To add fuel to the fire just let me add my .02 cents worth. I changed out the point type distributor on my "58 4400, 235 "Thor", for a small cap design HEI. I had issues trying to find points that actually fit the distributor housing. Having used HEI distributors for years in other engines, I was confident that using one in the 235 would be more than reliable.
I used a GM HEI from a early 80's 2.8L V6. The distributor was used not only in GM vehicles but may Jeep products as well. The only true modification was to change the drive gear to the original one for the 235. The 235 drive gear is actually inverted from the 2.8L. Other than that the distributor drops in and clamps in the factory location, the use of an oring on the shaft eliminates any oil leaks. Using the small cap HEI means use still use a remote mounted coil, it mounts just as the original did for the 235, I used a "Flame Thrower" coil (painted black) that I had from another project. I used plug wires for a 2.8L. The spark plug gap is opened up to .045, the plugs run clean and hotter. I did find that I needed to lean out the fuel mixture some, I dropped the float level slightly on the Rochester "B", that seemed to cure my issue.
All that is required to operate the HEI is a switched 12V power source. I mounted a remote power bus on inside the cab, I added a relay here to eliminate the constant draw on the ignition switch. The bus also allowed me to clean up the wiring and eliminate so many connections on the starter. The Truck starts quickly, even on a cold 28 degree morning. (Cold in South Georgia anyway) Slight choke, a pat on the gas and hit the stomp pedal and VROOM.
I like the HEI setup so well that I'm converting my '60 235 as well. The small cap HEI is available from many sources and most are reasonable, I bought mine from RockAuto. They are available with or without vacuum advance.
Last edited by TUTS 59; 02/24/2025 5:08 PM. Reason: add content
