Hei conversion troubleshooting

KitCarlson said
The HEI wiring of pickup differs in post #27, from post #32 provided by Del. Also sounds like reluctor was flipped. Both of these conditions could track cap, might be best to replace it. Tracking is when spark carries metalic atoms from terminal, depositing on cap between terminals when phase is off. The tracking becomes a path for electrical flow, where insulator is desired.

The only difference between my wiring and post #32 is that I have added a relay to get full 12v from start relay terminal instead of using the stock 18g coil positive wire. I followed TrailBeast’s instructions on that one.

Also, I did some research on cap and rotor gaps and apparently in the 70's they started making the gap much bigger for smog/emissions related requirements. Supposedly cleaner running but wears out components faster. So I cleaned up the old longer rotor and will keep running that.

I have not messed with my original problem at all, waiting for new distributor to arrive.

67Dart273 said
There were "once upon a time" longer and shorter rotor contacts. I'm not sure that much would make a big difference if the rest of the system is right. Just FYI, "15 ish" volts is not correct. Didn't I post above how to check this?

Another thing you might check is for alternator AC ripple. With the car running and battery normalized, put your meter on AC volts and clip it to the alternator output stud. Recheck with lights or other loads turned on. You should read VERY little, maybe a few tenths of 1 volt

Did you ever try to run it with the alternator field disconnected?

Yes, I went through these checks but have kind of sidelined the VR problem until I can get the engine running right. As of 10 minutes ago, it is now showing the following:
Battery voltage, car off: 12.7
Running at idle 16v at battery. 2k rpm shows same.
When alternator field wire is disconnected, voltage immediately drops to 14 and steadily falls.

Here's a picture of my VR and alternator.

There are 2 terminals marked "FLD" on the back, one isn't hooked up to anything and I'm wondering if that is supposed to be a ground? They arent marked + or -, just "FLD" for both. I'm wondering if the alternator is not getting a good ground through the mount bolt to the block.