HEI swap

[Ugly 61]

I'm sure this question has been asked before but I can't find it so I'll ask again.
Will a chevy factory HEI Dist. fit in front of the firewall on a 1/2 ton 4X4 72with a 350 and if it will fit what do I need to do to wire up the HEI and make it work properly. Any help would be appreciated
Ugly 61

[truckster]

It will fit, but it's tight against the firewall.

The installation only requires a switched 12v power wire. The original wire has a resistor in it, so you'll need to run a new one.

[leuggy]

also need 8 mm spark plug wires

[EARNHARDT#3]

Originally Posted by leuggy

also need 8 mm spark plug wires

More specifically, wires for a motor equipped with HEI as the HEI distributor cap has male connections instead of female. Points style has female connections on the cap.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I have a '71 GMC Jimmy K/1500 4x4 w/ 350 V8 and HEI. The trick is to set the distributor base in the slot, then put the cap on, once it's settled in. Otherwise you don't have headroom to install the distributor.

[CastIron]

I just installed a new HEI in my C1500 last month while installing a new engine. For the wiring I removed my engine harness and carefully cut it open and removed the resistor wire and yellow wire from the starter that is spliced together. I installed a new 12g wire from the same place on the bulkhead connector and rewrapped the original harness with a new end for the distributor. It worked perfect and looks like it belongs.

[Redline novdog]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=588574
Might be some help. There are threads on here that give location and part#s for replacement wires you can install in the cab/engine bulkhead. I thought I had them,but not,Vettevet explained it all. Maybe google it or someone here can supply the thread. The wire coming out of the firewall is the one that is resisted.You need full 12v.
I would imagine the hei cap will be tight in 6cyl.mount location.My 327 will fit fine

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Ugly 61

I'm sure this question has been asked before but I can't find it so I'll ask again.
Will a chevy factory HEI Dist. fit in front of the firewall on a 1/2 ton 4X4 72with a 350 and if it will fit what do I need to do to wire up the HEI and make it work properly. Any help would be appreciated
Ugly 61

It's a squeeze but it fits. Remove the ballast resistor in the +12 to the coil and hook it to the +12 spade lug on the dist. cap. There is a special connector that comes with the cap for that.

[Redline novdog]

Oh ya FITZ throw that pic in there. NICE!. Is that oh it fits or H#ly S&%t it fits !!