Performance Distributors

[SUX2BU99]

What's a good drop-in HEI to use? I've been seeing the ads for the D.U.I. distributors and they intrigue me because of the custom curve they will build into the unit for your particular setup. Of course there are the usual MSD, Mallory, Accell HEI's but they offer several and I'm not looking for ultra-fancy (and pricey) setups, but would like a decent $150-199 HEI that will make my new cam and head swap do all that it can. My 350 has a stock HEI now that I've replaced the cap and coil with an MSD not all that long ago and it has nice Aurora performance wires on it already.  Thanks.

[VileZambonie]

Summit has their own brand line that I've heard good things about.

[SUX2BU99]

Yeah I was checking out what they have and $90 for a new 'blueprinted' HEI is a pretty darn good value. The D.U.I. one is like $270 I have come to find out. Custom curve is cool, but that's a little out of my price range. Lots of Summit's house brand parts are really good values. I am cautious though if the quality is there.

[VileZambonie]

One thing I can vouch for is Summit's cams. Edelbrock told me on the phone they do NOT make their own cams so you are just paying for the name when you buy brands like Edelbrock. So far I have had 2 Edelbrock cams fail and one be 8° retarded yet I've never ever had a Summit cam fail me and they're dirt cheap. Summit is also really good with warrantying their own products so I wouldn't hesitate. One thing you should never skimp out on though is the ignition system. I always use top quality everything ignition.

[SUX2BU99]

Good info Vile. I'm thinking about splurging for an MSD or a Mallory. I'm thinking this:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8362&N=700+4294925143+4294881256+4294908395+4294881255+4294908216+4294881252+4294840140+115&autoview=sku


Or this:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MAA%2D8548201C&N=700+4294925143+4294881256+4294908395+4294881255+4294908216+4294881252+4294840140+115&autoview=sku

The Mallory is a little prettier with that flat top-hat and it's a bit cheaper too.

[VileZambonie]

How bout this one

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DCSUM2700&N=700+%2D203994+115&autoview=sku


Or this one if you don't want vacuum advance

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DCSUM2701&N=700+%2D203994+115&autoview=sku

[SUX2BU99]

I never really thought about getting an outboard box like a 6AL or the like. Didn't really figure I'd need it and would just rely on the regular HEI with a quality coil and distributor. Speaking of MSD boxes, I've heard of quite a few that have gone bad, leaving drivers to unplug it to get the motor to fire.

[VileZambonie]

I've had the same 6AL on my 74 GMC for 10 years now. I've always covered mine when I wash the engine compartment, It's away from heat and vibration and works great still.

Anyone not running a factory HEI will vouch for it being worth every single penny. You WILL notice a major difference.

[Blue 82]

I needed a tune up for my 82
By the time I priced a good cap and rotor
for a few bucks more,
I just bought a new HEI on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-BBC-CHEVY-HEI-DISTRIBUTOR-65K-COIL-RED-8909-R_W0QQitemZ250230863062QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250230863062

this one has the adjustable vacuum rate advance
A 65K coil and is 100% new
The only thing I needed which I pulled from my old distributor,
was the advance springs and the vacuum advance limiter plate
(both made by crane cams)
The crane cams kit runs about $20 and is well worth it for any HEI
http://www.cranecams.com/pdf/254g.pdf

I installed this dist in my truck about 3 weeks ago
Out of the box the mechanical springs were way too heavy for my application
it also provided about 15 degrees of vacuum advance (5 too much for me)
they even provided a new gasket

It runs better than my old HEI
that had the ZZ4 module, Accel coil and adjustable vacuum rate cannister/kit from crane.


just my $.02

(the crane kit comes with the adjustable vacuum cannister/ springs/ and vacuum limiter plate for approx $20. the limiter plate alone is like $5)



O

[bigkountry]

I run Accel HEI with supercoil on mine and haven't had a problem yet.

[SUX2BU99]

I think in the interest of my budget, I'll get the Mallory HEI and forego the Summitt set with the outboard box (for now). It would be an easy sell in the future if I decide to upgrade to something like that Summitt kit. I have to keep some money avaiable for a new Weiand alum. water pump.

[VileZambonie]

I'd put my $ into the ignition system over the aluminum waterpump. The Mallory is good though ...Good luck with it!

[SUX2BU99]

I hear ya, and it probably makes more sense to do that. But, it's a lot easier for me to swap out a distributor than it is a water pump!    Thanks for everybodies input.

[75stepside454]

Ive had a D.U.I. H.E.I in my 454 for almost 5 years. best Dizzy Ive ever had.

[chevy87truck]

i had bought a proform complete distributor from jegs, it crapped out so i got my money back and bought a performance distributors complete. it runs awesome, and looks good too.