ModernMuscleCars.net - Modern Muscle Cars Archive - chevy question from a Ford guy

Pages: 1

chevy question from a Ford guy
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: 89stang306

In theory, how tough would it be to change a old SBC engine out of a 73 Camaro from points to HEI ignition? I have never tried that before and I know someone who wants to.

Posted by: skeezix

On the HEI dist, you have 2 tabs on the side marked "TACH" and "IGN",. Hook a 12volt 'switched' source (means you have 12volts with key 'on') to the "IGN" tab and you're off to the races!

Posted by: Penske

Make sure it's 12 volts, not 6 volts like breaker points use (there's either a ballast resistor or resistance wire to drop the voltage).

I replaced the breaker dizzy on my '73 with a Mallory Magnetic, it's smaller and easier to work with, and you don't have to run a separate 12V line (it uses 6V).

Posted by: DODGE_MAIN

I would go with either the Crane or Pertronix electronic conversion. WHY? HEI is bulky, HEI modules flake (heat is the enemy) and like to miss at high rpm. HEI Cap and rotor costs lots.

Posted by: 65fairlane

Normally I would just say steve is crazy, but i have to agree with him. The ignitor points replacement and a flamethrower coil would probably be easier and give similar results.

Posted by: 3SuperSports

I have a '69 Camaro with an HEI and I recently put the pertronix set up in my other '69 - a pace car. I'll probably pull out the HEI, get a new original style distributor and add the pertronix set up to it. The HEI is too damn big. I had to dent the firewall to get it in.

Back to the Forums