looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

faribran · 01-05-2007, 11:21 PM

i am looking for an inline 6 cyl HEI distributor for a 250.
circa 1976-77 (or what ever will work)
wanting to replace original points style(1967)

any input?

Richard H. · 01-06-2007, 12:27 AM

Pertronics makes a nice one.

ks147j111928 · 01-06-2007, 12:49 AM

Check out a yard, got mine from an early 80s Scottsdale. $15, easy.

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Gotta love the stovebolts...

faribran · 01-06-2007, 01:40 AM

KS... tell me what improvements you have noticed with this upgrade..

Botietruck · 01-06-2007, 06:54 AM

I went with the Pertronics system on mine. Kept everything stock looking. Haven't had it on the road yet, but it starts as soon as you hit the key and have not noticed any problems. And it wasn't expensive, $75.00 - $80.00 and very simple to install.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-06-2007, 08:25 AM

One in a local yard here, thought it was worthless so I never got it

faribran · 01-06-2007, 10:35 AM

ttt

faribran · 01-06-2007, 10:36 AM

botie,
thanks for the input, i was thinking of using a stock one, but will look into
the Pertronics unit..

Willy Prost · 01-06-2007, 11:10 AM

I've had a Pertronix ignition in my 71 with a 250-6 for 10 years and 70,000 miles with no problems.

If my foggy memory serves correctly, the biggest difference besides easier starting is that with the points set the truck would not run well -if at all- in high gear at less than 20 MPH. The Pertronix lets me smoothly cruse at just under 20 MPH in high gear.

Brad · 01-06-2007, 12:36 PM

You'll get MUCH easier starting, and better fuel economy. I'd just lay the money down and get one from your LAPS if you can't find one in a jy. I think they went to HEI in 75. Doesn't matter what it came out of- they're all the same.

**Boog** · 01-06-2007, 12:51 PM

If memory serves me right an HEI one from the parts store was around $100 fully loaded for a V8. I would think one for the L6 would be about the same.

faribran · 01-06-2007, 05:20 PM

Brad, very good thats what i was wondering about..... hoping for low rpm smoothness...

Boog,
you are right on the money..... the local part store is asking just over $100.00 for a reconditioned unit.... doubt that includes the cap..

Rich

faribran · 01-06-2007, 05:22 PM

Willy,
currently the truck wants to jump when at lower speeds...
thank you for the input.... wanting to see if i can improve the 6 cyl on a reasonable budget... without pulling it and doing the V8 swap....

thanks
Rich

shifty · 01-06-2007, 06:24 PM

I loved mine. Best move I ever made on my truck.

I did a full writeup with pictures to guide you throught he install. You'll find this in the FAQ forum

**Palf70Step** · 01-06-2007, 08:19 PM

Moved this to parts board. You may get a bite here.

dave666693 · 01-07-2007, 04:16 PM

The Petronics pictured above, is that an HEI distributor disguised as a reg, breaker point dist.? or is it just a swap out of the points?

Botietruck · 01-07-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave666693

The Petronics pictured above, is that an HEI distributor disguised as a reg, breaker point dist.? or is it just a swap out of the points?

If you're referring to my pic, that is the original distributor with the points & breaker plate removed and the Pertronics installed in its place. I

dave666693 · 01-07-2007, 09:55 PM

That's what I thought. I had a similiar set-up on my 327.

ks147j111928 · 01-07-2007, 11:37 PM

The HEI came with the truck, but it seems to start easier than other points set-ups I had in other trucks. The top-end feels fine, maybe turning @4000 rpms around 50mph. Downhill. I'm going to keep it as-is, 292 and all. Speed is not a priority since it's going to get 4.11s eventually. Someday. I hope.

GMC Jim · 01-08-2007, 04:11 AM

Not to argue with anyone about HEI units but they are NOT all the same !!...The centrifugal advance curve will be designed for the engine that the HEI was removed from... This curve for later models was designed for lower emissions and this does not always translate to fuel economy and/ or power. Installation of an HEI distributor will not necessarily give better performance. For best performance the distributor should have the centrifugal advance adjusted to the specs of the engine that it will be installed on. Distributor machines are availabele to set the proper advance curve.
Spark Plug wiring should be replaced to support the higher voltage produced by HEI units. Also, the sparks plugs should be gapped to .045. The HEI units also require a full 12 volts; so a minor ignition re-wire will have to be done. There is a thread that does discuss all of this; worthwhile reading............. Also, vacuum advance should be checked so that the total advance is per specs for that year and model of engine

faribran · 01-08-2007, 10:46 AM

GMCJIM..... sounds like good info.. thanks for sharing..

01-05-2007, 11:21 PM	#1
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. i am looking for an inline 6 cyl HEI distributor for a 250. circa 1976-77 (or what ever will work) wanting to replace original points style(1967) any input? __________________ " Last edited by faribran; 01-06-2007 at 12:11 AM.

01-06-2007, 12:27 AM	#2
Richard H. Spanked once Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Intheshop, Indiana Posts: 969	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. Pertronics makes a nice one.

01-06-2007, 12:49 AM	#3
ks147j111928 ASE Certified Spoon Operator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 157	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. Check out a yard, got mine from an early 80s Scottsdale. $15, easy. Gotta love the stovebolts... __________________ My six is bigger than your eight 67 K20 292 +.060" SM465 NP203 3.73s 86 4Runner, the daily on 31s 85 4Runner, the wheeler on 38s 92 x-cab truggy project for 2017... tons and 42s and V8 power

01-06-2007, 01:40 AM	#4
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. KS... tell me what improvements you have noticed with this upgrade.. __________________ "

01-06-2007, 06:54 AM	#5
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. I went with the Pertronics system on mine. Kept everything stock looking. Haven't had it on the road yet, but it starts as soon as you hit the key and have not noticed any problems. And it wasn't expensive, $75.00 - $80.00 and very simple to install. __________________ STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive!

01-06-2007, 08:25 AM	#6
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,474	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. One in a local yard here, thought it was worthless so I never got it __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-06-2007, 10:35 AM	#7
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. ttt __________________ "

01-06-2007, 10:36 AM	#8
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. botie, thanks for the input, i was thinking of using a stock one, but will look into the Pertronics unit.. __________________ "

01-06-2007, 11:10 AM	#9
Willy Prost Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 398	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. I've had a Pertronix ignition in my 71 with a 250-6 for 10 years and 70,000 miles with no problems. If my foggy memory serves correctly, the biggest difference besides easier starting is that with the points set the truck would not run well -if at all- in high gear at less than 20 MPH. The Pertronix lets me smoothly cruse at just under 20 MPH in high gear.

01-06-2007, 12:36 PM	#10
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,672	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. You'll get MUCH easier starting, and better fuel economy. I'd just lay the money down and get one from your LAPS if you can't find one in a jy. I think they went to HEI in 75. Doesn't matter what it came out of- they're all the same. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

01-06-2007, 12:51 PM	#11
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,666	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. If memory serves me right an HEI one from the parts store was around $100 fully loaded for a V8. I would think one for the L6 would be about the same. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

01-06-2007, 05:20 PM	#12
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. Brad, very good thats what i was wondering about..... hoping for low rpm smoothness... Boog, you are right on the money..... the local part store is asking just over $100.00 for a reconditioned unit.... doubt that includes the cap.. Rich __________________ "

01-06-2007, 05:22 PM	#13
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. Willy, currently the truck wants to jump when at lower speeds... thank you for the input.... wanting to see if i can improve the 6 cyl on a reasonable budget... without pulling it and doing the V8 swap.... thanks Rich __________________ "

01-06-2007, 06:24 PM	#14
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. I loved mine. Best move I ever made on my truck. I did a full writeup with pictures to guide you throught he install. You'll find this in the FAQ forum __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

01-06-2007, 08:19 PM	#15
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,471	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. Moved this to parts board. You may get a bite here. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!



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01-07-2007, 04:16 PM	#16
dave666693 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Edgewood, WA Posts: 901	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. The Petronics pictured above, is that an HEI distributor disguised as a reg, breaker point dist.? or is it just a swap out of the points?

01-07-2007, 09:55 PM	#18
dave666693 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Edgewood, WA Posts: 901	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. That's what I thought. I had a similiar set-up on my 327.

01-07-2007, 11:37 PM	#19
ks147j111928 ASE Certified Spoon Operator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 157	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. The HEI came with the truck, but it seems to start easier than other points set-ups I had in other trucks. The top-end feels fine, maybe turning @4000 rpms around 50mph. Downhill. I'm going to keep it as-is, 292 and all. Speed is not a priority since it's going to get 4.11s eventually. Someday. I hope. __________________ My six is bigger than your eight 67 K20 292 +.060" SM465 NP203 3.73s 86 4Runner, the daily on 31s 85 4Runner, the wheeler on 38s 92 x-cab truggy project for 2017... tons and 42s and V8 power

01-08-2007, 04:11 AM	#20
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. Not to argue with anyone about HEI units but they are NOT all the same !!...The centrifugal advance curve will be designed for the engine that the HEI was removed from... This curve for later models was designed for lower emissions and this does not always translate to fuel economy and/ or power. Installation of an HEI distributor will not necessarily give better performance. For best performance the distributor should have the centrifugal advance adjusted to the specs of the engine that it will be installed on. Distributor machines are availabele to set the proper advance curve. Spark Plug wiring should be replaced to support the higher voltage produced by HEI units. Also, the sparks plugs should be gapped to .045. The HEI units also require a full 12 volts; so a minor ignition re-wire will have to be done. There is a thread that does discuss all of this; worthwhile reading............. Also, vacuum advance should be checked so that the total advance is per specs for that year and model of engine __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

01-08-2007, 10:46 AM	#21
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: looking for a HEI for inline 6 cyl. GMCJIM..... sounds like good info.. thanks for sharing.. __________________ "

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