HEI or CDI?

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Brandon Weaver

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I've got a mild slant that's being tore down for... reasons... Anyways, now's the time for upgrades, and ignition is towards the top of the list. The only problem is, I can't make up my mind between HEI conversion, or an aftermarket CDI type ignition (as in, MSD, but MSD itself is ranked pretty low for me)

Here's the options:

HEI conversion see here
This is the cheapest (~$100) and the least frills. No multi-spark, no limiter, so on and so forth.

CDI options:
Professional Products Powerfire VI This is the one I'm really wanting opinions on. Comparing specs between it and the MSD 6AL-2 this would be the one that I would pick, hands down. I mean, same features and almost the same spec-wise, but for $60 less. That's on paper, however. I've yet to see/here of anyone using this product. Does anyone? Would it be worth the risk?

There are other options too...
Mallory HyFire VI-AL
Crane HI-6 CD
*GASP* Speedmaster/ProComp? I mean, it's only $130, and it's got a 2-step... :evil3:

So... Inputs, advice, opinions or suggestions? C'mon guys, I'm awful at making decisions :banghead:
 
If it helps your decision any... I just bought an Accel HEI module (#35361) at Autozone for $30. Clearance price- get there quick! (Normally almost $50)

Dirt cheap ignition, works great, too!

I have used the MSD 6-AL before. Aside from the rpm limiter and other extras, I dont recall thinking it ran any better one way or the other.
 
You didn't state the year. If you don't have an electronic distributor, you will need that for any of the above. The only (smart) way to use a points distributor is with an internal adapter like Pertronix Ignitor (III is best, but see if avail for slant).
 
BillGrissom said:
You didn't state the year. If you don't have an electronic distributor, you will need that for any of the above. The only (smart) way to use a points distributor is with an internal adapter like Pertronix Ignitor (III is best, but see if avail for slant).
Click to expand...

Good call Bill.
If it's points currently, the ignitor III with rev limiter would be my choice.
That and a matching E core coil giving HEI.
If it currently has an electronic distributor you can get a points distributor from Autozone for about 50 bucks shipped, and then use the Ignitor III and Ecore coil.
NOTE: They don't make an Ignitor with rev limiting for our electronic distributors.

If you want to keep an existing electronic distributor then the HEI mod might be the best choice for cost and performance.
This choice would eliminate the ballast resistor and Mopar box on the fender.
 
Brandon Weaver said:
I've got a mild slant that's being tore down for... reasons... Anyways, now's the time for upgrades, and ignition is towards the top of the list. The only problem is, I can't make up my mind between HEI conversion, or an aftermarket CDI type ignition (as in, MSD, but MSD itself is ranked pretty low for me)

Here's the options:

HEI conversion see here
This is the cheapest (~$100) and the least frills. No multi-spark, no limiter, so on and so forth.

CDI options:
Professional Products Powerfire VI This is the one I'm really wanting opinions on. Comparing specs between it and the MSD 6AL-2 this would be the one that I would pick, hands down. I mean, same features and almost the same spec-wise, but for $60 less. That's on paper, however. I've yet to see/here of anyone using this product. Does anyone? Would it be worth the risk?

There are other options too...
Mallory HyFire VI-AL
Crane HI-6 CD
*GASP* Speedmaster/ProComp? I mean, it's only $130, and it's got a 2-step... :evil3:

So... Inputs, advice, opinions or suggestions? C'mon guys, I'm awful at making decisions :banghead:
Click to expand...
Dude MSD is Top of the line when it comes to Dist..... HEi for $100 and not be as durable as to MSd $500 will last you forever and if any problems just send the part back to msd. I had a old dist msd burn on me after Don't know how long and just sent it back to msd. Gave them my old Dist and they gave me a BRAND NEW MSD distributor for $70 only. The part was $560 online. SO just saying if you done out your engine then MSD ALL the way. If stock then I guess hei will do.
 
Um... Its a slant... I don't think anyone other than Mallory makes a distributer for the slant. I'm talking the ignition boxes/modules themselves. $250 is the most I'd want to spend on a box, there's no way I'd spend twice that just on a distributer. Especially when mine is in good condition. As for HEI being not as durable, it take a lot of modules to justify that distributer price.
 
The main reason I run HEI is cost and availability. I just run a "plain" 4 pin GM module, triggered by a Mopar breakerless distributor. I don't even run a special coil, just a Mopar stocker, and no resistor.

If I live long enough to convert the (Holley HP) EFI from TBI to multiport, I'll probably just us a GM 8 pin module to add spark control.

Plus, you don't need anything special to trigger a tach.

This is coming from a guy, who in the 70's, ran CDIs, tach drive tach, the strongest Blue Streak or NAPA "gold" points (remember those?) that I could find. I still have my old rectangular Mallory coil around here, someplace
 
67Dart273 said:
The main reason I run HEI is cost and availability. I just run a "plain" 4 pin GM module, triggered by a Mopar breakerless distributor. I don't even run a special coil, just a Mopar stocker, and no resistor.
Click to expand...
+1
I just run an HEI coil, since it fits on the same mounting bracket as the 4 pin module.
 
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