HEI...new? used? combination? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sactoC10 · 02-05-2005, 07:40 PM

Last weekend everyone answered my installation questions, thanks. New question today. When doing this upgrade there seem to be several options:

COMPELETELY new everything (expensive) $125 and up
COMPELETELY new everything (affordable) $60 and up
USED distributor w/NEW HEI cap/coil $40 and up
USED distributor w/old cap/coil $30-50

Is there much of a problem getting a used distributor with new/rebuilt cap or coil? Seems to me this "MIGHT" be a good way to go, but not really sure. Can definitely save some bucks this way, that's for sure.

Please advise (again).

*Randy70C-10* · 02-05-2005, 07:47 PM

Just get a used one, they last forever. Make sure that there's no play in the shaft (up-down, side to side) and you can even use the used coil, it's the module that normally goes bad if anything does but it should be fine as well. All you should have to buy new is the cap and rotor.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 02-05-2005, 08:36 PM

When you have the rotor off, check the advance mechanism and springs. If the parts are worn, it is a good idea to replace them. A kit with the needed parts is around $5-$6. Sometimes the advance mechanism support sticks so check that also.

Jim

Longhorn Man · 02-05-2005, 09:25 PM

If you look hard enough, you'll find one with everything already replaced. I grabbed one at a local yard and sold it to jewels, and it turned out, EVERYTHING in that sucker was new.
I guess some one was trying pretty hard to get there car to run before sending it to the junk yard.

02-05-2005, 07:40 PM	#1
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,055	HEI...new? used? combination? Last weekend everyone answered my installation questions, thanks. New question today. When doing this upgrade there seem to be several options: COMPELETELY new everything (expensive) $125 and up COMPELETELY new everything (affordable) $60 and up USED distributor w/NEW HEI cap/coil $40 and up USED distributor w/old cap/coil $30-50 Is there much of a problem getting a used distributor with new/rebuilt cap or coil? Seems to me this "MIGHT" be a good way to go, but not really sure. Can definitely save some bucks this way, that's for sure. Please advise (again). __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

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02-05-2005, 07:47 PM	#2
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Just get a used one, they last forever. Make sure that there's no play in the shaft (up-down, side to side) and you can even use the used coil, it's the module that normally goes bad if anything does but it should be fine as well. All you should have to buy new is the cap and rotor.

02-05-2005, 08:36 PM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	When you have the rotor off, check the advance mechanism and springs. If the parts are worn, it is a good idea to replace them. A kit with the needed parts is around $5-$6. Sometimes the advance mechanism support sticks so check that also. Jim

02-05-2005, 09:25 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	If you look hard enough, you'll find one with everything already replaced. I grabbed one at a local yard and sold it to jewels, and it turned out, EVERYTHING in that sucker was new. I guess some one was trying pretty hard to get there car to run before sending it to the junk yard.



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