My experience with an HEI conversion

Nice thread! Thanks for the info and all of the nice pictures. How about adding some pictures to your gallery?

 

Other than the size, I like the set up.

 

I may be confused. Ratio411 says "I like to run the DS distributor, MSD box, and coil." Do you not run the MSD thru the DS box? Do you leave the DS box out? I did not see that wiring option in the MSD insrtuctions that came with my MSD5. Maybe only with an MSD6 or better? Let me know, please. I find the idea of getting rid of the box and its wiring putting a smile on my face.

 

I don't know, DALMAV, I could be smoking crack. But my understanding is an MSD box can bypass/replace the stock ignition module. I think it's actually somewhat derived from the Duraspark box, right? This may clarify: http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/6 series/pdf17.pdf

Fish, thanks for the comments. Guess I should work on a gallery...

 

I wired mine like that, but left the original box plugged in. See any problem with that ?? If the old box can go, its outta here

 

And YES, you should put up some pics. Your avatar looks good.

 

I run the Duraspark with just the MSD6 box and MSD coil on the 460 in my 56 F100. Works great.

 

Thanks. I guess the easy test will be to just unplug the DS box and see if it keeps running.
Send me a link to any pics you have of the 460 powered F100, sounds like a fun rig.

 

The MSD distributors and boxes are based on the same principle... some are even blatant knock-offs of the DS system.

I like to keep the DS box bolted to the fender skirt.
If the MSD box suddenly gives out for whatever reason, you can plug in the DS box and get home.

The DS distributor is just a magnetic trigger.
It is fool proof simplicity and durability.
That is why I like it so much over any other distributor, and probably why MSD copied it.
Afaik, MSD was first out with the box though...
One thing Ford pioneered into it's boxes was the retard function.
Some DS boxes have it, some don't, but it does the same thing as MSD retard modules. Ford puts it in for easy starting in stock form.


Edit:
I see you are using an MSD 5...
I have never used that one.
I know they are not as versatile as the others, so I don't know if it can replace the DS box or not.

 

I do not know if you can just unplug the Ford box?I wired the MSD by the instructions that came with it.I believe there were diagrams for wiring with and without the Ford box. Check MSD`s website I think they have the diagrams there.

 

I'l let you know tomorrow after I unplug it. Wife picked me up from work today, left Mav behind.

Thanks.

 

Yes, but does it have variable dwell?

 

I don't know about the 5 series, but I am running a MSD 6 series with a Blaster II TFI coil on the '72 daily driver and it is wired directly to the distributor and works fine. It did come with wiring diagrams to wire it in with the original duraspark box also, it stated in the instructions to piggy back the original module if your factory tach does not work correctly with the MSD box (early fox body cars have problems with that). I chose to just ditch the duraspark module and run the MSD 6AL box stand alone.

 

I am running a proform hei on mine.

 

older GM mechanics know how to go in and change the springs/weights and change the timing curve on the HEI. excel makes a super coil for those which brings your power to like 48kv or 50kv (i dont remember the number, i would have to look on my jeep). the coil fits right under the cap just like normal and REALLY enhances performance. you must run some spiral core wires (excel brand name or simular) to handle the volts AND you MUST run a 12 gauge power wire from the battery to feed it joos. if not, it either wont star (with smaller wire) or fry the plug wires (if not bigga).
also, if you have a lower vacuum engine, you can have the vac advance removed and plug you carb hole and run strait mechnical. mine was set up this way even thou i did NOT have low vacuum, worked spectacularly.
i had an 84 gmc short bed pick up that i built a 350 4 bolt in that was setup with the HEI/mechanical advance/readjusted spark curve and it would fire every time on 1/4 rotation or less. it had the edelbrock performer package so it was no slouch, but nothing to brag about. in san diego at the navy base, i layed 108 feet of rubber without power braking it on 31" mud tires with that truck. and i finally let off so i didnt run into the galley (chow hall).
the setup works flawlessly, neet in appearance and bolts right in.
there is a place in new jersey called withers automotive. the lady's name is sandy and her husband is paul. elderly couple, been racing for years. i sent 2 HEI to them to get redon. cost about $60 to remove the vac and retime it. they have charts for engine performance so send your specs in (cam/compression/carb...the more the better) and they can hook it right up. you just bolt in and set timing and away you go. its a bad rascal. i would highly recomend switching to platinum plugs if you go this route...
if you want more info, i can try to find their number on the web, but being in iraq, itll be tough.