Stovebolt.com Forums The Shop Area The Engine Shop 1954 235

The Pieman must have gotten waylaid by Simple Simon. He hasn't been back since posting the question.

tricordati In all this distributor talk no mentionn of the GM HEI conversions,that is all I use in the 4 I have running. Not a hard job to switch and is powerful long lasting accurate ignition my 2 cents worth. Have some running since 82.

Pieman Use what I use HEI tough,permanent,powerful,any FLAPS can help. Stay away from offshore new ones find used domestic distributor can modify with tools you probably have now. My 4 all run fine,watch for interference on the hight of it to the side of your engine. You'll be amazed how tough these are,never wear out of spec. Get one not computer controlled is just a complication you don't need.

I have another distributor and I think I have a coil. I will try the swap.



Thanks! JS

Might be nice to have a thread on the HEI conversion for the 235 and 261. Photos, wiring diagram, parts list, modifications to make it even better. I have never run one, always points or a Vertex Magneto but I know they are a really good reliable ignition.

Don't mean to ruffle feathers here but I want to have a bit of fun and provide a counter point of view.

The high energy part, of a High Energy Ignition, is an overkill. The stock coil produces all you need plus more for our I6 engines.
A typical HEI (GM made 250 I6 for example), that is GM tested and works well, is made for a 12 volt system so the HEI conversion now requires a truck 6 to 12 volt conversion (or HEI 12 to 6 volt adaption).
Well that's an unfortunate cost increase.

Shouldn't the focus be on the part that wears and has to be replaced periodically?
So, a replacement for mechanical ignition contacts that:

Works well on 6 volts.
Is self contained (doesn't need an ugly firewall mounted module and extra wiring).
Is easy to install.
Has a reasonable cost.
Doesn't fail if ignition keyswitch is accidentally left on.
Is absolutely known reliable.

The competing factor or logic for the focus above:
A truck that is frequently used may see 15,000 miles before the contacts need replacement. Lets say 10,000 miles so we have extra protection.
Lets buy 5 sets of contacts today at $20 each. Skip that, add inflation, 5 sets at $30 each for $150 total.
I religiously change the contacts out every 10,000 miles (even though it's a hassle why my big belly).
That's 50,000 miles for $150 (hmmm, my truck may outlive me before it sees that many miles).

Well I'm senior, can someone please explain it to me again why my old truck needs HEI?

It doesn't. Nor does it need a Pertronix or Mallory or anything else.

All of my vehicles that came with breaker points still have them. They all work flawlessly and never fail.

My '56 Coupe de Ville has been my true daily driver for over 20 years. I've put over 100,000 miles on it. In that time it has had 3 sets of points max. It might actually be only two.

With a fully charged battery, properly functioning voltage regulator and generator, breaker points last practically forever with very little wear. They don't abruptly fail the way electronic ignition will.