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Do you need a coil with an HEI distributor?
Most—but not all—HEI systems have the ignition coil mounted in the distributor cap. A control module and magnetic pickup are mounted in the distributor, in place of a conventional ignition system’s breaker points and condenser.
How do you hook up a HEI distributor?
How to Wire an HEI Distributor Cap
- Connect the primary wires to the HEI distributor, via a plug that snaps into the distributor cap.
- Insert the spark plug wires in the proper order on the distributor cap.
- Locate the distributor’s rotor button under the cap and determine its direction.
How does a HEI distributor work?
The HEI distributor is still an inductive-discharge ignition, but exchanges points for an electronic device called a module. Since this system produces more voltage and amperage output than a point-type ignition, it requires a larger-diameter cap to prevent voltage crossfire inside the distributor cap.
Is a HEI distributor better?
The HEI delivers a more powerful ignition spark, and this allows the use of wider spark plug gaps to help ignite fuel quicker, and deliver a more complete combustion.
When did cars stop using distributors?
By the very late 1990’s mechanical distributors were pretty much gone from all cars.
Does a distributor need to be grounded?
Does a distributor need to be grounded? The modules and pickup coils shouldn’t be grounded to the distributor either. The newer HEIs have the coil mounted to the engine block so it gets it’s ground through the mount. Points need a ground in the distributor, but the electronic systems shouldn’t.
Where is #1 on a Chevy distributor cap?
The # 1 spark plug is the drivers side front of the engine.
How do I know if my HEI distributor is bad?
Bad HEI ignition distributors give off some warning signs that can be diagnosed by the vehicle owner.
- Engine Fails to Start.
- Plug Wire Engine Miss.
- Reduced Fuel Economy.
- Weak Spark.
- Electrical Arc and Shorts.
- Hard Starting.
- Smog Check Failure.
Are HEI distributors better?
An HEI distributor is a great piece of equipment for an over-the-road car because it is completely self-contained. It requires minimal wiring and is easy to install. But without an external coil, a stock HEI cannot provide a strong spark at rpm levels commonly seen on the racetrack.
Can a non computer controlled Hei be used?
Once you begin to take things out of the ECM’s control you pretty much have to go all the way with it- replace both the computer-controlled distributor, the computer controlled carb (Qjet) and deactivate the check engine light. That being said, the NON-computer controlled HEI can be made into a great distributor for a street or street/strip car.
Where is the plug wire on a HEI distributor?
Here’s a few tips: Number 1 plug wire should be at the front of the distributor just to the driver’s side of centerline. If that’s not your #1 plug wire then you have the distributor installed off by a few teeth. It won’t hurt performance if timing is still set correctly but plug wire routing gets a bit messy.
Is the HEI a good distributor for a street car?
The HEI is a great distributor for a street or street/strip car. Its simple, easy to tune, and plenty powerful to light off any naturally aspirated engine up to 7000 RPM if properly equipped. Let’s start with the coil.
What kind of feed do you need for a HEI distributor?
When using HEI, the distributor requires a 12 volt feed. In order to achieve this the ballast resistor or the resistance wire must be removed from the circuit and replaced with a pure 12 gauge feed wire. This feed wire must be 12 gauge from the ignition switch to the bulkhead and then from the bulkhead to the HEI power terminal.