Guys:
I am converting from points to HEI ignition, my question is about supplying power to the new unit. If I remove the resistance wire to the old points system harness and replace it with a standard wire, is this all that is needed to convert. I want to try and keep the OEM look of the harness without adding additional wires. Any help would be great.
Thanks, Ron

 

You'll need new spark plug wires. Use a 12ga wire to supply HEI. Your stock timing specs are N/A with an HEI, you need to know how many degrees of mechanical advance is built into the one your going to use to come up with a proper initial timing setting. The vacuum can may have to be changed or limited on the HEI to work with your new settings. Timing curve may need to be changed to your engines needs.

What HEI distributor are you going to use? What are the specs of your engine?

 

I found that the Moroso HEI advance curve kit gave 24º mechanical advance, which was the same as my original points distributor so I was able to retain the factory 10º initial setting.

What I later discovered was that a higher initial setting made the engine idle smoother, gave higher vacuum, and the engine RPM didn't drop when the AC was turned on. So, I put the factory HEI weights and center bar back in and that gave ~18º initial and 18º mechanical advance, which was perfect.

 

Hello:
All of the above questions has been dealt with and figured out, I am down to powering up the distributor. My question is do I pull the the engine harness from the firewall, remove terminal #5 / resistance wire, terminate with a standard 10ga. wire to power the distributor. The vehicle is a 66 Cutlass.
Thanks, Ron

 

I actually answered that question, but suggested a 12ga wire. 12ga will hold at least 60A.

 

Hello:
Thanks, I'll figure it out.
Ron