HEI change over - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tim64 · 10-25-2007, 06:15 AM

Hey Guys,
I’m thinking of switching over to HEI ignition on my 63’. I’m running a 230ci 3spd.
What all do I need to do this? I want to make sure I get everything I need at once so I
Don’t have to wait on some part I forgot. I haven’t every done a HEI change over before.
If someone would give me a complete run down I sure would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Tim

davidh · 10-25-2007, 09:40 AM

all you need is an HEI, HEI plug wires, go a head and put a new cap, rotor on it as well, then you must run a Hot wire to the ignition part of the cap. Run the wire from your fuse box to the distributor, you want a connection at the fuse box for ignition on only.

Just did this with my 67 with a 292. The points distributor was worn out. I did tape up the old wire to the coil in case I ever wanted to used it again. The truck runs smoother than before and start ups should be easier too. Now I got to get some front end work done. david

Tim64 · 10-25-2007, 02:53 PM

Hey David,
What brand HEI distributor did you buy?
Thanks, Tim

davidh · 10-25-2007, 03:01 PM

I just got one off ebay, 6cy HEI's go for more than 8cy. You can get one usually for $40 to 65. you'll spend another $40 on cap, wires, rotor etc.

GlennBrittain · 10-25-2007, 10:22 PM

I started out with a stock GMC HEI, of unknown origin, it was on the motor I pulled out of the truck after purchase. I replace the stock HEI with a better after market unit. The new unit pulled a higher amp load which melted the stock hot wire. Another member advised me to replace the original wire with a 12g wire. There has been several post since on replacing this wire when installing a HEI, which can be found using the search feature.

javadoc · 10-25-2007, 11:53 PM

You'll love it after you get the conversion complete. Best 2hrs spent yet on my truck. Hardest part was finding TDC... in other words, very simple conversion.

I'm new to these but...
I'd say, get the HEI distro (entire unit... distro, cap, rotor, coil), new plugs and wires. Run a 12V keyed wire from the fuse panel w/an inline fuse (or V8 fuse for a V8. Yukka yukka)... remove old busted, install new hawtness... set the timing and enjoy better running and a bit more powah.

jchav62 · 10-26-2007, 10:15 AM

Make sure you get an HEI with a vacuum advance, not a later electronic type distributor.

baddawg65 · 10-26-2007, 07:02 PM

If you go to the mid 70's. You can get it without the coil in the cap.

davidh · 10-26-2007, 10:26 PM

[QUOTE=javadoc;2416772]You'll love it after you get the conversion complete. Best 2hrs spent yet on my truck. Hardest part was finding TDC... in other words, very simple conversion.

had mine changed out and running in 30 minutes. I've stabbed many distributors in my time. the throttle response is much better now. Hoping to get 15mpg Im not sure how easier cold starts are yet. got to do brake and front end work then I can drive her.

10-25-2007, 06:15 AM	#1
Tim64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Vandalia, Ohio Posts: 396	HEI change over Hey Guys, I’m thinking of switching over to HEI ignition on my 63’. I’m running a 230ci 3spd. What all do I need to do this? I want to make sure I get everything I need at once so I Don’t have to wait on some part I forgot. I haven’t every done a HEI change over before. If someone would give me a complete run down I sure would appreciate it. Thanks, Tim

10-25-2007, 09:40 AM	#2
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,220	Re: HEI change over all you need is an HEI, HEI plug wires, go a head and put a new cap, rotor on it as well, then you must run a Hot wire to the ignition part of the cap. Run the wire from your fuse box to the distributor, you want a connection at the fuse box for ignition on only. Just did this with my 67 with a 292. The points distributor was worn out. I did tape up the old wire to the coil in case I ever wanted to used it again. The truck runs smoother than before and start ups should be easier too. Now I got to get some front end work done. david __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

10-25-2007, 02:53 PM	#3
Tim64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Vandalia, Ohio Posts: 396	Re: HEI change over Hey David, What brand HEI distributor did you buy? Thanks, Tim

10-25-2007, 03:01 PM	#4
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,220	Re: HEI change over I just got one off ebay, 6cy HEI's go for more than 8cy. You can get one usually for $40 to 65. you'll spend another $40 on cap, wires, rotor etc. __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

10-25-2007, 10:22 PM	#5
GlennBrittain Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Panola County Texas Posts: 401	Re: HEI change over I started out with a stock GMC HEI, of unknown origin, it was on the motor I pulled out of the truck after purchase. I replace the stock HEI with a better after market unit. The new unit pulled a higher amp load which melted the stock hot wire. Another member advised me to replace the original wire with a 12g wire. There has been several post since on replacing this wire when installing a HEI, which can be found using the search feature.

10-25-2007, 11:53 PM	#6
javadoc Hey Watch this... Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 414	Re: HEI change over You'll love it after you get the conversion complete. Best 2hrs spent yet on my truck. Hardest part was finding TDC... in other words, very simple conversion. I'm new to these but... I'd say, get the HEI distro (entire unit... distro, cap, rotor, coil), new plugs and wires. Run a 12V keyed wire from the fuse panel w/an inline fuse (or V8 fuse for a V8. Yukka yukka)... remove old busted, install new hawtness... set the timing and enjoy better running and a bit more powah. __________________ What have I gotten myself into now? 1964 Chevy Stepside - 383 hydraulic roller Vortec ... a work in progress 2000 Volvo V70R - 340awhp, 22psi, meth-injected of Porsche-eating fun. The grocery-getter on steroids Last edited by javadoc; 10-25-2007 at 11:54 PM.

10-26-2007, 10:15 AM	#7
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: HEI change over Make sure you get an HEI with a vacuum advance, not a later electronic type distributor. __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

10-26-2007, 07:02 PM	#8
baddawg65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: wyoming Posts: 83	Re: HEI change over If you go to the mid 70's. You can get it without the coil in the cap. Attached Images __________________ l6 Performance Parts http://www.merchantamerica.com/chevy...ex.php?ba=home BOTHERS http://www.brotherstrucks.com/ LMC http://www.lmctruck.com/ Dash LEDs http://www.whitegauges.net/index.php

10-26-2007, 10:26 PM	#9
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,220	Re: HEI change over [QUOTE=javadoc;2416772]You'll love it after you get the conversion complete. Best 2hrs spent yet on my truck. Hardest part was finding TDC... in other words, very simple conversion. had mine changed out and running in 30 minutes. I've stabbed many distributors in my time. the throttle response is much better now. Hoping to get 15mpg Im not sure how easier cold starts are yet. got to do brake and front end work then I can drive her. __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.



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