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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 | Hey Bolters.
I'd like to know the pitfalls, if any, of swapping my distributor for an HEI on my 235.
I'd like to keep it as stock looking as possible so which one should I buy? I won't change out my genny for an alternator, so does this inhibit my ability to go HEI?
I searched the forum here and got frustrated looking for an answer... my apologies for posting this as I am sure the answer is buried somewhere within this forum.
Thanks in advance.
FootStomper
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | It's best to use the search here on Stovebolt. It's frustrating possibly, to search, find and read. It's also frustrating to read all the opinions that will ensue. Again.
All kinds of stories and opinions including staying with points.
Also:
1. Pertronix
2. Langdon
3. DIY 2.8 Buick conversion
4. Mini Mallory
5. Mini other
6. Modified Chevy 250 HEI
My opinion has always been, if you don't want points, buy a HEI from Langdon Company. That would seem to be the least headache, most proven and kind of stock looking. Anything GM is your best choice.
If you are really hard over on looking stock, the only one I know of is the Pertronix. It's not a true HEI and no parts available out on the road. Quality control shows iffy on the web. Hit and Miss.
Last edited by bartamos; 08/29/2018 12:52 AM. Reason: more BS
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | You need to be a 12 volt system, HEI will not work with 6 volt unless you go to a 6volt pertronix
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 | You need to be a 12 volt system, HEI will not work with 6 volt unless you go to a 6volt pertronix it's 12 Volt | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 |
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 | The simplest and least expensive HEI will be the 250/292 Chey distributor from a salvage yard. Other than doing a little tinkering with the mounting flange, it's almost a drop-in fit. The 2.8 Liter Chevy V6 ("Mini-HEI") needs some adjustment of the shaft length, and there's only a few of them out there with vacuum advance. The full electronic advance mini doesn't work without a computer onboard. Does the 3.8 L Buick/Olds even fire V6 distributor turn the right direction? (clockwise) I don't remember.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 338 | My opinion has always been, if you don't want points, buy a HEI from Langdon Company. That would seem to be the least headache, most proven and kind of stock looking. This is great Intel. Thanks! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 2,168 A teacher, but always an apprentice. | | A teacher, but always an apprentice. Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 2,168 | I got my HEI for my 261 from Langdon’s. Simple install. Fired right up. No problems so far and as mentioned above is “stockish looking.” Most people don’t notice. They are too busy pointing out my alternator! I’m happy with it. I think you would be too. Here’s a picture of my HEI installed. https://photos.app.goo.gl/p2BdxJBZ645AgJrS7 | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | I bought the Langon unit and was happy with it for 10 years and then it was messed with, not by me and it still works fine but for my gas mileage issue.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 393 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 393 |
It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it.
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