Inliners International Forums General Discussion Electrical GM HEI distributor

Tried a search but didn't find any info.
Did GM put out two diffrent HEI distributors for the straight 6? One that had the coil and ignition module in the distributor cap; and one that this was external?

thanks for your knowledge
David

Same distributor, just a different cap, etc.. as you mention. can be swaped around. Look at one of those "application guides" next time you're in the store to see what used which version, if you are curious.

interesting topic. can a coil in the cap unit be used on the mini-hei distributors that Langdon's Stovebolt sells? any advantage or disadvantage to coil in cap?

The 2.8L V6 distributor that Langdon modifies is not the same dist. that I was refering to (250/292 L6). The "mini" was never made with coil in cap. They aren't big enough to hold it.

I could use some clarification on this cap swapping distributor issue. I recently picked up and 81 HEI Distributor with coil in cap for my 1966 Chev PU 292, and at first blush the cap seems way too wide to fit where the original is, so I was thinking I would need to scrap the distributor and go with another. Is it possible just to swap over to a separate coil and cap system? Or do these distributors fit with just microns of clearance and I won't have any problem? Are there any proviso's (things to watch out for) regarding the cap swap or Distributor swap?

The HEI does go in, but does have an interference up against the block were the spring clips hold the cap to the base. I've managed to get by with out any grinding of the cap so far. I don't think switch to the external coil will help as the base diameter will remain the same. I think it could probably be done better, but I set mine up so that number one terminal is aimed at number one plug. This puts two of the spring clips parallel to the block and allows enough movement on the distributor to get the advance I want. If there is better way I'd love to hear it.

[This message has been edited by Lgriffin (edited 01-17-2003).]

Bannear,
You shouldn't have any issues with putting a later HEI into an older 292, as that is what it was designed for (194,230,250,292).
I believe what Lgriffin is refering to is trying to use one in a 216,235,261.

Gearhead, nope I have a 63, 292. The bottom of the cap were spring clips come out, hits the block. Is there something I should be doing different?

Larry

No, everythings fine. If it works, don't fix it. I didn't mean to imply that you could turn it 360 degrees. There is a "cutout" on the housing, this side should be facing the block. The cap makes no difference as to how it fits in the block. Just a matter of personal preference.

Gearhead, not trying to beat a dead horse, but.. the interference is a bit bothersome. I see what you mean by a cutout, the distributor clears there with out a problem. The bottom of the cap were the spring clips are, hit the pushrod cover. When I get time I'll have to see if a spacer will eliminate the interference. Anyone else have this problem on a 292?

Larry

Spacer for what? if you try to raise the dist. out of the block, you will not mesh the gears properly and it may jump out of the oil pump.

Are you using the stock '63 sidecovers? try looking at a '75 or newer engine. Maybe they added a larger depression in the sidecover for extra clearance? I noticed that the aftermarket ones that Langdon sells have clearance cutouts. Try looking at the local salvage yard or maybe call Langdon, or try the local Chevy dealer, since these engines are still available new. There is nothing that I could find in Leo's book about any interference issues. Perhaps turning it so that the cap clamp is in the middle of the sidecover depression would work better?

It appears the problem may only exist on the 292, because of the extra hieght on the pushrod cover. I'll have to find a 75 or newer 292 to see what the factory did. On my stock covers the distributor hits the outside of the cover were the gasket sits. You'd have to remove the spring clip to eliminate the problem. I'll leave it alone till I see a newer 292.

Larry

Had a chance to look at a Chevy van with an HEI in today. It appears that the factory didn't have a solution for the spring clip hitting the pushrod cover either, there was no difference between it and my 63, 292.

Larry

I'm using a 1983 Chev van HEI in my 292 and I am using Stovebolts aluminum finned side covers on it. Mid you, his covers have a little recess around the distributor but it works fine in mine.

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Ontario Inliners

Thanks to all who have responded to my query about newer HEI Distributors. I guess I will just go with the one I have and maybe see about some fancy side covers when I can afford it. Right now I want to make it clean reliable and consistent. I will be adding intake and exhaust manifolds and a new carb soon so the covers will have to wait. At least now I know I didn't go wrong with the '81 distributor.