GM HEI Distributor

[RF Man]

Anybody tried one one the GM style HEI distributor on their sixes yet? They seem to be getting a little recognition on some of the other forums. I curious about maybe trying one on my econo pickup I'm building. I've posted on another forum but not much response. These seem like a very good option----very affordable, very reliable, very simple, and really clean up engine compartment. IMO, a better solution than Dura-Spark. Please don't be hating on the Chevy guys.
THX Mike

 

[rocklord]

Mike at Classic Inlines have been selling them for years.

http://www.classicinlines.com/products.asp?cat=170

If you purchase one, I recommend having it recurved for the most benefit.

 

[RF Man]

the new ones are $155----this puts them in the very affordable range IMO. The DUI's are almost $500. I'm in no way knocking classic inlines piece, but that's too rich for my blood. Basicly the same piece--the aftermarket is now catching up. Some of the guys on the other Ford forums are running them in their V8's. They have now become available for the 200 six cyl. They are longer in nature than a Dura-Spark---about 4 inches. This might cause some fitmit issues, at least in my application in an Econo Pickup. I've posted on the econo sites, no one seems to be aware of them---thus my curiousity. I've done re-curved Dura-Spark's in other applications with great success, but these would be much better as is the DUI piece. Also more reliable than Dura-Spark. Although,again, not talking smack on Dura-Spark or any one else's piece.
THX Mike

 

[rbohm]

until the prices come down even more, it is still less expensive to do a duraspark system over the GM hei style system. a good used duraspark distributor can be had for around $25 depending on your area, the chrysler orange ignition box runs about $30-50, and the wiring harness is like $20, and the blaster lll ignition coil is around $30 or so. so for around $120 i can have a solid reliable system that lights off in cold weather, the coldest i ran it in was in the high 20s with no issues.

 

[wsa111]

DS11 curved for your application. The MSD 6AL wires right into the DS11. The MSD has modules for rpm limiter.
The DS11 is 75% easer to recurve than the HEI or DUI. The DUI is nothing but a HEI via an adapter for the small six. It has to be modified to get oil to the upper shaft. I have several owners who have oil collecting in the upper distributor housing.
As mentioned before the Mopar ignition is a viable option.
The MSD is a capacitive discharge box which delivers several sparks below 3000 rpms.
Cleaner idle & improved drivability.
Classic Inlines sells the DS11 remans & a Performance Distributors DS11 with a full length bushing.
The bottom line any of the above need an adjustable vacuum advance, a decent distributor gear & the advance set up to your engine specifications.

 

[woodbutcher]

Hi RF Man.Don`t know what you mean by more reliable than DS2.Have put 200k on two DS2 systems with nary a problem.Meaning no disrespect to Mike,the DUI is nothing more than rehashed 60 year old GM tech.Replaced many of them due to melt downs in the heat of summer in Florida where I grew up.As many as 5 to 7 a week.Would`nt have that system if you gave it to me free.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

[CoupeBoy]

to the original poster.. is your Econoline a small six, or a big six?
FWIW, I run a Duraspark II distributor with a GM HEI module. You can even run them with a points style distributor if you like. Fire up google and search for "gm HEI module with points". You will get plenty of articles to chose from..

 

[Explorer]

For a street driven engine, I've never found anything better than the DSII recurved with a Motorcraft blue grommet control module. Stock parts from a 76 Granada. Parts are easily available. Try finding a HEI for your Ford I6 when you are broken down somewhere.

 

[vssman]

Try finding a HEI for your Ford I6 when you are broken down somewhere.

The DUI system can use any HEI internals from an 80's I6 GM - work vans, cars, pickups, etc... I'd bet any Advance Auot, AutoZone or Pep Boys would have the pickup and control module in stock ( probably right near the car wash soap :roll: ) Now it may not be the least expensive, but if you're looking of a one wire set up, to me HEI is the easiest.

 

[CoupeBoy]

VSS, I was thinking the same thing.. GM only made about a billion SBC's with HEI. The only unique parts are the distributor housing and shaft, and when was the last time you broke one of those on your distributor.. almost 25 years of driving and wrenching and the answer is NEVER :rolflmao:

The real down side to the HEI vs D2 has been the same thing as the benefits. Packaging. Everything is in one spot, there is a lot of heat generated by the ignition module and the coil and it is all captured right there at the distributor cap. On the plus side, there is almost no wiring to diagnose, because its all right there, under the distributor cap.

And I suppose that it is an eyesore, man are those caps big and ugly.. Probably not even a deciding factor on an Econoline, but on other motors. It really puts the distributor and cap right out there for the whole world to see..

 

[vntgtrk]

to the original poster.. is your Econoline a small six, or a big six?
FWIW, I run a Duraspark II distributor with a GM HEI module. You can even run them with a points style distributor if you like. Fire up google and search for "gm HEI module with points". You will get plenty of articles to chose from..

I did the GM HEI module & DS11 on my 223 (damn, shoulda kept it!! :x )
It really cleans up the wiring and the modules are still less than 40 bucks. You can keep on in your glove box! I know I'll be doing it to my 250.

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