HEI distributor

I am in need of replacing my electric points distributor. There is a wobble in the shaft that is making for a not so smooth ride at times.
Anyhow my question is where to buy a Buick HEI distributor, they should be around $80-90. I have found lots of every other GM type but not Buick. I have a 1970, 350 GS. 2nd question going with a HEI, do I replace the coil also?
I have been reading lots of posts but have not found where people get them from. I have searched many sites, opg, jegs, summit, parts place, rock auto to name a few.
Thanks
Matt

 

Junkyards and on here will have them used and cheap. I bought a rebuilt one from Advance for alot more cash, but it came with a new gear and module already installed. I got the cap/rotor/coil as a kit and than added the plugs and wires. All of those things I got from summit.

All told I spent probably $300 for everything, but it works great and looks nice.

And going from points or an electric conversion to factory HEI means you'll need a new coil since factory HEI uses coil-in-cap.

 

And going from points or an electric conversion to factory HEI means you'll need a new coil since factory HEI uses coil-in-cap.


errr, yeah. most new HEI's come with the coil already installed don't they?

applied this means you'll be deleting the externally mounted coil, Matt. more room in the engine compartment.

 

Usually if you use a GM HEI distrib your stock ram air cleaner will no longer fit.

 

And on top of all that, you'll have to bypass the original coil's resistance wire to ensure the HEI sees full battery voltage.

Devon

 

Just found out I have a 1111986 distributor for a low comp 350. I have the high comp. Not sure what the difference is. I read some more articles and I think since my engine is stock I will just stick with new electric points and save some cash.
Matt

 

New aftermarket distributor may come with a new coil. A rebuilt factory unit generally doesn't come with anything above the module and vac can. Cap/rotor/coil are all seperate add-ons.

 

Rockauto has them rebuilt from Cardone for $94. Look for a 350 '76 year model, vin code H or J. 455 HEI are same price. They also offer a rebuild-yours service from Delco for $125. You will need to get a cap and coil.

 

Anyone have any experience with Daves Small Body HEI's?

 

From what I heard a year or two back he had a major medical issue that laid him up for a while and he hasn't gotten completely caught up on the orders. I think his timeline is a month or so to get them built.

 

Matt, Summit has this HEI by Proform:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRO-67088/
It's $189, ready to run. I've used it in at least 3 cars I've had and it works great. The only difficulty I had in the installation was some slight clearancing needed where the cap comes in contact with the front of the intake. I ended up filing a little off both the intake and sliced off a very thin sliver with a razor blade off the cap where one of the terminals bulges out that was touching the intake. Also, you may have to re-route your fuel line or use a flexible segment to get around the HEI cap.
Run a 10-gauge wire with female spade connectors on the ends, one attaching to the fuse block "IGN" terminal (12V switched source), and the other to the "BATT" prong of the HEI cap.
If you don't want to mess with the clearancing and the wiring (neither was difficult), use a Pertronix or Crane points conversion kit. The kit and new coil (mandatory type for Pertronix) will be close to the HEI cost. Personally, I would use the HEI if it will fit with your GS hood scoop assy. (my cars were standard Skylark or other non-scooped hoods, so I never had that issue).
Hope that helps!:TU:

--Chris

 

I put a Mallory Unilite under my stock cap 25 years ago and it has worked great on both engines I've run it in. Still got the same one. I think the cap is almost 20 years old.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Mallory/650/501/10002/-1