71 C-10, 350 w/ 4-speed that appears all stock. Considering a conversion to HEI distributor for performance and fuel benefits. Existing coil is separate from the distributor (stock setup, I believe). Where would plactic electrical connector from top-mounted coil on HEI distributor plug into? Three different answers from parts store ranging from "clip it off" (no), to "need to be wired directly to ignition". Existing wiring in engine is really hacked up. Amazing it still drives (and great, too). Good advice and sources appreciated.
Would post pictures, but this one looks better in candlelight!

Re: HEI conversion
 

Run from ignition to new HEI, old wire has a resitance value to it and you won't get full voltage to the HEI.

Re: HEI conversion
 

:welcome2: Another wet-side truck bro.... I drive a "20footer" too. Here is the HEI info your looking for:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=13698

Re: HEI conversion
 

A couple bits of info useful to those who have trucks that aren't wired normally, or thos whose POs have gotten creative with...

The resistance wire has (or mine does) a fabric sheath around it, and its one down from the top left in the firewall plug. That's assuming that the tan wire that connects to the brake proportioning valve is in the top left. The wiring diagram for my 72 says its pink and black but the outer fabric is actually white after thirty odd years.

The location of the connector in the firewall plug is useful if you want to remove the R-wire and replace it with the #12 (with fuse) needed rather than run another wire. If you go this route, its more work, but the result is better.

BTW: wiring harness tape is available from Eastwood, etc. and is better than electrical tape. Wiring harness tape is wider and not sticky on one side. The original harnesses used this tape. At the start of the wrap, black duck tape was used to hold the tape in place.

My truck has had several mods done all in red 12AWG wire and I still have a few to get rid of, including the HEI and starter solenoid. I was looking at the harness today, but my skills with the camera are nonexistent so the pics are furry.

Re: HEI conversion
 

Thanks for the quick posts and guidance. Lots of HEI strings to read and Chevy gurus to learn from.

Re: HEI conversion
 

Welcome to the board!:D

Re: HEI conversion
 

[QUOTE=My truck has had several mods done all in red 12AWG wire and I still have a few to get rid of, including the HEI and starter solenoid. I was looking at the harness today, but my skills with the camera are nonexistent. SO THE PICS ARE FURRY.]QUOTE]

sorry I just couldn't resist.LOL

Re: HEI conversion
 

Also dealships still carry the spade clips that snap into the fuse box. So does Napa, but the Napa closest to me would only sell me 'em by the box - didn't need fifty of 'em..