Is it possible to switch from the old points system to an HEI Dist on a 1953 Rocket 303? if so, is there any other electrical changes that would need to be made to accommodate the swap to HEI.

Also has anyone got an illustration like the pic to show where the leads go on the Dist in relation to the plugs, the only pic I could find on the internet shows Oldsmobile 67 & later.
Firing Order: 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2

Thanks in advance.

 

Pertronix has the conversion. This is a debatable issue on here but I am a fan of them. I put one in a 50 88 that a late friend of mine had. It really helped the slow cranking 6 volt system. I recommend using their coil also. Here is a link to their website.

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx

 

Thanks for that Red.

 

I don't believe there is an off the shelf HEI large cap style dist available for a 303.

 

I believe you are correct Eric. One of the good things about the Pertronix is you don't have to change the cap or the wires.

 

Yeah guys I'm happy to go with the Pertronix

 

One more time:

High Energy Ignition (HEI) is GM's brand name for the large-cap, coil-in-cap distributor. Pertronix makes electronic point replacements. They are NOT "HEI", they are simply electronically triggered ignition systems. So long as you realize that the electronic conversion will NOT provide any performance improvement over properly maintained points, they swap away. I converted my older cars simply because I'm lazy and now no longer need to change points periodically.

Obviously if you are replacing badly pitted, misadjusted points with an electronic conversion, you'll feel an improvement, but you would feel the same improvement with properly adjusted new points.

 

you can also try the crane XR-I conversion , drop in, adjustable rev limiter, and you can still use your original coil, good luck

 

This is stuff I didn't know, and I really appreciate the info Joe, I too can't be bothered with setting and adjusting points and this is why I wanted to swap them out.

 

Thanks Shiftb, I'll check it out.

 

I don't believe the Crane XR-1 will work in his 6 volt distributor.

 

The 53 is a 12Volt system Red

 

Here you go. It's the one in the upper left corner. Please note that the firing order is not the same as a 67.
It is 18736542

 

It might be worth looking into a total distributor swap, maybe a Pontiac or Buick distributor can be machined to fit. Or you could weld a hei top part to the 303 lower dist. body. Just make sure the rotation is the same because if it isn't the vacuum advance will retard the timing.
I once read about a Jeep inline six conversion from a chevy six that required very little work to get running.

 

My bad. For some reason I had 52 on my mind. I know 53 was the first year of 12 volts.

 

Whatever he just wrote, please disregard. Why would you swap an entire distributor from a Pontiac or Buick? How many hundreds of dollars would that machine bill be? Why weld a HEI top to the 303 distributor when it will hit the firewall and air cleaner?? And finally, this car in question does not involve an inline Jeep or Chevy 6 (thank god)

 

Charlie that's perfect thanks a bunch mate.

Going to keep this 303 as unmolested as possible M, thank you all the same for the suggestion.

Your slipping Red...lol

New points or Pertronix...that's all i'll be doing 59.

 

You should get at least 10,000-15,000 miles out of a set of good points. Most of us don't put more than 3 or 4 thousand miles on a classic car a year so every 5 years or so you would have to change the points. It takes me about a half an hour(and I'm very slow)to get er done. It's not that big a deal from my point of view but what ever makes you feel more comfortable with your car go for it.

The Pertrinix system seems to work well for most but I had the modulator go bad in my SBC Land Cruiser that left me dead in the water and involved walking for a few miles or more so I've been a little reluctant to go back to the pointless system. Points will degrade in time but they always give you those warning signs that you need to attend to them. Just my humble opinion... Tedd

 

A few good "points" there Tedd (pun intended) it makes sense what you said about the mileage and as I'm not that familiar with a points system engine I didn't know about how long they lasted so something else I've learned.
I'm going to keep things the way they are for now and just get her running and see how we go.

 

Tedd has made the argument for points.............originality & reliability. While the electronically controlled ignitions have their advantages they are able to fail without warning. Anyone using them should always carry a "backup". While it's also prudent to carry a spare set of points & condenser, the points will almost always give lots of warning before failing completely.

 

You won't go wrong with either the Pertronix or a good set of points. Tedd and Ozzie make a good case for points. If I had walked several miles like Tedd did, I am sure I would never use another Pertronix. I like them because I don't have to fool with them and have had good luck with them. The most important thing is to enjoy your car. That is what we are supposed to do with these old cars.

 

If Tedd would have been smart and left a extra set points and condenser in the glove box he could have driven home. It takes only a few minute longer to put it back to points than it does to to just put in a new set of points.... We all live and learn but it is a very slow learning curve..... Tedd

 

Life is full of learning experiences...

 

Thanks as always for all the input guys, I'd be lost without it for sure.

 

I have had pertronix in my 56 for 6 years give or take. I love it. I have installed them in several Volkswagens and my 72 supreme will be getting them in the next few weeks.
I had one bad from stock years ago on a beetle. but that's the only problem I have had. the best part is that the dwell meter will become display use only soon!!!