I think the HEI ignition is a pretty good ignition. I recall why it was developed and the time period it was developed in, but the fact remains it’s a good ignition, stock or high performance. And I understand HRL’s point of view although I myself still think the HEI is a good alternative to a point distributor. I have run a point distributor in my 235 and 261 motors for like 47 years. The issue is that some of these distributors are now 60 or better years old and some if not most, are really used up. There are not that many people doing rebuilds these days. Jim “Bubba” Linder was one but he is now retired. I bought a Sun machine and rebuild my distributors because no one local does them. I have never had any real trouble with a point ignition but that does not mean that nothing could be an improvement.
For example, when I installed a Vertex Magneto, I picked up a couple of tenths in the 1/4 mile due to the hotter spark and more efficient burn. But a magneto is not for everyone and for some motors, very difficult to find.
The HEI I think is a good alternative. Hotter spark, more ability to adjust the mechanical advance, takes adjustable vacuum advance cans, as well as any stock GM variation, of which there were quite a few. For a lot of applications, they can be purchased as a new unit and some conversions. Bubba did them, Deve has them, others. In fact, I was lucky enough to catch Tom Langdon at the right time and purchased the last HEI conversion he had and my son and I are going to use it as the ignition for the 261 we are in the process of rebuilding for him.
As for spark plugs, if you are having an issue finding the AC plugs, Champion J12YC, J13YC or J14YC will work, and the corresponding resistor versions, just add an R to the part number.
Just my silly 2 cents.
Last edited by Dragsix; 12/01/2023 1:11 AM.
