HEI Distributors

[dmjlambert]

What is the deal with those conversion modules that you install in the old points distributor to convert it to electronic? Are they a good idea? Do they need the resistor wire replaced just like HEI? I may have considered one if a friend didn't give me an HEI out of a later model Chevy.

[Mike C]

Either the Pertronix Ignitor (or Ignitor II) or Mallory Unilite conversion work great. But harder to replace when they break.

For my money, I'm all about the cheap Chinese distributor and sourcing some parts as spares. A coil and a module.

The MSD Streetfire is probably a little better. They say it has same melonized gear as their other distributors. Just bought one myself for hydraulic roller compatibility. $160. But I'd have no problem running the cheap Chinese distributor.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

What is the deal with those conversion modules that you install in the old points distributor to convert it to electronic? Are they a good idea? Do they need the resistor wire replaced just like HEI? I may have considered one if a friend didn't give me an HEI out of a later model Chevy.

The Petronics is good if you have clearance problems with the big GM HEI or want the original look, but you can't beat the OEM HEI for performance & reliability.

[jeffahart]

I bought a Skip White about three years ago(it was called the "Ready to Run"). I have a tired 350. The simple HEI is a good upgrade. Spend your money on wires! Wires are important! All things equal, and especially for a stock type engine, you can use the cheaper distributors and be fine. I'm of the opinion that the basic swap out HEI distributors have reached appliance status. Again all things equal, they are a straight plug and play and you will burn the fuel.

Also, I should have mentioned, the "Ready to Run" is designed to run with an external coil. This distributor is designed to look like an original and resolves any firewall clearance issues. Just google Skip White ready to run and you can see it.