I have a 68 Camaro with an Eddelbrock 350 RPM performer. I need a good vacuum advance distributor. The problem with HEI is that it won't fit without redesigning the firewall. I believe I've heard of an HEI system with an external coil using a smaller cap / rotor and possibly an pulse amplifier. Can anyone tell me where I might find this beast and what model vehicles it was available. Suggested alternatives are welcome - I'd just like to stay away from breaker points and high-dollar performance ignition systems if possible.

http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/

I went with the MSD Ready to Run and the blaster 2 coil. I swapped out the cap to one with HEI style terminals so my existing plug wires would work.

The HEI that was in the car required firewall massaging and I couldn't even adjust the timing effectively/easily.

It'll cost you $300 or so but now I'm loving life!

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68 Camaro ragtop, original 327, angle plug Camel humps, 202's, Performer, Holley 650 double pumper, Doug Thorley headers, 3-speed Saginaw, 3.08 posi, subframe connectors, Addco sway bar

http://hobbystage.net/camaro/cjkaram/

Highly recommend Dave's. You get a rebuilt unit matched to your combo for a reasomable price.

I'm running a Dave's....

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...Dennis
"The '69 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fine69_03.jpg), the '96 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fine69_02.jpg) & the club (http://camaroslimited.com/)"

I just installed an HEI on my 67 camaro. I had to massage the firewall, and even though I got the distributer in i felt like I had failed.

I highly recommend not beating in the firewall, however it's your car so do what ever you want.

I've heard Dave's smallbody HEIs are good but have had no personal experience with them.
Richard

I would highly recommend the Daves' Smallbody HEI also.

One other option tho, I was just reading a magazine today that had a write-up of the new Pertronix system that converts your old points distributor into a nice electronic uint. It didn't have a price tho, so I bet it's expensive.

Bill C.


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Bill C.
Colorado Springs, CO

68 Camaro... someday!
71 Chevelle SS
70 Nova

Mallory Unilite, It's small, looks good and packs a punch. I have had many over the years on different camaro's, It drops right in, and I've never had a problem with any of them.

On the pertronix system, inexpensive ($69-$79 bucks) so easy to install that a Ford guy could do it(sorry, just had to take the shot) and absolutly stone stock looking and good up to 7000 RPM's. I'm extremely happy with mine. HEI performance with stock looks.
The only difference is that there is an extra wire to the coil (I used a blaster 2 painted black). It just doesn't get any cheaper and better than this.

I like the sound of that Pertronix conversion. I need to get everything yet for my 350. Can I get a points distributor at first but get a Pertronix flame thrower coil that will work with the conversion and use it until I do the conversion?

[This message has been edited by Winch (edited 04-02-2002).]

You can always run a breaker point ignition. In fact I'm considering doing the same. A refurb vacuum advance unit at Auto-zone is $29.95 less cap, and rotor. I'm not certain if the vacuum can is adjustable or not. Problem with breaker points is the need for adjustment and periodic maintenance. Also, standard breaker points will bounce about 5000 RPM or so. However, it is a good cheap way to get the car running until you have the funds and motivation to upgrade.

I had the same problem with a smashed in firewall just to install a large HEI. We have a local guy that built me a Mallory Dist. with a pertronix module. It works great & the firewall has been smoothed out for a cleaner look.
Check out the pics.
Dan

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http://hobbystage.net/camaro/dsmart

Keep in mind if a part fails and you are in Podunk Anywhere will the local autoparts store have the parts you need to get you on the road. A night or two in a hotel might pay for a Dave's HEI and he provides a parts list that can be had over the counter anywhere.

Just to throw out another choice DUI is now selling a small body HEI and their large body HEI's are said to be good quality.

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...Dennis
"The '69 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fine69_03.jpg), the '96 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fine69_02.jpg) & the club (http://camaroslimited.com/)"

I looked up the article on the Pertronix conversion I mentioned earlier, so here is some more info. The article is in the Spring 2002 Chevy Classics magazine, page 86.

This is a new system from Pertronixs called the Ignitor II electronic ignition. The difference, according to the article, is that Pertronix has added a "powerful microcontroller that provides a variable dwell setting, ultimately resulting in the best-possible spark over the engines entire rpm range." Supposedly, this variable dwell thing is the cats' meow and "really sets the Ignitor II apart from the rest."

I guess we'll see... just wanted to restate that this system is NOT the same Pertronix system lots of people have used.

Bill C.

As an alternative to Mallory and MSD systems, check out the Accel Billetproof 71000 series distributor. With the correct Accel coil, both ran about $225 from Summit. Seems to be a much better Value than other brands. I can't comment on Dave's but they seem to come highly recommended. Just thought I would provide another choice.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>This is a new system from Pertronixs called the Ignitor II electronic ignition. The difference, according to the article, is that Pertronix has added a "powerful microcontroller that provides a variable dwell setting, ultimately resulting in the best-possible spark over the engines entire rpm range." Supposedly, this variable dwell thing is the cats' meow and "really sets the Ignitor II apart from the rest."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Snake Oil.



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'69 Z28 (X77 D80 72 72)
302, GM Crossram, Steel Crossram Hood, Doug Nash 5 speed, 3.42's
Body (http://members.aol.com/machman631/Rear2.jpg) Engine1 (http://members.aol.com/machman631/Engine1.jpg) UnderHood (http://members.aol.com/machman631/Engine2.jpg)

dnult,

have you ectually tried an HEI in your car yet, or are you just going by what you have heard about them not fitting? if your car has 307/327 engine mounts, it might fit. those mounts seem to be a bit more forward and to the passenger side than the 302/350 mounts. if nothing else, borrow a junk HEI and try sticking it in there. you might be surprised.

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1971 Nova(looks like 69 camaro from underneath!)
355sb, vortec heads, HOT cam,T-10 tranny, 3.70 gears 16X8" IROC wheels. 12" Corvette brakes on the way.
see pics here http://community.webshots.com/user/novaderrik

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike67RS:
As an alternative to Mallory and MSD systems, check out the Accel Billetproof 71000 series distributor. With the correct Accel coil, both ran about $225 from Summit. Seems to be a much better Value than other brands. I can't comment on Dave's but they seem to come highly recommended. Just thought I would provide another choice. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm curious, what's the difference in the 71000 series and the Accell ACC-9107 listed in Summit's catalog. That one is HEI for 1975-80 V8s. Is that the large head one with the coil on the top? I know a guy that has a large head he wants $25 for. I may try it just to see if it fits and use it if it does.

I believe the ACC-9107 is a full body coil-in-cap distributor. It is a rebuilt model. The 71100E is a small body billet aluminum (new) distributor requiring an external coil.

The car came with an HEI unit - electronic advance. The connector for the ECU or ESP was connected to nothing. It was crammed in there so tight I almost had to jack the transmission tail shaft up to get it out, but cussing seemed to work fine.

I want an HEI for parts availability. They perform well and can be had for a reasonable price. Aftermarket units may have advantages, but to me parts availability and cost are a problem.