HEI conversion question

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Kendog 170

Kendog 170

Let the boy go !
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Has anyone done one of these Hidden conversions . I can't find any links on it and curious how good it works.

ECU conversion.jpg


ECU-Mallory HEI.jpg
 
There was a member here LONG time ago did this "I've wanted to try it"
 
I bought the adapter that mounts to the underside of the distributor. I have had an on again, off again problem that I hope I solved with a ground wire to the engine block. Ignition would just stop. I haven't fired it up yet, but we'll find out.

Mopar HEI Conversion
 
Looks easy enough to make to me. Use thermal grease under the unit.
 
A member here in LA(cant remember their name) with a red daily driver 64-65 Bcuda was doing this and posting his progress a month or so ago.
 
The pic with the red HEI is a reallllllly good conversion.......because it has a sizeable heat sink [ compared to some others ]. Heat is what kills these things.

If you want a cheap, bullet proof ign system, buy the MSD #83647 4 pin module. It comes with an adjustable rev limiter. It also switches 7.5 amps, compared to about 5.5 amps for stock type GM modules.
 
Fired the 440 up for a short time today. First impression is that added ground wire has helped a bunch. Didn't want too many exhaust fumes to get into the house so I didn't run it very long. Need to pull it out of the garage next week for a longer test.
 
@318willrun has done the conversion directly on his distributor as many others have but I'm pretty sure @TrailBeast has done this exact thing himself using the stock module as above.

I've done the stand alone conversion myself too on my 67. It's pretty damn good.
 
Just one thing to remember with the GM HEI module. The return path [ to grd ] for the heavy coil current is via the metal ferrules for the mounting screws. These screws normally screw into a heat sink or whatever it is screwed to, so make sure the HS is securely grounded.
 
67Dart273 said:
There was a member here LONG time ago did this "I've wanted to try it"
Click to expand...

That was me Del.
I sold it as soon as it was tested.

67dartgtgo said:
@318willrun has done the conversion directly on his distributor as many others have but I'm pretty sure @TrailBeast has done this exact thing himself using the stock module as above.

I've done the stand alone conversion myself too on my 67. It's pretty damn good.
Click to expand...


You are correct that it was me.
I have done quite a few of them and have been running the 8 pin module and matching coil with the weather pak connectors for 6-7 years now and it’s been flawless.
I probably did 30 or more like the one I run for others on here.

Also did one with the gm 8 pin module with the Dodge Ram smaller coil, and one that was designed so everything went under the dash inside the car.
 
I don't know on the Blaster II. I've got one of those sitting around as well. That was my original plan until the SS dropped into my lap...I love free parts, but it really wasn't free as I gave the guy some of my parts for his '73 Cuda and gave him some labor as well (long story of a car that kept kicking my butt - two bent exhaust valves...).
 
Jim Lusk said:
I don't know on the Blaster II. I've got one of those sitting around as well. That was my original plan until the SS dropped into my lap...I love free parts, but it really wasn't free as I gave the guy some of my parts for his '73 Cuda and gave him some labor as well (long story of a car that kept kicking my butt - two bent exhaust valves...).
Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with free parts, that's for sure!! That's the best type of part right there.

I'm trying to get my 66 back on the road with a stock 400. I'll likely run my back-up HEI with MP distributor with that motor, then switch to an MSD digital 6AL ignition once the 470 is built. MSD recommends the blaster 2 with their digital 6AL ignition, so I'd like to only buy one coil compatible with both ignition types. I'll have to ask them if the blaster 2 would work with the HEI as well.
 
The Blaster SS is probably the #8207 E core coil. A great coil with a powerful punch in a small package. The worst E core coil is better than the best canister coil because with a canister coil there is no real return path for the magnetic field. The MF just radiates into the atmosphere, lost forever, & never gets turned into spark energy.

There is a reason you do not see canister coils on modern cars.....
 
Bewy said:
Just one thing to remember with the GM HEI module. The return path [ to grd ] for the heavy coil current is via the metal ferrules for the mounting screws. These screws normally screw into a heat sink or whatever it is screwed to, so make sure the HS is securely grounded.
Click to expand...

That's exactly RIGHT, and IF you happen to be using BOTH the distributor o-ring and the gasket (they're supposed to have on too) it's entirely possible either to not get ground at the module, or not get a good ground, as the distributor hold down clamp is not designed as an electrical ground, so it might not act as a very good one. A small ground wire coming off one of the module screws to a dedicated ground AINT a bad idea.
 
mopowers said:
MSD recommends the blaster 2 with their digital 6AL ignition, so I'd like to only buy one coil compatible with both ignition types. I'll have to ask them if the blaster 2 would work with the HEI as well.
Click to expand...

Yes me too. I have Blaster 2 coil with stock Dizzy and MSD 6 AL with no Ballist resister I would hide the HEI in stock ECU for a back up for emergencies if my MSD fails again !
 
I am running an HEI and Coil from O'Reillys. Accel brand as it is readily available. I drilled and tapped 2 holes in my front engine plate, greased up the back and attached. 12v and no ballast resistors. It is a very nice, easily sourced set up.
 
You can see it mounted in front of the driver's side valve cover on the plate.

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upload_2021-2-22_7-9-41.png
 
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