I still have a points system ignition. I've spent like 3 hrs browsing for info on this topic in this forum.

Is this kit all I really need?
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=112615&prmenbr=361

This jus basically replaces the points right? Would it be possible to convert to an HEI ignition system or is this kit the right thing for me?

Yeah that will get you electronic ignition but the HEI system is so much better and so affordable that I wouldn't mess with that.

how much would it cost to get everything I need for an HEI system??

The HEI is a complete ignition system in itself---the coil is in the cap and the ignition module is in the distributor. You just hook up 12volts fromthe ignition switch to the Bat terminal plug in the spark plug wires and crank it up. If you have a tach there is also a terminal for it to hook to. The last one I bought was on Ebay for 15 bucks and it worked perfectly, just be sure to get one that has a spark advance and is not a computer controlled advance model. Here is a new one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33690&item=7978632182&rd=1
And here is a used one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33690&item=7979627987&rd=1

would there be any clearance issues with that used one? i got a 1970.

Is there a junkyard near you? I would just go to the local yard and pick one out for yourself, I think the last one I bought was around $10 or $15 dollars and I didn't have to pay for shipping/wait for it from ebay. If you go the the junk yard, you will be able to get a good visual on how it is wired if that is a concern of yours. I believe the HEI unit should fit just fine, assuming you have not trouble getting your points cap on and off.

I agree with old_coot and mrapii regarding it's simplicity and performance.

I have a '70 with a 454. It has an HEI with a vacuum advance. It fits fine and runs great. I believe mine to be an aftermarket billet type, but it's the same form/fit/function as the OEM and takes OEM parts. I believe it would cost about $100 to $120 to replace it. I did recently recurve the spark advance flyweights under the rotor cap to better serve my 454's spark advance needs (see my earlier post in this forum), but the Electrical connections are simple and straight forward. Biggest pain is getting to the dist. hold down nut under that with that big diameter distrib body. Special wrenches are available if that's a problem with your setup.

Were it me, I'd swap out the point type distrib in a heartbeat.

My only caution w/r/t a buying a used HEI (unless you can verify it runs well before you buy) is the condition of the components inside. Usually, if they work at all they work well. In my case mine wouldn't start hot. Turned out to be the pickup coil ($25 part from Auto Zone) and about 30 minutes to R&R on my workbench. Today, it runs top notch and for the price it's unbeatable IMHO.

PS, if you do go with HEI, it'll probably be delivering a hotter spark than your current points and coil. Therefore you can probably open the plug gaps to a higher setting (Mine are set at around .060" if memory serves) to take advantage of the hotter, more precise spark.

Hope it helps.

Mike

what kind of gap would you suggest for my 350 4bbl?

Sorry, I'd suggest calling/visiting a speed shop or a spark plug chart to see what plugs/plug gaps came on a 350 w/HEI. All I can say is that .060 works well on my setup.

well thanks for all the help!

A couple of years ago I had my small-cap points distributor in my 66 Nova converted to an HEI version.

There is a guy in CA that does this. Total cost was $175.00. No clearance issues and it maintained the stock look.

http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com

John 8)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-12/545033/JohnPoorman1.JPG

Well I live in KS so that'd be quite an inconvience but thanks anyway.

.... The last one I bought was on Ebay for 15 bucks and it worked perfectly, just be sure to get one that has a spark advance and is not a computer controlled advance model. Here is a new one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33690&item=7978632182&rd=1
And here is a used one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33690&item=7979627987&rd=1

I found the same model HEI system here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33690&item=7984127881&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW) on ebay. Anyone have any experience with buying things from these people. I'm looking to upgrade from points to HEI and this sure seems like a good deal. Also, can I later put an MSD box directly on this?

For this HEI, I would also need new wires, correct?

Hi Emerys

It's been a few days since I last checked in. Did you get the answers you needed and did you decide to buy that HEI off of Ebay? If so, once it's delivered and installed and running circles around your old points type setup, let us know how things work out.

FYI, My HEI'd 454 "woke up" recently when I fixed the starter problem (Huh? You say........).

Yeah. The weak starter acted just like I had too much initial timing, causing the engine to kick back at startup. To remedy kickback, I was retarding the distributor, thereby sacrificing total advance. Once the new starter went in, I set the dist to 15 degrees initial, 20 degrees centrifugal for 35 degrees total and WOW!. It's like I added 100 extra horsepower!!!She now burns both tires more than halfway through 2nd gear!! when half way through 1st was all I could get previously with the timing retarded.

Not that all this improvement is due to the HEI, but I'm sold in HEI's value. It's a great system and much lower maintenance overall (IMHO).

Good luck. :-)

Not really. I just liked the price they offered (after following coot's link) and if its a good setup, I'm going to jump on it. I also want to make sure that I can put an MSD 6A box on it. But your point about the starter is interesting. If nothing else, it reminds me I need to replace the starter on my wife's '65. I should find a good starter for that somewhere....

An MSD6A will connect directly to the pickup coil. You would need to get an MSD 8860 (6' extension) and 8861 (module bypass cable). These run $11.88 and $6.88 from Summit. They allow you to completely remove the HEI module from the distributor. The MSD6A can't be triggered from the HEI module.