Is anyone aware of any aftermarket upgrades to HEI distrubters that are controlled by ECMs? I have a '91 Z28 with a 305 TPI engine and I know that this is the case for my car.

I found a really cool MSD HEI upgrade kit, but it was unfortunately only for 4-pin modules (NON-Computer controlled). I can't seem to find anything on either MSD or Accel's sites that are for this specific application. Any ideas?

I either see the whole distributer itself (billet) or just the coil and cap separate... Is this all there is for my type of HEI dist. ???

Thanks,
Jeff

 

I purchased an Accel ignition module for $40 a few years back when I had my GTA. I would imagine that it's still available. If you combine that with a Hypertech 53,000V remote coil, cap and rotor and make sure the pick-up is clean, consider it upgraded.

 

Yes, that's about all there is. The module in a computer controlled HEI is more complicated than earlier HEIs (since it has to interface with the computer) and I'm not aware of any aftermarket performance versions of it available.

Fortunately, it's a pretty good piece from the get-go. Higher peak amperage than an old 4-pin module and adaptive dwell circuitry that works in conjunctrion with the ECM. A good coil is about all you need. Besides, for the cost of aftermarket modules (even old 4-pins) you could have bought 2/3 of a complete MSD box setup anyway!

 

the gm parts are pretty good as they are when in new shape. i have a brand new gm coil and a hypertech version with 500 miles if anyone is looking to upgrade. send me a pm or email me. looking for half of what they are new plus shipping.

 

yeah the stock stuff for the most part will suffice in most applications..spend money elsewhere first where you can use it...but if you really wanna upgrade for around 275 performance distributors out of tenn sell one ready to go,the whole kit and kabodale...50k spark.....but the stock one is fine for most,just make sure you know what ecm or chip your runnng cause some of the boxes or chips will only do a 24 degree advance vs the optimum 36 degree advance........

 

Cool, thanks for the tips. I decided to just buy a new MSD cap, rotor, and blaster coil. I felt like the cap and rotor should be replaced since I have 147k miles on the engine and I'm pretty sure it's all original parts.

The coil should give the distributer some more umpf. Whether it's noticable or not who knows?

The good thing is that it's an easy upgrade to go to the MSD 6AL box using an adapter cable sold by, (you guessed it ) MSD. Do you think that adding the box will give any significant power gain?

Jeff