Here is the simplest diagram possible. Make sure the wires from the distributor to the module are correctly connected, it does matter!
The module is mounted, and thus grounded, to the car body. Just like the original mopar box, it won't run without a good ground!
Hook the hot wire directly to the battery, as shown, completely bypassing the ignition and ballast circuit. Do not use any of the original mopar wires, exept the plug coming off of the distributor. Use new wires between the coild and the HEI module, and new wires from the distributor connector to the HEI. A new wire jumper to the battery positive as well. BTW, the engine won't stop when you switch off the ignition in this configuration, you will have to unplug the hot wire from the battery.
I did that and it was really the only way i could get the car to start. Semi-reliably though
If it won't start like this, there are 5 possible solutions, as far as I can see:
1. You have a bad coil
Using a brand new coil(not in the pics)
2. You have a bad distributor:
a. Reluctor is hitting the pickup, and/or is magnetized
b. Reluctor/pickup Air Gap is wrong
c. Pickup is bad
Would this be an issue given that the car was driven with no starting issues on that same distributor? Its a "new" parts store distributor with less than 1000 miles on it
3. You have a broken wire or a bad connector - I had an intermitent one on the original 2 prong connector to the distributor.
possibly, but i have no idea how to track it down. I did use another 2 prong connector i have.(shorter one) and that did help starting, but didnt solving anything
4. You have a bad module
I have used two hei modules. Same results
5. You are not following the schematic.
I'm definitely follow the schematics
If it runs fine with the Mopar box, and a switch back and forth to the HEI won't run, you can probably eliminate 1 & 2, and maybe 3.
Unfortunately I can't put the old ignition back in place
