HEI for a 6 Banger - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DB Smith · 11-04-2008, 03:42 PM

Anyone got any suggestions on where to get a good deal on an HEI distributor for a straight 6 ??

I have a buddy who's building one. He just got the block and head back from the machine shop, so it will be a few days 'til he needs it.

I did a quick check on Ebay and found some, but they're way too expensive. I paid a lot less for a V8 dizzy.

PanelDeland · 11-04-2008, 04:58 PM

I bought one at the local Junkyard for $25.00 .I installed it just like I got it.I turned the rotor the same way as the points dist was when I pulled it.Timing wound up being about 2* off.It made a world of difference in driveability.

**chev-obsession** · 11-04-2008, 05:46 PM

i bought a points elimanator kit and it never failed me, but i heard that the later model stock hei ditributors are the way to go.

Brad · 11-04-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chev-obsession

i bought a points elimanator kit and it never failed me, but i heard that the later model stock hei ditributors are the way to go.

I like being able to get a module at any parts store across the country whereas I'm not sure that's possible with the points eliminator kits...
A brand new HEI shouldn't be more than $120 at any parts store. Keep checking the local yards and you should be able to find one.

2bits · 11-04-2008, 09:34 PM

Yeah the stock unit puts out plenty of juice. I went stock. There's better ways to give them more power. Make sure to get the low rise cap with the external coil (Yes, it's still HEI) if you plan on getting AC for compressor clearance.

Brad · 11-04-2008, 09:58 PM

Funny, I was just thinking about possibly putting on my AC brackets and swapping out the internal HEI for external on my Camaro...

Cyclone · 11-04-2008, 10:04 PM

DB Smith, PM sent.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 11-05-2008, 06:24 AM

You might try Tom Langdon's:
www.stoveboltengineco.com

Mike J · 11-05-2008, 10:40 AM

The 68 truck I just bought has a 250 I6 with an HEI distributor, what year and model do you guys use to buy cap/rotor and plug wires? Do you still use the same spark plugs that you were running with points? same gap? thanks...

Brad · 11-05-2008, 12:15 PM

They came on cars and trucks at least in the range of '73-'78 and at some point went to the computer controlled HEI's. Just go to any parts store and get one for a C-10 in that range and you'll be good to go. Gap plugs to .045 or so and drive like ya stole it!

Mike J · 11-05-2008, 12:35 PM

thanks brad, and btw, cool truck

2bits · 11-05-2008, 05:57 PM

I think when I went in the truck searches didn't come up with the external coil, but I could be remembering wrong. I do know I asked for a 75 Nova, and they got it for me.

68gmsee · 11-05-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

.........It made a world of difference in driveability.

Can you explain how it affected the driveability?

I had thought of converting mine some time back, but read that there wasn't that much of a diffrence between the points and the HEI as far as gas mileage, power, etc., so I kept mine stock.

Brad · 11-05-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Can you explain how it affected the driveability?

I had thought of converting mine some time back, but read that there wasn't that much of a diffrence between the points and the HEI as far as gas mileage, power, etc., so I kept mine stock.

That's total

There's a huge difference in starting, driveability, and mpg's when you go to HEI. I knew it would be way better in my all original Camaro and it just about killed me to finally do the swap, but I couldn't be happier and I've never looked back!

2bits · 11-05-2008, 10:08 PM

TOTALLY!

caja_larga · 11-05-2008, 11:08 PM

I just tried searching for a hei dis with the external coil and did not have any luck. any one got a part #

68gmsee · 11-05-2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad

That's total

There's a huge difference in starting, driveability, and mpg's when you go to HEI. I knew it would be way better in my all original Camaro and it just about killed me to finally do the swap, but I couldn't be happier and I've never looked back!

Well, it may be total

, but, IIRC I read it in an old cars magazine about about 15 years ago. They didn't say it wasn't better, just not that much of a difference in performance. Now mind you, I am not talking about a 350 V8 performance engine here. Just a single barrel 250...

Can you be more specific other than the BS stuff? Like how much gain in hp or mpg on a 250 six cylinder.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 11-08-2008, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caja_larga

I just tried searching for a hei dis with the external coil and did not have any luck. any one got a part #

Tom Langdon has the GM Factory External Coil L6 HEI for sale at $95 @
www.stoveboltengineco.com
I don't know the p/n, could be the title is the part nunber.

Brad · 11-08-2008, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Can you be more specific other than the BS stuff? Like how much gain in hp or mpg on a 250 six cylinder.

Sorry, I don't have any documented proof or dyno results, just seat o' the pants performance results along with better starting, mpg's, trouble free use, no points adjustment, etc...

2bits · 11-08-2008, 12:51 PM

You might want to call your local parts store too and let them look it up, mine was around $100 too.

newbraunie · 11-09-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike J

The 68 truck I just bought has a 250 I6 with an HEI distributor, what year and model do you guys use to buy cap/rotor and plug wires? Do you still use the same spark plugs that you were running with points? same gap? thanks...

Quote from instructions that came with dizzy I bought from Lagdon's Stovebolt.
"Suggest extended tip design spark plugs which are designated by a "Y" suffix on Champion brand or "S" suffix on AC Delco brand. Suggested gap on these plugs is .60"-.80" for improved idle and low speed driveability".

I used 8 mm Borg Warner HEI plug wires.

Brad · 11-09-2008, 03:07 PM

Interesting....I'm just using the stock plugs. Let us know how it performs, and how the plugs look.

DB Smith · 11-09-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Tom Langdon has the GM Factory External Coil L6 HEI for sale at $95 @
www.stoveboltengineco.com
I don't know the p/n, could be the title is the part nunber.

Thanks, 68OS....That looks like the one we need.

http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/aca...?productid=125

The internal coil type was what I thought we'd use, but they are way overpriced...$225

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HEI-C...Q5fAccessories

DB Smith · 11-09-2008, 05:34 PM

Oh boy!!!

Hold on....here's one for $75

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-CYL...Q5fAccessories

Brad · 11-09-2008, 06:16 PM

Nope, that's a totally different animal....and ends up being $88 with shipping anyway.

11-04-2008, 03:42 PM	#1
DB Smith Old Shovel Rider Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rain City, WA. Posts: 117	HEI for a 6 Banger Anyone got any suggestions on where to get a good deal on an HEI distributor for a straight 6 ?? I have a buddy who's building one. He just got the block and head back from the machine shop, so it will be a few days 'til he needs it. I did a quick check on Ebay and found some, but they're way too expensive. I paid a lot less for a V8 dizzy. __________________ Daryl.... *'68 C/10 Stepside* *2007 Build Page* *DS Originals* *Old Bikers.US* Last edited by DB Smith; 11-04-2008 at 03:43 PM.

11-04-2008, 04:58 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger I bought one at the local Junkyard for $25.00 .I installed it just like I got it.I turned the rotor the same way as the points dist was when I pulled it.Timing wound up being about 2* off.It made a world of difference in driveability. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

11-04-2008, 05:46 PM	#3
chev-obsession Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: kennewick, WA Posts: 1,472	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger i bought a points elimanator kit and it never failed me, but i heard that the later model stock hei ditributors are the way to go.

11-04-2008, 09:34 PM	#5
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger Yeah the stock unit puts out plenty of juice. I went stock. There's better ways to give them more power. Make sure to get the low rise cap with the external coil (Yes, it's still HEI) if you plan on getting AC for compressor clearance. __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

11-04-2008, 09:58 PM	#6
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger Funny, I was just thinking about possibly putting on my AC brackets and swapping out the internal HEI for external on my Camaro... __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten... Last edited by Brad; 11-04-2008 at 09:58 PM.

11-04-2008, 10:04 PM	#7
Cyclone Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sonoma, CA Posts: 318	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger DB Smith, PM sent.

11-05-2008, 06:24 AM	#8
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,100	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger You might try Tom Langdon's: www.stoveboltengineco.com __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

11-05-2008, 10:40 AM	#9
Mike J vw guy & now c-10 guy Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Louisville,KY Posts: 483	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger The 68 truck I just bought has a 250 I6 with an HEI distributor, what year and model do you guys use to buy cap/rotor and plug wires? Do you still use the same spark plugs that you were running with points? same gap? thanks... __________________ '68 long fleet Finally made some progress on the build!!! My Build Thread

11-05-2008, 12:15 PM	#10
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger They came on cars and trucks at least in the range of '73-'78 and at some point went to the computer controlled HEI's. Just go to any parts store and get one for a C-10 in that range and you'll be good to go. Gap plugs to .045 or so and drive like ya stole it! __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

11-05-2008, 12:35 PM	#11
Mike J vw guy & now c-10 guy Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Louisville,KY Posts: 483	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger thanks brad, and btw, cool truck __________________ '68 long fleet Finally made some progress on the build!!! My Build Thread

11-05-2008, 05:57 PM	#12
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger I think when I went in the truck searches didn't come up with the external coil, but I could be remembering wrong. I do know I asked for a 75 Nova, and they got it for me. __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

11-05-2008, 10:08 PM	#15
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger TOTALLY! __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

11-05-2008, 11:08 PM	#16
caja_larga Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 172	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger I just tried searching for a hei dis with the external coil and did not have any luck. any one got a part #

11-08-2008, 12:51 PM	#20
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger You might want to call your local parts store too and let them look it up, mine was around $100 too. __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

11-09-2008, 03:07 PM	#22
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger Interesting....I'm just using the stock plugs. Let us know how it performs, and how the plugs look. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...



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11-09-2008, 05:34 PM	#24
DB Smith Old Shovel Rider Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rain City, WA. Posts: 117	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger Oh boy!!! Hold on....here's one for $75 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-CYL...Q5fAccessories __________________ Daryl.... *'68 C/10 Stepside* *2007 Build Page* *DS Originals* *Old Bikers.US* Last edited by DB Smith; 11-09-2008 at 05:35 PM.

11-09-2008, 06:16 PM	#25
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: HEI for a 6 Banger Nope, that's a totally different animal....and ends up being $88 with shipping anyway. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

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