What is the gap on the sparkplug when you use stock HEI dist.

 

i always use .035

 

0.035" is about right for points.

It will work fine with HEI as well, but if you're sticking with 0.035, why switch to HEI in the first place?

HEI specified anywhere up to 0.080", depending on year and model. Most now agree that 0.080" was way to big for reliable operation, but somewhere around 0.045 to 0.055" should be fine, and not overstress your wires.

- Eric

 

Ive always ran .035 and its always worked good for me. Plugs last, and always look nice. I think a while back i asked the same question a few years back. I ended up changing to .045 on my 468. Ran it for a few days and just didnt seem right. Put it back and all was good. I know what they say, but im just telling you from my own experience. But like other things we all have our own opinion. And you will see alot of them on this subject.

 

0.035" is fine.

My point is that 0.035's the gap you'd use with points, and so, using the same gap anyway, the benefit from the HEI is minimal (especially if not routinely revving over 5,000), so why bother switching to HEI?

No big deal, and I'm sure it would run fine. I'm surprised you had a running difference with HEI at 0.045" - it should run great there. Maybe something else wasn't right? Leaky wires?

- Eric

 

Or it could have just been in my head. LOL

 

The higher voltages associated with electronic ignition do require better insulating characteristics in the wires. That's no big deal these days, as any spark plug wire you can get (with the possible exception of braided restoration-type wire for '40's and earlier cars) should be up to the job, but NOS wires from the '60's, or newer wire that's just plum wore out may leak with HEI when it wouldn't with points, and cause odd running problems (usually seen under load), that would be resolved after closing up the plug gaps and thus reducing the voltage peaks seen by the wires.

- Eric

 

Make good sence. I never run old wires. But sometimes they get nicked. That might have been it. Ill try .045 on my burban when i drop the 425 in it. I have an HEI for i and ill be running new R45s plugs. Ill let you know how that works out

 

You're putting an OLDS motor in a 'BURBAN?!?

Those Chebby guys will be after you with torches and pitchforks !

- Eric

 

.045 should work great with your HEI.

 

Those chevy guys usually think the olds and the chevy motors are the same...

 

Thanks everybody I just wonder!