Distributor HEI conversion

Frankenpez · February 2nd, 2009, 01:16 PM

Gentlemen:

I want to convert my '70 350 distributor from points to the "HEI" type by using the points replacement module that is available. Could someone tell me which product would be best for this, seems there are a few available out there. I don't want to go with a mid-70s larger distributor as I'd like to keep the stock look.

Thanks for the help-

MN71W30 · February 2nd, 2009, 04:16 PM

I have had good luck with Pertronics. I have installed them in Chevys and an old 66 dodge Chargwr and they worked just fine. I will be ordering one in the next few days for my 71 Olds. You can get a couple of different packages that either includes a new coil also or just the contact system.
Good luck,
Dave

redoldsman · February 2nd, 2009, 04:25 PM

I just put a Pertronix in my friends 54 Super 88 a couple weeks ago. It really helped the car start betterand it runs better. We had a cold spell and ice storm last week. I went out to the garage when it was 27 degrees and it cranked right up. I put one in my boat several years ago and it has worked great. I recommend using the Pertronix coil. They have a black one that looks original. They also have the Pertonix II which is supposed to be a little hotter.

Olds64 · February 2nd, 2009, 04:28 PM

If you want the distributor to remain stock then your only option is Pertronix like Dave said. I used a Pertronix kit on my 64 98 and it is an excellent investment. Far superior to points.

cutlassefi · February 2nd, 2009, 05:33 PM

Olds64- that's not quite true. There are many options besides the Pertronix. Mallory, Accel, Crane just to list a few. Some even have built in rev limiters as well. There are a lot of good ones out there that still retain the stock look.

MN71W30 · February 2nd, 2009, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutlassefi

Olds64- that's not quite true. There are many options besides the Pertronix. Mallory, Accel, Crane just to list a few. Some even have built in rev limiters as well. There are a lot of good ones out there that still retain the stock look.

Have you tried any others? I'm all for seeing what else is out there also.
Dave

mp71conv · February 3rd, 2009, 03:11 PM

I have the pertronics in my 71 cutlass and I have nothing bad to say about it.
easy install
great starting

Olds64 · February 3rd, 2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

There are many options besides the Pertronix. Mallory, Accel, Crane just to list a few. Some even have built in rev limiters as well. There are a lot of good ones out there that still retain the stock look.

I don't know if Mallory, Accel, and Crane make a variable reluctance conversion for Oldsmobile distributors. I guess Mallory would make their Uni-Lite conversion kit; however, I have heard mixed reviews about Uni-Lite ignitions. Ultimately, I would still suggest Pertronix over any other product. I have used a Pertronix kit on my 64 394. I was happy with the results.

Redog · February 3rd, 2009, 07:23 PM

Malloy and all the crap is $300 more than a stock one and does the same thing.

Get a dis at the auto parts store for a late 70's Cutlass and you're set. This is how I upgraded my points to HEI on a 1968 350

redoldsman · February 3rd, 2009, 07:44 PM

I have a latter model HEI in my Cutlass. One of the advantages of the Pertronix is you don't have to buy new plug wires like you will with a latter model HEI. If you are after stock appearance, you have it. It is such a simple installation. You may want to widen the plug gap a little but you will probably find some debate on that. I am going to say 45 thousanths is about right. If I were doing mine today, I would go with the Pertronics II which is a little hotter. There is my 10 cents.

bigoldscruiser · February 3rd, 2009, 10:26 PM

I also vote for the Pertronix. I use it in my 425's distributors and it has eliminated the no-start problem when moisture collects inside the cap. A very good product for the money. I also have it in my '66 Mustang.

71rocket · February 8th, 2009, 05:47 AM

Pertronix is affordable and easy to install.

OLD SKL 69 · February 8th, 2009, 08:17 PM

I bought the Pertronix for one of my cars about 5 years ago with no problems so far. Starts better with a smoother idle, better throttle response. I would recommend it as well. I bought their coil for it too. I would not buy their new coil now as they are made in china. Not sure who is making coils here anymore?

f-85 · February 8th, 2009, 08:38 PM

When you do the swap, make sure to run a new lead for the distributor. Original leads to the points distributors are only 9 volts, your going to want 12 with the HEI.

February 2nd, 2009, 01:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Frankenpez Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 30	Distributor HEI conversion Gentlemen: I want to convert my '70 350 distributor from points to the "HEI" type by using the points replacement module that is available. Could someone tell me which product would be best for this, seems there are a few available out there. I don't want to go with a mid-70s larger distributor as I'd like to keep the stock look. Thanks for the help- __________________ Jon - 1970 Olds Cutlass 'S'

February 2nd, 2009, 04:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
MN71W30 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: oakdale, Minnesota Posts: 530	I have done it a few times I have had good luck with Pertronics. I have installed them in Chevys and an old 66 dodge Chargwr and they worked just fine. I will be ordering one in the next few days for my 71 Olds. You can get a couple of different packages that either includes a new coil also or just the contact system. Good luck, Dave

February 2nd, 2009, 04:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
redoldsman Proud Viet Nam Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 480	I just put a Pertronix in my friends 54 Super 88 a couple weeks ago. It really helped the car start betterand it runs better. We had a cold spell and ice storm last week. I went out to the garage when it was 27 degrees and it cranked right up. I put one in my boat several years ago and it has worked great. I recommend using the Pertronix coil. They have a black one that looks original. They also have the Pertonix II which is supposed to be a little hotter. __________________ redoldsman

February 2nd, 2009, 04:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	If you want the distributor to remain stock then your only option is Pertronix like Dave said. I used a Pertronix kit on my 64 98 and it is an excellent investment. Far superior to points. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

February 2nd, 2009, 05:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
cutlassefi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central Fl Posts: 163	HEI conversion Olds64- that's not quite true. There are many options besides the Pertronix. Mallory, Accel, Crane just to list a few. Some even have built in rev limiters as well. There are a lot of good ones out there that still retain the stock look.

February 3rd, 2009, 03:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
mp71conv Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 76	I have the pertronics in my 71 cutlass and I have nothing bad to say about it. easy install great starting

February 3rd, 2009, 07:23 PM	#9 (permalink)
Redog Alero Chapter Secretary Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Newtown, PA Posts: 1,145	Malloy and all the crap is $300 more than a stock one and does the same thing. Get a dis at the auto parts store for a late 70's Cutlass and you're set. This is how I upgraded my points to HEI on a 1968 350 __________________ Me 2000 Alero running 14's 2005 Nissan Altima (her's) 1967 Olds 330 motor sitting on a stand 1985 Delta 88 w/1968 350 rocket ( MURDERED )

February 3rd, 2009, 07:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
redoldsman Proud Viet Nam Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 480	I have a latter model HEI in my Cutlass. One of the advantages of the Pertronix is you don't have to buy new plug wires like you will with a latter model HEI. If you are after stock appearance, you have it. It is such a simple installation. You may want to widen the plug gap a little but you will probably find some debate on that. I am going to say 45 thousanths is about right. If I were doing mine today, I would go with the Pertronics II which is a little hotter. There is my 10 cents. __________________ redoldsman

February 3rd, 2009, 10:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
bigoldscruiser 2 '66 98's Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: central New Jersey Posts: 170	I also vote for the Pertronix. I use it in my 425's distributors and it has eliminated the no-start problem when moisture collects inside the cap. A very good product for the money. I also have it in my '66 Mustang.

February 8th, 2009, 05:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
71rocket car nut farmer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SE KS Posts: 235	Pertronix is affordable and easy to install. __________________ SE Kansas, the sticks.

February 8th, 2009, 08:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
OLD SKL 69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 307	I bought the Pertronix for one of my cars about 5 years ago with no problems so far. Starts better with a smoother idle, better throttle response. I would recommend it as well. I bought their coil for it too. I would not buy their new coil now as they are made in china. Not sure who is making coils here anymore? __________________ Darrell 1971 Cutlass Supreme

February 8th, 2009, 08:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
f-85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Yorkville,il Posts: 279	When you do the swap, make sure to run a new lead for the distributor. Original leads to the points distributors are only 9 volts, your going to want 12 with the HEI. __________________ 1964 4DR F-85 455 1964 Olds Super 88 394 (sold to my buddy) 1958 International A-100 Project

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