Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines HEI distributor coil type

I've picked up an HEI distributor to place in my '66 chevy p/u. The distributor is the type with the external coil. After installing the distributor I realized that I have to make a decision; do I try to modify the coil plug wire to fit the old coil, get a new coil, or get the type with th integrated coil in the cap? Would the old coil even work to correctly power the HEI system? What are your thoughts?

Did you get a coil with your Distributor? The stock distributor should not be used with the HEI distributor. There are 4 connections on the stock external HEI coil, batt., Tach, and 2 to the distributor. If you get the 2 to the distributor hooked with the wrong polarity on the coil you'll have problems. Not to mention the module in the distributor. I don't know what voltage the module in the distribtor wants.
Larry
68 C20 327 daily driver
63 C20 292 Camper truck
65 C10 ? Custom Cab AC,PB,PS,$flasher - Project

I ended up exchanging the setup for the internal coil type. The installation of this new HEI was much easier. I only had to hook up the one power wire and move the tach wire from the coil to the new HEI. I'm already loving the new system, the truck runs smoother, doesn't hesitate when I shift or at higher speeds. I would definatly suggest the internal coil type to anyone who is going to make the switch, it was simple to install.
I do have one more question though. With this new distributor in place the engine is blowing quite a bit of oil out where the dist inserts into the block. Is there a gasket I should be using to prevent this oil loss?

yea..u should have a rubber ring for it...my dads dodge had one and he forgot to put it in and it does the same thing...bloody cheap...u dont even need the specific part...u can use VCR belts that are smaller, or tranny o rings...anything round and rubber that will seal it decent and fits snug around the shaft of the dist.

Yes but the chevy does not have a rubber ring It is just a gasket.You can also use just a thin coat of RTV on so it won't rip the gasket at a later date in time If you ever need to reset the timing for any reason. Hope this helps }[oooooo]

Thanks for the info, after looking for a minute I did find the gasket for this application. Felpro part #12665. I'm on the way to the parts store to buy it. Thanks for all of the help.

http://www.pickproparts.com/pictures/result.aspx?linecode=fel&partnum=12665%