The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop hei distributor/ motor rebuild

I am thinking of going hei and 12 volt with my 235. how much difference does it make? any suggestions on where to buy correct hei dist? I am having engine rebuilt this year and want it to last for a while. I am going to need a new cam and head work so any suggestions on improvements.
Paul

Check out the article in tech tips re:gm hei dist install into 235. Did that with mine, was one one the best improvements I made. Starts very nice has a smooth idle and good acceleration. The hei coil produces a very hot spark compaired to the coil/points dist. Hotter spark enables better burn of fuel thereby improving preformance ,you will be impressed! If you haven't change over to 12 V you will need to do that. Rather easily. I think there is info in tech tips to do that as well.

I am not sure on how big the difference is because when I bought my truck the motor was stuck. I just replaced the old ignition and points and replaced it with the mini HEI. If you do not want to make one as in the tech tip, here is where I got mine.

Mini HEI

This unit is based on G.M. 2.8L “S” truck 1982-1984 and uses cap, coil, rotor, module, pick-up coil, and vacuum can from this distributor. The optional round coil is typical Ford electronic ignition 1977 to 1984

I found a Hei dist. in the summit catalog they say it fits and has the tip on the end for the oil pump. kind of pricey. 209.00

I went with doing the gm 250 cid hei because of the cost , cheaper from the auto recyclers than from another vendor. Plus it is easy to do.if one cant do the mods easily then buying a dist already to go is the way. Again you will be happy going with hei.you can do a pertronix conversion and get the stock look go with a hotter coil and it will work too. Be sure your dist isnt worn out and vac advance works.