The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop HEI ignition

Other than being more expensive and more complicated, what advantage does an HEI system have over a point/condenser system?

Hy WillH, the HEI uses all electronics to replace the mechanical switch [points], you get a super consistant high voltage spark. That means longer intervals between tune ups, better fuel mileage, easier starting, and in general less ignition problems. Once you do a tune up with a points type distributor and set your dwell and timing, the rubbing block on the points will wear and cause your dwell and timing to move, if you don't believe that, then set everything up, and then drive the vehicle for a week and check everything with your dwell meter, and timing light, you'll see how much things have changed. Basically HEI is a much better ignition system, and so are the points eliminator kits, such as the Pertronix kits, which I have installed many of, hope that helps.

are they really that much more expensive or complicated? i have never rebuilt a dist, but they pretty much drop in and go. as far as price i have never paid over $40 for a good used unit.

There is an older type of high energy system that you can use with your original distributor, it is called a capacitive discharge ( CD ) ignition system. I use this system in all of my vehicles that don't already have a stock high energy system.
This type of system reduces point oxidation significantly because the amount of current in the points is reduced to 1/100 of the original stock system.
The secondary voltage is increased, which will fire your plugs even when they are fouled. Note: It doesn't matter how much voltage your new system provides, your plugs will still fire at the same voltage. What it does allow you to do, is to increase the plug gap which will sometimes improve the engine operation.
High performance systems require that the wires, distributor cap, and rotor be in excellent condition. The ideal, is to run new high performance wires, but you can run with your stock wires if they are in excellent condition.
Bob

That sounds interesting; can you tell me more about the set up? What is added or changed; who has it for sale; cost? I like the idea of a high voltaghe ignition, HEI or ???; I just don't want to be on the side of the road with out fire to the plugs and not have a clue where to look or what to do. If I have a point/condenser/coil ignition, I can find the problem but I'm not electronic minded at all, so I'm completely lost on these systems.

I use PERTRONIX in 216's stock distributor .That replaces the points .The price is around $90.00 to $100.00
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Pertronix-Ignitor-Systems,5399.html

My GMC 302 I use a Gm stock HEI distributor .Here's a TECH TIP LINK .
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