HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ACK · 04-01-2013, 02:31 PM

This months project is switching over to an HEI distributor. I'm on a limited budget and want to know if you have opinions about the set up I'm leaning towards:

- Cardone Remanufactured distributor for 1978 Chevy 4.1L
- ACCEL Perform distributor cap and rotor kit
- Duralast ignition coil

I'm hesitant about buying an inexpensive eBay distributor and my shopping list is about the same cost as a Pertronix Ignitor II, so might as well get the real deal. Thanks for the input.

**TBONE1964** · 04-01-2013, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACK

This months project is switching over to an HEI distributor. I'm on a limited budget and want to know if you have opinions about the set up I'm leaning towards:

- Cardone Remanufactured distributor for 1978 Chevy 4.1L
- ACCEL Perform distributor cap and rotor kit
- Duralast ignition coil

I'm hesitant about buying an inexpensive eBay distributor and my shopping list is about the same cost as a Pertronix Ignitor II, so might as well get the real deal. Thanks for the input.

I have a Petronix Ignitor in my 64 with a 292 and I love it. That truck can set for months and fire right up with no problems. I also love the fact that it looks completely stock.

luvbowties · 04-01-2013, 04:42 PM

You'd still be leaving the better system on the table, imo. Pertronix would be my choice.
Sam

**slepysal** · 04-01-2013, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

I have a Petronix Ignitor in my 64 with a 292 and I love it. That truck can set for months and fire right up with no problems. I also love the fact that it looks completely stock.

I agree no big head cap, and easy as an ignition point swap!

ACK · 04-01-2013, 07:14 PM

The truck will be my daily driver by summer, so my biggest concerns are reliability and gas mileage. I read a lot of threads about Pertronix and it's hard to separate fact from opinion. What pushed me away was Pertronix' website inferring the Flame-Thrower coil is needed to get full benefit of their product – which makes the HEI more attractive to my wallet.

If you have the Ignitor, I would like to know how long you've had it, if your gas mileage noticeably increased, and did you upgrade the coil.

**slepysal** · 04-01-2013, 09:33 PM

Ive had mine for over 6 years and have had ZERO issues I did upgrade the coil but only becuse I had a MSD blaster coil . I did have to use a ballast resistor.
In the end it is your choice , and your $$.
I went with the pertronix becuse :
1) easy install
2) It kept the "retro" look I wanted
3) No need to remove old distributor and mess with timming
4) the price was right
HEI or pertronix either way you'll be happy with the upgrade.

ACK · 04-02-2013, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogeroo

HEI conversion

homemade mini HEI

Reading the HEI section in the FAQ, I was under the impression an HEI would drop right in, no mods needed. Am I wrong and need to adjust the shoulder?

boucher racing · 04-02-2013, 10:19 AM

I am running a Skip White HEI. I have put a advance kit in it and it has been flawless.
Posted via Mobile Device

1963c-10 · 04-02-2013, 10:55 AM

I run the Pertronix II in my 63 230L6, did upgrade to a stronger coil (Summit chrome coil, supposed to be an upgrade over stock coil), no ballast and has run flawlessly for over a year. Did see 1-2mpg better than the stock setup. Easy to install and fits nice under the stock cap.

chevy_mike · 04-02-2013, 12:25 PM

If you want one of the authorities of the Chevy Inline 6, Langdon's is the place. I bought my HEI (coil in cap style) from them.

http://stoveboltengineco.com/catalog...=0&sort=normal

**Captainfab** · 04-03-2013, 12:01 AM

I have not made the upgrade on a I6 yet, but a HEI designed for a 250 (4.1) 6cyl should drop right in your 250 6 cyl engine. You'll just have to change your wiring as per a typical HEI upgrade.

Tx Firefighter · 04-03-2013, 06:05 AM

The HEI is a drop in conversion. Yank the old stuff out, drop in new HEI, supply it with a good power wire, install new plug wires, and gap your plugs to .045. I've done it to every six cylinder truck I've ever owned.

You'll be very happy. They start, run, and idle so much better.
Posted via Mobile Device

04-01-2013, 02:31 PM	#1
ACK Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philly, PA Posts: 540	HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl This months project is switching over to an HEI distributor. I'm on a limited budget and want to know if you have opinions about the set up I'm leaning towards: - Cardone Remanufactured distributor for 1978 Chevy 4.1L - ACCEL Perform distributor cap and rotor kit - Duralast ignition coil I'm hesitant about buying an inexpensive eBay distributor and my shopping list is about the same cost as a Pertronix Ignitor II, so might as well get the real deal. Thanks for the input. __________________ My truck ain't dead, it just smells funny.

04-01-2013, 04:42 PM	#3
luvbowties Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: southeasternfoothillsofusa Posts: 1,557	Re: HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl You'd still be leaving the better system on the table, imo. Pertronix would be my choice. Sam

04-01-2013, 07:14 PM	#5
ACK Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philly, PA Posts: 540	Re: HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl The truck will be my daily driver by summer, so my biggest concerns are reliability and gas mileage. I read a lot of threads about Pertronix and it's hard to separate fact from opinion. What pushed me away was Pertronix' website inferring the Flame-Thrower coil is needed to get full benefit of their product – which makes the HEI more attractive to my wallet. If you have the Ignitor, I would like to know how long you've had it, if your gas mileage noticeably increased, and did you upgrade the coil. __________________ My truck ain't dead, it just smells funny.

04-01-2013, 09:33 PM	#6
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl Ive had mine for over 6 years and have had ZERO issues I did upgrade the coil but only becuse I had a MSD blaster coil . I did have to use a ballast resistor. In the end it is your choice , and your $$. I went with the pertronix becuse : 1) easy install 2) It kept the "retro" look I wanted 3) No need to remove old distributor and mess with timming 4) the price was right HEI or pertronix either way you'll be happy with the upgrade. __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

04-02-2013, 10:19 AM	#8
boucher racing Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 294	Re: HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl I am running a Skip White HEI. I have put a advance kit in it and it has been flawless. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Build Threads: "JED" 66 GMC C1000 http://inliners.org/ubbthreads/ubbth...1857#Post61857 "Cropwell" 66 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=587639

04-02-2013, 10:55 AM	#9
1963c-10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: fayetteville nc Posts: 10,338	Re: HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl I run the Pertronix II in my 63 230L6, did upgrade to a stronger coil (Summit chrome coil, supposed to be an upgrade over stock coil), no ballast and has run flawlessly for over a year. Did see 1-2mpg better than the stock setup. Easy to install and fits nice under the stock cap. __________________ 1963 Short bed step side SBW 427 big block and borg warner T-16 HD 3 speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=519869 1963 Short bed fleetside BBW 348 1st gen big block w/Powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619024 1964 Short bed trailer

04-02-2013, 12:25 PM	#10
chevy_mike Never Ending Projects Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,836	Re: HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl If you want one of the authorities of the Chevy Inline 6, Langdon's is the place. I bought my HEI (coil in cap style) from them. http://stoveboltengineco.com/catalog...=0&sort=normal __________________ . 1965 C10 Panel, Tiki Express http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=506580 SOLD 1968 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod Hauler http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313233 SOLD 1965 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415702 SOLD We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason... listen twice as much and speak half as often...

04-03-2013, 12:01 AM	#11
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl I have not made the upgrade on a I6 yet, but a HEI designed for a 250 (4.1) 6cyl should drop right in your 250 6 cyl engine. You'll just have to change your wiring as per a typical HEI upgrade. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

04-03-2013, 06:05 AM	#12
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: HEI Distributor for 4.1L 6cyl The HEI is a drop in conversion. Yank the old stuff out, drop in new HEI, supply it with a good power wire, install new plug wires, and gap your plugs to .045. I've done it to every six cylinder truck I've ever owned. You'll be very happy. They start, run, and idle so much better. Posted via Mobile Device



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