Wondering if there are any fitment issues with HEI Distributors in 69 Cutlass. I'm sure this has been asked and answered. Also which ones have given the best results. Not going to the strip just want reliability.

 

The factory HEI is larger in diameter but will fit. You will either have to modify your air cleaner or use a spacer under it.

 

here's an alternative if you want a more direct drop-in


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...0/applications

 

You're right about it being discussed before. It's "all over the place". You've got good advice on fitment. Bypass the primary ignition resistor. Include a complete setup from primary wire to the plugs. Use a heavy gauge primary wire. To help reliability use a quality solid state voltage regulator and keep the module as cool as possible. (Don't forget the underside grease.) And always carry backup components, especially the module. If you need remote spark advance control use the ones with the 5 pin module.

 

For reliability, points are the best.

It may fit under the air cleaner with no mods, there are no other fitment issues. For best results go with a quality HEI like one from GMPP or rebuild an old stock unit from the later 70's (not a computer controlled).

Bottom line, nothing is more reliable or simpler than points. With that said, many people use an HEI with no real issues and they have improved the reliability so you can get many years of service from the unit. Be advised that there will come a day it will fail, usually on the side of the road. As stated above be prepared and carry some spare parts.

Also, your stock timing settings are N/A, there are many threads to help you go through that process as it is not just a simple drop in.

 

Technically, PROPERLY MAINTAINED points are the best...

Being lazy, I've used electronic on many of my cars.

To the OP, fitment depends on WHICH engine, WHICH intake manifold, and WHICH air cleaner. On small blocks, the large body HEI will usually clear the intake, but will hit the air cleaner. You will need a spacer ring between the air cleaner and carb. On most big blocks, the HEI can hit the intake manifold - particularly with older aftermarket intakes like the O4B. Most factory intakes will clear and pretty much all newer aftermarket intakes will clear. The air cleaner on a BBO will usually JUST clear the HEI.