I was wondering what everyone thinks the best HEI distributor for a 350? I was looking to not spend the bank on one, but if I have to I know that you pay for what you get. I will be using the motor for daily use, not racing only. But I want something that will be able to handle up to 7000 rpms for in the future. Anyone information would greatly help me out.
thanks Nicholas Les Chander

 

stock GM unit, upgrade the module, put a really good coil in it like accel or something, put a new vac adv on it, and basically mod all that you can mod on it, thats what im usin and i got 550+hp on nos and no problems yet =) or you can run an external coil with an ignition box, thats good too.

 

I have heard of guys putting new distributors from Caprices in their cars, but dont know too much about that. If it is true you could pick one up out of a junkyard for cheap. So if anyone else has heard anything about that it might help you out.

 

I've only run the stock non-HEI (rebuilt with the Accel upgrade kit) and the Mallory Unilite (Series 47 w/ Vacuum Advance) on my 1st-gen small blocks. I considered the GM HEI but I was worried about clearance and then I got a great deal on the Mallory ($80).

The stock GM HEI should fit though. Definitely upgrade the coil.

I ran the Accel Super Coil in my '68 RS with the Unilite. I also added Jacobs HEI conversion posts, so I could use the Accel 8.8mm HEI plug wires... and of course I indexed the plugs and went one level colder.

 

I read a test awhile back and for a mild engine (6500 rpm), the stick HEI was as good as all the high dollar units.

 

Dave Greene may have better information but I have heard the HEI is just fine to 6000-7000 rpm. I had mine recurved and put on an accell coil, adjustable vacuum advance and good wires. I will put in the MSD module and the day my coil goes sideways I'm putting a stock one back on. Wires I do believe make a difference versus the stock sets. I don't believe that an MSD is all that reliable a system but some may disagree. IF you ran an MSD I believe their digital system is much better than the old style. Finally I think people generally do more than they need with their ignition. Most important is a fresh HEI recurved with damn good wires, separated properly and kept cool as possible.