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| | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 124 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 124 | I am driving a 1959 1/2 ton Apache with a 235 and the original ignition. The truck runs good the way it is and I was wandering if an electronic ignition would give me any more power and improve my fuel economy. The catalogs all say that it will but they are trying to sell distributors. I thought some first hand advice would be helpful.
Thanks a lot,
Gene
Gene
1959 Apache
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | You may save a gallon or so of gas over a few years time, but probably no more.
I like the HEI for ease of use and stronger starting. I have an HEI in my '47.1 COE and also a stock points system in my 6 volt '53 1/2 ton. Both are good systems, but the points systems do need to be adjusted on occasion. I really like the HEI setup in my COE as it really requires no care once installed.
I think for an everyday driver I would upgrade to the HEI, but you really don't need to. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.
Jeff | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | What Jeff said. Think of it this way. The points need attention about every 1000 miles. If you drive about 1000 a year you might as well keep the points. If you put 1000 on it regularly you spend less time under the hood with HEI. I went with Pertronix on my Burb. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 | The idea that HEI systems are service-free is a myth. I've seen numerous HEI's with the centrifugal advance system totally worn out or locked up due to rust. A good high film strength lubricant needs to be used on advance parts and checked periodically, at least once a year on most systems. Just pull the distributor cap and rotor and check the weights and springs for wear, and dab a little high-temp grease on the pivot points. Ditto on the vacuum advance- - - -if it moves, it's good, but it takes a MightyVac pump or at least some mouth-powered suction on a piece of tubing to check for diaphragm leaks.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 171 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 171 | A friend of mine installed the HEI on his 50 Ford V8 he then had problems with poor starting, then he changed it back to the original pionts ,starts good now,
I have points in everything from my 1951 WD Allis Chalmers to my 1931 Harley Davidson all work good. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 124 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 124 | Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.
Gene
Gene
1959 Apache
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