New here with 78 Tornado XS 403 with MISAR ignition system. I'd like to swap in a traditional HEI (for now) just to get it running as I have no spark. I'll look into getting the MISAR system to work later but I need to get it running soon and hear MISAR parts are not all available anymore for a 78 Toro.
Does anyone know the correct HEI application that will drop in and work? Olds 350 HEI?

 

The topic of converting the MISAR system to conventional HEI is covered in this thread.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ronado-130000/
It's lengthly but a good read. If you want to skip ahead to the answer to your question go to post 31.

 

Just a note of caution here, and it may be nothing at all. But the thread referred to is dealing with a '77 Toronado. The ignition system on that car is different from that on the '78. Both are attempts to squeeze better mileage out of a carbureted engine, but there are significant differences in the componentry of the two systems. In the end, since you'd be disconnecting it all, anyway, it probably doesn't matter. Just something to note.

 

I'll read through all the info carefully. Thanks very much for the thread link!!

 

Been awhile since I posted a reply. I ended up swapping out the MISAR distributor for this one from Rock Auto:
More Information for WAI GLOBAL DST1893
The car runs pretty good with timing set to the stock 20 deg BTDC. No tach so maybe could bump the idle up a tad more.

 

I'd carry a spare HEI module in your glovebox. They have notoriously bad quality these days.

 

Not a bad idea! Parts these days are lower quality agreed.

 

Make sure you have thermal paste too. You used to get it in a ketchup style packet whenever you bought an HEI module.

Here's the stuff I used most recently.

https://a.co/d/90oAL4C

It's the same stuff used on the bottom of computer chips. Be aware that the thermal paste is NOT dielectric grease that you use on your spark plug wires.