The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop HEI vs. Mini HEI

Is there any advantage or shall I ask whats the difference between a mini HEI from Langdon's or picking one up from the salvage yard from a 250 inline motor. I undertand the used vs. new thing. I also understand the modification necessary to make the one from the 250 work in the 235. What else is the advantage or disavantage? I am looking for preformance aspect.

Tom's description of "mini" HEI is just in reference to its smaller size where someone might need more block clearance for some reason. The larger HEI is the "factory" style. There is no difference on how they function.

Cool thanks for that info. I do like what i have read on the mini HEI it sounds like its an easy upgrade.

The factory HEI can have two different caps, one with coil inside cap like most all HEI's, and one short cap with coil mounted to the engine block. The short cap may come in handy if you need more room. Both work just the same.

Joe

I have a Langdon's Mini on my 235 and the fit and function are GREAT! You'll be getting rid of the Ballast Resistor and will have to extend that wire, other than that it's not too much to install

If you are running a finned aluminum side cover the large HEI will not fit without trimming some fins.

I agree, it's basically the original 235 "look" vs the current new large cap design. My Langdons also works great.

The distributors for 235 that Langdon sell aren't 250 distributors, they start life as 2.8 V6 S10 distributors.

Yes. He sells both.

The used HEI can be a crapshoot. The first problem is finding one. The last one I found locally was over 7 years ago. When China had the olympics and the scrap price went high, most any left were gone. The last time I checked at my local truck salvage I got the deer in the headlights stare. Next issue is shaft wear. If the oil wasn't changed regularly the grit wore on the bore in the housing. Also add in the price of new internals if you want performance. A new module, cap and rotor, springs and weights add too the price. All of this makes the Langdon mini more attractive.

If you have a good distributor, want the advantage of a classic look and the advantages of an HEI look at the Pertronix. You still need to change the weights and springs for performance tuning.