Anyone ever try one of these el-cheapo HEI distributors? http://www.asaperformance.net/servlet/the-10873/FORD-289-302-L/Detail
got any kits, or parts you would recommend for curving it correctly? I've read a bit about it now, but haven't seen anyone point out, this is what you need to buy. Well I should say, I'm pretty sure my vacuum pot is bad, and I'm pretty confident my springs are worn, I understand the mechanics of adjusting the breaker plates. But I don't know where to find the weights and springs.
Anyone? If I'm going to replace my stock Ford distributor, I want to use something at least as good as what my stock unit was (when new). I can't affford the really nice stuff.
You've used cheap units like this with no problems, or do you mean higher-end HEI units? Do you think this would be a better option than getting a refurb Ford Distributor w/ lifetime warrantry and keeping my Pertonix Ignitor III (multi-spark thru RPM range, similar to MSD units)?
no. that would be just like running manifold vacuum. it may even mess with how the carb works because it would be pulling vacuum from above the throttle blade.
So if I can get myself a new HEI distributor, I guess I can sell my Pertronix (and maybe pay for some of the new distributor cost).....or maybe I could keep it along with the old distributor in case the new one fails. What do you think?
i would sell it. i would buy a gm ignition module if i you want to have back up. its the module that fails. you can even get one from accel that is supposed to have a better dewell built in for performance and i would hope accel makes quality module, not a cheap as possible part. the module is pretty small and easy to hide in the car some where. if we had glove boxes that would be perfect.
Any idea if the GM or Accel modules will work in one of these? I've never used an HEI unit before. http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-289-30...DISTRIBUTOR-PE-330-R-/350787488847#vi-content
crane makes full kits which include springs and vac pot all bundled together. Just make sure to get the electronic or points type based on what type dizzy you have. The best possible advice that I can give you is this. Run TONS of initial advance(just short of the starter beginning to kick back on you).. and pull back on the amount of mechanical lead to reach about 40 degrees.. or so.. total number with the timing light. Many times the reluctor arms limiting slots need to be flipped over to limit the total mechanical advance allowed.. or spot welding/brazing an overly large slot will be necessary. Test the car without the vac pot hooked up at first to make sure the curve is not so agressive that it detonates.. then add the pot with full manifold vacuum and lug the car up a hill in higher gear to see if it starts to ping under load. Then adjust the pot as necessary.
yes the gm and accel modules will work in that distributor. the top half of the distributor is a clone of the gm hei distributor, just the shaft and bottom half have been redesigned to fit ford.
Thanks for the info. Given that my car is a daily driver and mostly babied, I think that HEI unit will work fine (hopefully). I just ordered the distributor and it should be here around 5/22. I also work with a guy who has a bunch of GM distributors that he said I could use the modules from if I needed to. I'll keep everyone posted about this new distributor to share if it's good or not and what issues I have (if any). Thanks everyone!
