Electronic ignition

[bigbcguy]

Anybody use electronic ignition or you all the type that like to stick withs those silly Points? Just wondering if its worth it to add electronic ignition

[Truzi]

I converted to a stock HEI years ago. I like it's relative trouble-free operation. It was cheap, got a used one from a friend. Definitely worth it to me.

A lot of people on this board are using more advanced electronic ignitions, and some have the points distributor converted to electronic. Some still run points, though.

[chubbman]

I like the hei .It is trouble free .if you have a big block it is hard to find them they only made them for a couple years .so i took a small block 350 hei that is a lot easier to find and took the gear off it and put the gear from my big block points distributer on it you have to drill out the hole bigger on the hei to put the gear on it from the points i dont rember what bit i used .but it has been working for me now for 2 years with no worrys .i put it down in a 430 and couldnt be happier

[Leviathan]

Odly enough, I've only ever found the HEI in junkyards so it's all I've worked with!

There are new coil & pickup assemblies readily available for a quick rebuild. You can also get an adjustable vacuum advance and weight kit for about $20 Canadian.

Takes about 2 hours to go through the weights, vacuum advance, pickup, and module. If you've got a good bushings then you're set.

A link to a good rebuild site:

http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/BuickHeiConversions.htm

[riviboat]

OK, maybe I am the only guy here with this one, but I converted over to a Pertronix Ignitor II and matching coil. I have read some negative reviews but so far I have had great luck...Just make sure you bypass the ballast or use a 12 volt line without a ballast resistor. Other than that it is a pretty easy install. I have had better starting, better gas mileage, and smoother acceleration. Good luck with your project.

[TURCH]

years back, i had alot of problems holding dwell on my BB . i converted to a stinger unit have had trouble free spark ever since.

[BuickStreet]

Some of us run HEI converted small body distributors which are built by a guy called Dave who frequents this board under the name of IgnitionMan. He's a solid guy and builds a great product.

You can get more information on his website...

http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/

I've got one in my 401 Nailhead. It honestly seems to have given my motor more power and I love not having to change or maintain points.

[braxas]

Check this out..fits in place of points..great product..i run the original..the 2nd generation is much said to be better..

http://www.pertronix.com/ignition/index.htm

[Specman]

I have converted both of mine over to HEI. I went to the local junkyard (self serve) and found a newer Buick with an HEI distributor and used those. My last one was out of a mid 70's LeSabre.
If you are installing this in a 455 you can use a 350 unit and install the gear from your 455 points distributor. You will need to drill out the hole to use the correct roll pin. Be careful not to hog out the hole when drilling it and install the gear in the correct direction.
The original distributor used a resistor wire to cut down the voltage for the points. This will not work for HEI. Trace the wire back to the bulkhead fitting at the firewall and remove the wire and brass flag from the fitting. This is done using a small flathead screwdriver or needle nose pliers. Buy some new fittings (FM8) from Ron Francis or others and replace that wire with a white 14 ga wire. Run this through the front loom for the most sano results. If you want to use a tach, run that wire at the same time and add it to the bulkhead. If you dont want to do this much work you can just run a hot lead direct from a battery source to the distributor
Next you need to cut the wire to the starter. Usually this is yellow. This is only hot when the starter is turning and is used to give the points more voltage when starting
Now you are ready. Stick it, wire it, time it and run it.
Hope this helps a bit

[Brett Slater]

I had sort of the same question a while ago. Here's what I got for
feedback (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1430)

[Carl Rychlik]

I've installed a few HEI distributors with the D.U.I. electronic components. These really pump out a lot of juice,plus you can relocate the coil to really make these distributors trouble free.

[redbuick]

mallory unilite here,fits under the stock cap, works great, using it with a MSD6a box.......

[Xarva]

I like the hei .It is trouble free .if you have a big block it is hard to find them they only made them for a couple years .so i took a small block 350 hei that is a lot easier to find and took the gear off it and put the gear from my big block points distributer on it you have to drill out the hole bigger on the hei to put the gear on it from the points i dont rember what bit i used .but it has been working for me now for 2 years with no worrys .i put it down in a 430 and couldnt be happier


The bit on my particular Distributor was not a regular bit size but accually a odd center sized bit like I think a 38 or 39 something. A guy that used to be a machinest drilled it out with that and claimed it was not one of the standard drill bit sets. But yeah relatively simple process just be sure it's drilled correct and use some wooden blocks or brass in the vice to avoid bending the gear and or shaft. I made the mistake of breaking my first gear swap due to impatience and lack of detail. If this happens get one from taperformance.com good quality gears high price.... :TU:

[armyguy298]

My car has Blaster 2 coil, pro-billet distributor with mechanical advance, 8.5 mm wires and 6AL control box, all from MSD. Easy to install, never have to worry about not having spark and when I check the timing, it is rock solid-not bouncing around one bit! :3gears: