Distributor Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**awbanks** · 09-03-2023, 06:35 PM

I am planning to jump into the ignition system in my 71 C20 and found that the distributor was updated at some point to a Delco Remy distributor with a coil up top.
Did these distributors have date codes to locate what year this came from?

Are there any upgrades you recommend for these HEI distributors?

Thanks!!

**truckster** · 09-03-2023, 07:32 PM

You just need to make sure you have 12v to the distributor.

**dmjlambert** · 09-03-2023, 07:54 PM

I don't know about markings, but I asked an old Chevrolet dealer parts guy about mine and he said those non-computer controlled HEI distributors are from 1976 to 1980. I think it is likely the year range is greater, but when I'm looking for parts for it such as new distributor cap, I specify to the auto parts store counter guy I have a 76 C10 with a 350. Mine has been very dependable and does not require maintenance or adjustment. An occasional new distributor cap, coil center button, and rotor are tune up items. The coil cover will clean up well with some soap and water when you have it apart to transfer the coil to a new distributor cap. That coil cover looks like something good to keep. I imagine the next one you get will be stamped made in China.

I wonder if that is a ballast resistor to the right of the distributor and if so, what it is there for. It's not needed for the distributor.

I think the only upgrade is clean it up, keep it, and admire it.

**too much stuff** · 09-03-2023, 08:47 PM

There will be a part number on the housing by the cap that should identify it.

**awbanks** · 09-03-2023, 10:19 PM

Good to know! That will help in my search for plug wires.
I'll clean it up and run it as is for now unless there's an issue.

I've also been wondering about the wiring to the distributor since I haven't seen anything with a ballast resistor like that. I might need to trace the wiring to see where it leads. Thanks!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

I don't know about markings, but I asked an old Chevrolet dealer parts guy about mine and he said those non-computer controlled HEI distributors are from 1976 to 1980. I think it is likely the year range is greater, but when I'm looking for parts for it such as new distributor cap, I specify to the auto parts store counter guy I have a 76 C10 with a 350. Mine has been very dependable and does not require maintenance or adjustment. An occasional new distributor cap, coil center button, and rotor are tune up items. The coil cover will clean up well with some soap and water when you have it apart to transfer the coil to a new distributor cap. That coil cover looks like something good to keep. I imagine the next one you get will be stamped made in China.

I wonder if that is a ballast resistor to the right of the distributor and if so, what it is there for. It's not needed for the distributor.

I think the only upgrade is clean it up, keep it, and admire it.

**1970cstblazer** · 09-04-2023, 07:48 AM

Like the points distributors, there is a Delco part number stamped on the circumference of the distributor housing. It will pinpoint the original application.

**truckster** · 09-04-2023, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awbanks

Good to know! That will help in my search for plug wires.
I'll clean it up and run it as is for now unless there's an issue.

I've also been wondering about the wiring to the distributor since I haven't seen anything with a ballast resistor like that. I might need to trace the wiring to see where it leads. Thanks!!

If you have a resistor, it needs to be removed. The resistors were there to drop voltage so that points would last longer. Your HEI needs the full 12 volts.

**awbanks** · 09-04-2023, 01:23 PM

That makes sense. I'm not sure how the previous owner had it wired up.
I will test the voltage and trace the wiring this weekend to ensure everything is good with the voltage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

If you have a resistor, it needs to be removed. The resistors were there to drop voltage so that points would last longer. Your HEI needs the full 12 volts.

**Ol Blue K20** · 09-04-2023, 02:16 PM

That ballast register needs to go away!

54blackhornet · 09-04-2023, 05:04 PM

Original GM HEI’s are like GOLD now compared to the aftermarket ones that are mostly made in China. Even buying original modules and coils stated to be from Delco are not made in the USA any longer. I have replaced three HEI’s sold by a firm called BraveX. Great customer support but the electronics inside are suspect.

09-03-2023, 06:35 PM	#1
awbanks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Brooklyn Park, MN Posts: 23	Distributor Question I am planning to jump into the ignition system in my 71 C20 and found that the distributor was updated at some point to a Delco Remy distributor with a coil up top. Did these distributors have date codes to locate what year this came from? Are there any upgrades you recommend for these HEI distributors? Thanks!! __________________ awbanks 1971 C20 Longhorn

09-03-2023, 07:32 PM	#2
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,798	Re: Distributor Question You just need to make sure you have 12v to the distributor. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

09-03-2023, 07:54 PM	#3
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,565	Re: Distributor Question I don't know about markings, but I asked an old Chevrolet dealer parts guy about mine and he said those non-computer controlled HEI distributors are from 1976 to 1980. I think it is likely the year range is greater, but when I'm looking for parts for it such as new distributor cap, I specify to the auto parts store counter guy I have a 76 C10 with a 350. Mine has been very dependable and does not require maintenance or adjustment. An occasional new distributor cap, coil center button, and rotor are tune up items. The coil cover will clean up well with some soap and water when you have it apart to transfer the coil to a new distributor cap. That coil cover looks like something good to keep. I imagine the next one you get will be stamped made in China. I wonder if that is a ballast resistor to the right of the distributor and if so, what it is there for. It's not needed for the distributor. I think the only upgrade is clean it up, keep it, and admire it.

09-03-2023, 08:47 PM	#4
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,698	Re: Distributor Question There will be a part number on the housing by the cap that should identify it. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

09-04-2023, 07:48 AM	#6
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,287	Re: Distributor Question Like the points distributors, there is a Delco part number stamped on the circumference of the distributor housing. It will pinpoint the original application. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

09-04-2023, 02:16 PM	#9
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 15,834	Re: Distributor Question That ballast register needs to go away! __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man

09-04-2023, 05:04 PM	#10
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,258	Re: Distributor Question Original GM HEI’s are like GOLD now compared to the aftermarket ones that are mostly made in China. Even buying original modules and coils stated to be from Delco are not made in the USA any longer. I have replaced three HEI’s sold by a firm called BraveX. Great customer support but the electronics inside are suspect. __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD



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