Good luck in your search. 👍

 

 

There’s one for sale in this posting:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...butors-150187/

 

That appears to be the later model, computer controlled, distributor. I believe that op is looking for a 3-wire with vacuum advance.

 

I couldn't tell much form the pictures, but his description says he has a 1978 HEI available, which should be for a non-computer engine.

 

You pretty much can get a remanufactured GM unit at any auto parts store. Doesn't sound like you're looking for a specific distributor #.

I put one for a 76 350 in my 69 350. The GM unit has an internal coil, not sure what your MSD unit has. It's fairly simple to find detailed instructions to convert the points to HEI if needed. An unskilled person like myself took about 5 hours to get it to my liking.

 

If you go with a conversion of your points distributor, do not use Pertronix. I used two different ones in the 54 I had and they both left me on the side of the road. The GM HEI is really not going to give you any more power but is a lot less maintenance. I had one in a 72 Cutlass 350 for over 20 years with no problems.

 

As Glenn says, HEIs are usually bullet-proof. I, too, used one for about 20 years without a problem.

Just for your information (not trying to convince you to go through a third try), MSDs should also last a very long time. I've installed and worked on many, and I've seen two failures. The two that failed didn't have the MSD PN 8830 capacitor on the power wires.

The failure mode is from voltage surges and spikes resulting from hot connect/disconnect of poorly-regulated chargers, and from jump starts. The capacitor protects the MSD from those problem situations.

This is how it's wired

 

I sent Mr. Cole a message. I have two or three distributors that are HEI, that are Olds, and have Vacuum advance. One of them is this near new "Spectra" one currently advertised. Pulled it, and the Carb off a '76 Cutlass with an Olds 350 engine. Appears it was installed, and then car was discarded. It is in it's own ad, and not with the other remaining distributors. Still have the late Seventies Original HEI unit as well. .