HEI is what dad and I always ran when racing. I can not think of one time the ignition ever failed us in the 20 years I raced and 40+ dad raced. On our distributor machine, (Allen brand from the 50's), a stock HEI will go to 6000 rpm ( max rpm for the machine ) with out problems when using GM modules. They also fire at 200 to 300 rpm.
The only advantage other then what Jerry already talked about is starting. Electronic ignition engines seem to start and idle better then points. Once up and running in normal everyday engines, I doubt you will see much performance difference.
I have seen HEI with solid core wires and really liked the looked. The fellow used the old cloth braided three color wire. Its something I have been considering for a while, just haven't got the nerve to try it yet. Since I have no radio, it would be fun to mess up everyone's radio around me with static! If I am lucky, it might jam up some cell phone calls around me to.
Joe
