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#87085 03/10/2005 5:47 PM | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 78 Member | | Member Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 78 | I was wondering if there is any difference in using an in cap coil(I think thats what they are a called) as opposed to using an older cannister type coil. I'm using an HEI distributor if it matters. This is my first restoration job so I'm still learning.
Thanks
Brady Eldridge | | |
#87086 03/10/2005 6:01 PM | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 | The HEI systems used two types of coils, but the canister type was not one of them. The external-coil HEI used a square-shaped coil with the laminations exposed, and a different wiring harness than the canister type coil. There are four low-voltage wire terminals on the external HEI coil, as opposed to only two primary terminals on the round, non-HEI units. They're definitely NOT interchangeable, as the primary circuit resistance is lower on a HEI unit. If you can find the distributor with the in-the-cap coil setup, its much easier to wire up, needing only a single, heavy (10 gauge) 12 volt wire from the ignition switch to the distributor to run. Be sure to bypass the built-in resistance wire from the switch to the original coil, BTW!
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!
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#87087 03/10/2005 7:55 PM | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 78 Member | | Member Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 78 | Thanks Hotrod so does the canister type work with the points ignition. Also, This may be a dumb question but how will I know for sure if it is an HEI distributor. If it is electronic ignition will it be an HEI distributor. I don't see any points on the distibutor so does that mean it is an HEI distributor. | | |
#87088 03/11/2005 12:25 PM | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 86 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 86 | If its an HEI, the coil will be on top of the cap.
47.5 Loadmaster 5 window
48 Chevy 3600
69 GTO convertible
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#87089 03/11/2005 8:45 PM | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 | The HEI distributor is much larger in diameter than the conventional distributor, about twice the size. This is to prevent the spark from jumping from one spark plug terminal to another. The HEI trigger module is mounted to the distributor base, and has 4 wires, two from the outside, and two others connected to the "pickup coil" which surrounds the distributor shaft. A "coil-in-cap" distributor will have a 3-wire plug which connects from the distributor housing to the top of the cap. The 12 volt power lead is also plugged into the cap terminals. The remote-coil distributor has a somewhat different wiring harness.
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!
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