The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1958 APACHE with 283 V8 HEI Distributor Question

Has anyone replaced the original points type distibuter with a HEI type on a 1958 APACHE 1/2 ton with a 283 V8?

I have a 283 with column shift 3 speed overdrive trans. The intake manifold is clutered with coil, overdrive shutdown switch, power brake hose, etc.. I would like to replace the distributer with a HEI type to get rid of the points, condensor, coil and resistor. There is about 3/4" clearance between the firewall and distributor. I think an HEI type with coil in cap will fit. If someone has performed this operation, please send me the details (type of disributor, etc.) Thanks in advance.

I put a petronics conversion kit in mine & put the coil on the firewall. They say it can be done but you need to bash the firewall in a little.

It's a very easy swap and worth the time and money.
http://www.classiccarauto.com/impala/how_to/install_distributor.shtml

Tony - easy to put an HEI in any SBC, the problem as George points out, is making it fit in a TF series truck, the Pertronics is an easier fit for the series

it does require some "massaging" of the firewall Bud, unless you can live with a fraction of an inch clearance, which can easily change over time .... there's been a number of discussions about it here, look around this forum and the engine forum .... not sure cramming the HEI in there to eliminate the coil will do much for the "clutter", and the ignition resistor can easily be eliminated by using an internally regulated coil

Bill

Thanks for the input. I was thinking of using a small cap type HEI distributor with an external coil if the unit with the coil in the cap is too large. I would then mount the coil on the firewall to free up some space on the manifold. From a troubleshooting perspective, it is easier to troubleshoot distributor problems with an external coil. I understand the Pertronics is an excellent replacement for points, but a new small cap HEI with a brand name like Procomp is about the same price. So, a new distributor with sealed bearings vs my old unit that has quite a bit of looseness seems the way to go.

Budj
I agree with using the new parts and the small cap for this application is the best choice in my opinion also.Have you looked at the MSD brand ?

I did it on a 55.2 3100 with a Chevy 350. See pictures
Picture 1
Picture 2

I forgot the Accel part numbers (I'm at work) but can get them for you. You have to use an external coil and an optional cap but it looks fairly original and clears the firewall with room to spare.

PM and I will get those part numbers to you.

Michael

Here are the parts you will need:
1. Accel 5200 Series Magnetic Breakerless Distributor
2. Accel 8145 coil
3. Accel 8124 Cap and Rotor
4. Accel 5042K Spiral Wire cables

Now, you must make sure it will work with a 283.

Good luck.