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Has anybody used this HEI distributor? TSP Early Inline 6 HEI Distributor I'm really thinking about trying one out. I noticed it has a steel gear which I would assume I would have to use the gear from my old distributor since my cam is cast ('57 235 w/mechanical lifters). The notes indicate that the gear would be most compatible with cast iron cams but I'm not so sure about that if the gear is steel. If anybody has had any experience with these distributors, please share!!

I installed one on a ‘62 235 a few years back. Only issue was the clearance from cap to side cover was really tight. No interference just tight. Ran great.

stlcardinalsguy Have done several using almost any v-6 HEI,most have the same gear chevy used since 37, usually turn it upside down. Make a new stub shaft grind an oil pump tang and just make it like the one you took out. Be sure it has end clearance up and down.Can use a small block hold down,some need a tube to raise it up (use aluminum conduit) raising it up helps on clearance to the side of the engine.You get that perfected you,ll really like it !! Next put it on propane,best thing I EVER done for mine--start,run,never cold natured !!

Chevy 194-235 Early L6 HEI Distributor
SKU JM6516 BE THE FIRST TO REVIEW THIS PRODUCT
Would look odd with big cap HEI.

Lots of folks, myself includes run:


www.langdonsstovebolt.com/store/#!/Stovebolt-Mini-HEI-for-GM-216-235-261-&-GMC/p/1222040/category=18665949



For Chevy 216, 235, 261, and GMC 228, 248, 270 and 302 engines. Includes new cap, rotor, and OEM GM HEI (heavy durability) square coil.

BE SURE TO ORDER A STEEL GEAR IF NEEDED! SEE BELOW:

Steel gear is necessary for pre-1954 Chevy and GMC engines with a forged steel camshaft! (add 20.00) (Click link below, for information on how to tell if you have an Iron or Steel Camshaft)

Justhorsenaround - Thanks! I haven't seen any reviews or anything at all on the TSP unit. Did you use the included gear or reuse your old one?

I don't really care what it looks like under the hood, everything on the truck is going to end up having a major modification of some sort that will look out of place...function and cost are my most major concerns. I almost pulled the trigger on the Langdons HEI but Speedway has a rebranded TSP 6516 for over $100 lower price. I'm pinching pennies as best I can.

Looks like fixite's solution would probably be cheapest, gonna check into that as well. Looks like one could get a complete HEI distributor for a 250 from RockAuto for around 65 bucks.

Thanks all for the help!!

Used the same gear as it came with. No problems.

Thanks! Gonna give it a try.

Martin I always used the gear from any 235,have some running for 25 yrs.

They are cheap in wrecking yards, make sure to get an even fire one, though.

Ed

BC59 I think they look a lot better with the big HEI,I guess its because they run so much better,and start with just a bump,itdoes almost bother the dipstick but that is minor. Make mine out of v-6 car donors their cheap

I have one of those TSP type units that has been sitting here for 10 or 12 years. Those were sold under several different names. I bought it on eBay when they were selling them for $70~80 with free shipping. I used it a while and it worked mostly ok, but it allowed oil to run up between the shaft and the housing and from there it would dribble out from under the cap in a big mess. I figured someday I'd make a seal for that and keep it in case my Langdon's HEI had any trouble (which it hasn't). You know those TSP units were not made in the USA, yes?

Gonna take the advice of everybody here and stay away from the TSP. Did a little more digging and seems lots of people have problems with the junk electronics...and Jon's oil leak problem. I'll likely go the modified 250 HEI route, try to pick one up from ebay or just get a reman Delco unit. Thanks for all the help guys!!

Ed Pruss Just called my local horse weed junk yard V-6 HEI is 50 bucks ! Your choice go take it out ,they even tell you where the bumble bees are...and appreciate you telling them if you hit a new nest!! Great family of junk yard dogs over 50 years going there !!

Make sure it has an Even Fire cap otherwise you will be disappointed.

Ed

I use a Langdon mini HEI on my truck. Could not be happier.

Ed how do you identify odd or even fire cap?,are the poles not spaced evenly? Just wondering cause did the hei to my 65 292 and runs rough, but start's nice

Ed how do you identify odd or even fire cap?,are the poles not spaced evenly? Just wondering cause did the hei to my 65 292 and runs rough, but start's nice

Poles, or wire receptacles on the cap must be evenly spaced, odd spaced(odd fire) will not work.

Ed

Odd=fire distrigutors were used on the early Buick 231 V6 engines and had an oddball spacing of the plug wires in the distributor cap. Two wirea sre close togethert, then a wide gap, one wire, another wide gap, and two more close-spaced ones. The crankshaft rod journals are also spaced unevenly. The engines shake on the motor mounts at idle due to the uneven firing impulses. Even-fire distributors have sic equally-spaced plug wtre towers. Any Chevy, Pontiac , or Oldsmobile inline six HEI diastributor is an "even-fire" type.
jerry

Have a nice day

The only reason to run a 90 degree cylinder angle on a V6 engine is for ease of manufacturing. V6 and V8 blocks could be run on the same assembly line without tooling up for 60 degree automated machinery. Modifying the crankshaft throws almost, but not quite corrected the odd-fire situation.
Jerry

Ed Pruss Have made several v-6 HEI distributors fit the 235,never have even seen that cap you describe thanks for that tip !!