The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How difficult to switch to HEI?

I'm running a SB 350 with standard points type ignition. What is involved in switching to a GM HEI distributor as far as wiring? Is the coil integral in an HEI system? How is it connected into my truck with my current system? Is there just a single wire? If so, where does it go?

Just curious, as I've been considering making the switch and when it comes to electricity, I'm in the dark (pun intended). I don't want to go Pertronix as it doesn't seem to be a true high-energy electronic system. Rather it's just a replacement for the points, right?

As always, any help is appreciated.

its just one wire, my 1970 chevy with SB 350 was switched to HEI before i bought it and i looked at all of it cause i'm redoing the whole truck. but i had to redo it cause i cut the wire and don't know what i did with it so i found witch wire connected to the key for the ignition, gotta pull the plug of the key part and one says IGN so i just spliced the wire hooked my HEI wire on and ran it through one of the openings in the firewall now its been a little while since i looked at it bout 2-3 weeks but thats what i remember i'll have a look at it and let ya know if anything is incorrect

Thanks for the info! Do you know if I run this with or without the stock ignition resistor?

You don't need the resistor with the HEI. Redcoat

Drop in the new dizzy and connect the ignition wires. Run a new wire, 12 gauge from the unfused ignition on the fuse block to the distributor. You no longer need the resistor or wiring that connected to the old dizzy, coil and starter. Remove, unhook, tape over or whatever your comfortable with. This is assuming you're using the coil in the distributor cap.