SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: RockyCapone on July 24, 2012, 04:27:41 PM

Title: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: RockyCapone on July 24, 2012, 04:27:41 PM
The boat I just picked up has a dual points distributor and I want to convert to a HEI setup. My thoughts were to go to the salvage yard and grab one from something. Small block and big block are the same I believe,yes? I just have to remove the resistor in my wiring and give a 12 volt supply to HEI, tach should just plug right in. Remove and lock out vacuum advance, thats it right? My engine is a 454 1972 4 bolt main. Any HEI better than another?
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: Santee_Native on July 24, 2012, 04:36:29 PM
http://www.performancedistributors.com/marinedui.htm (http://www.performancedistributors.com/marinedui.htm)

Don't have one yet but will soon. Heard and read nothing but good things about them. Had a incident last Sunday that took my ignition funds.
(https://www.socaljetboats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi240.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff266%2Fdesertmiked%2F6a33232d.jpg&hash=8437ab1a9d51b3c7a445b05c85cf14760871e326)
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: crewchief22 on July 24, 2012, 09:21:58 PM
The HEI will not clear with some intake manifolds, double check before you spend any money.

If you're looking for electronic without spending too much I'd recommend the Pertronix conversion for the dual point. 

Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: mobboss on July 24, 2012, 09:25:02 PM
the only issue i have ever had with an hei is that you MUST HAVE A CONSTANT 12 VOLTS if you dont they will cut out on you and yo will burn out the little Mondale.
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: GT Jets on July 24, 2012, 09:58:17 PM
The HEI will not clear with some intake manifolds, double check before you spend any money.

If you're looking for electronic without spending too much I'd recommend the Pertronix conversion for the dual point.

Ditto
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: Horizonjet on July 24, 2012, 10:42:16 PM
Never had a problem burning out anything and even converted Chevelle to HEI.
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: mash on it on July 24, 2012, 11:01:31 PM
well over 500,000 miles with out a failure, sbc, bbc. gm modules seem to be the best over napa- autozone-checker
For a boat app, weight kit and a vacuum advance lock-out kit.
Points are for model "A's"

Daniel
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: RockyCapone on July 25, 2012, 11:12:54 AM
well over 500,000 miles with out a failure, sbc, bbc. gm modules seem to be the best over napa- autozone-checker
For a boat app, weight kit and a vacuum advance lock-out kit.
Points are for model "A's"

Daniel
My floater has a low intake, Torker 2 for now so adding a big HEI to it shouldn't be a problem. In the car world those alts are excellent and I cant see it not being the same on a boat, just have to make sure I get the locking positive wire and no matter what remove the module and regrease it heavily. FYI that grease is very important to the removale of heat. I've seen many fail just because the grease was never used. I've never dealt with points all I know is old timers brag about how they can set them with a matchbook cover.
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: SLCKREG on July 25, 2012, 02:59:39 PM
the only issue i have ever had with an hei is that you MUST HAVE A CONSTANT 12 VOLTS if you dont they will cut out on you and yo will burn out the little Mondale.

Thats the 1st I have heard. I know mallory unilite modules go out if you look at em wrong...never had problems with an hei module before. I run a hi perf module and msd coil in mine. Zero clearance issues for me also....
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: RockyCapone on July 25, 2012, 03:09:38 PM
Thats the 1st I have heard. I know mallory unilite modules go out if you look at em wrong...never had problems with an hei module before. I run a hi perf module and msd coil in mine. Zero clearance issues for me also....
What intake do you run? BBC right?
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: Horizonjet on July 25, 2012, 10:34:16 PM
I forgot about the wieght/spring kit for HEI. Does that help even though im no running vacume advance? and do you use lightest springs?
Title: Re: Newbie question. Any reason not to switch to HEI ignition from dbl points?
Post by: Wayne Zighter on July 26, 2012, 05:00:05 PM
The HEI will not clear with some intake manifolds, double check before you spend any money.

If you're looking for electronic without spending too much I'd recommend the Pertronix conversion for the dual point.
I'm running an HEI small call cap w/a remote coil. absolute zero problems. lost two sets of pistons with a mallory unilite, tossed it into the scrap pile
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