Freshening up the 350 & wondered if a GM HEI distributer will fit without hitting the firewall? Carb will be a Q-jet on a 3711 intake with aftermarket air cleaner.

 

HEI fits just fine, but you want to take the cap off when R&Ring the engine.

 

Don’t forget the factory uses resistance wire to supply power to the stock distributor. Replace it with a wire that will supply a full 12vdc.

 

Will a GM-HEI fit with a factory stock Air breather snorkel system for a 68-72?
I have heard rumors that the GM-HEI will Hit the back of the Air breather for 68-72.
The rumors said you have to switch to a 1973 Style air breather for the proper clearance with the GM-HEI.

Is this true?
Does anyone have an pictures of a GM-HEI with a stock air breather 68-72?

 

You have to make a large depression in the bottom rear of the cleaner housing to clear the HEI.

 

If you not running an OAI, I believe you can simply use a top of carb spacer for clearance.

 

On a small block the HEI will not clear stock height intake/air cleaner or with Performer. Air cleaner housing mods necessary or a spacer between carb & air cleaner. I have used Chevelle cowl induction spacer (steel) or cheaper plastic spacers are available. Have not seen hood clearance issues with SBO & flat hoods.

HEI will clear with Performer RPM and standard air cleaner housings.

On my blue car I run HEI with RPM or presently Street Dom, OAI, housing has large fabbed notch for dist and its been “compressed” to lower the housing relative to carb, half height foam to hood.

Red ‘70 runs ‘68 OAI system w/ RPM, HEI, no housing mods.

 

I have had the OAI setup on my 69 for probably 20 years. The air cleaner diameter is the same as the factory snorkel cleaner, and I ran a HEI distributor with no clearance issues.

 

I didn’t consider the difference in height between a stock manifold and the Torker manifold I’m using. That may change things.

 

Actually, you also didn't consider the difference between a BBO and SBO. The distributor is at the same height relative to the cam, but the taller deck on the BBO pushes the carb an inch higher. The Torker increases that even futher. You can use a HEI with stock air cleaner on a BBO with no problems (assuming you don't have a Toro intake with the depressed carb).