What is the difference between HEI distributor and points?

What is the difference between HEI distributor and points?

Since an HEI system produces more voltage and amperage output than a points-style distributor, a larger-diameter distributor cap is needed to prevent voltage from cross-firing inside the cap. If you’re thinking about an upgrade, make sure your vehicle has enough clearance between the engine and firewall.

Do HEI distributors have points?

The HEI distributor is still an inductive-discharge ignition, but exchanges points for an electronic device called a module. Since this system produces more voltage and amperage output than a point-type ignition, it requires a larger-diameter cap to prevent voltage crossfire inside the distributor cap.

Are all GM HEI distributors the same?

ALL Chevy V8 distributors are interchangeable. On a mechanical distributor, the centrifugal and vacuum advances may not be appropriate, and the drive gears can change based on the camshaft material.

What are the advantages of an HEI distributor?

The HEI system produces a more powerful spark, which allows for a wider spark plug gap. This delivers better ignition of the fuel/air mixture. The HEI setup was so popular, it became a must-do swap into non-GM vehicles as well.

Do HEI distributors need a coil?

Most—but not all—HEI systems have the ignition coil mounted in the distributor cap. A control module and magnetic pickup are mounted in the distributor, in place of a conventional ignition system’s breaker points and condenser.

Does HEI distributor need ballast resistor?

No ballast resistor is used or required with HEI. All you are doing with the ballast resistor is lowering the voltage to the HEI (and therefore output voltage to the plugs will be lower, with the possible result of misfire). Remove the ballast resistor when using the HEI.

Can you run without vacuum advance?

You need the vacuum advance for best performance at low throttle settings for the street as Barry said. If you were running on a circle track or a drag strip there wouldn’t be a need for it because the mechanical advance would be doing the job.

Why is HEI better than points?

The first is reliability, as electronic ignitions are virtually maintenance free. Also, HEIs allow full alternator voltage to go through the ignition system, which with our 50,000-volt coil allows larger plug gaps for better combustion and more power.

Do I need a coil with a HEI distributor?

Do I need a ballast resistor with HEI?

What are the 3 wires on a HEI distributor?

The connector has three wires: the violet and brown wire, which go to the HEI module, and a black wire that will go to ground. The HEI distributor should come with specific instructions that explain the process.

How many volts does an HEI distributor need?

12 volts
In order to run properly, an HEI requires a full 12 volts at all times. The 20-gauge resistance wire must be replaced by a 12-gauge wire (pink to maintain the factory colour coding), hooked up to the HEI cap’s “BAT” terminal.

How many degrees does vacuum advance add?

A vacuum advance unit can add up to 15 degrees of advance. The amount of advance depends on how much vacuum is applied.

How do you adjust the vacuum advance on a HEI distributor?

You can easily adjust the vacuum advance of the Street Fire Distributor. Insert a 3/32″ Allen wrench in the canister inlet and turn the adjustment screw clockwise until it is all the way in (Figure 2). Counter clockwise reduces the advance, clockwise increases.

Is HEI ignition better?