AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => Engine Electrical Systems. => Topic started by: George Mann on March 08, 2011, 06:16:17 PM

Title: HEI Distributors and Your Cam
Post by: George Mann on March 08, 2011, 06:16:17 PM
Hi guys.

Just wanted to let you know about a serious issue regarding HEI distributors concerning our cams.

The crux of the matter is, the majority of the aftermarket distributors have the wrong gear on them! They come with a V8 gear that doesn't mesh properly with our cam!

The DUI version is the only one that I know of that comes with a stock AMC 6 cylinder gear ($299), and is made properly to boot (no affiliation).

However, I have found that using an HEI module with a TFI converted distributor and coil provides the most reliable and consistent performance.

More work to install, but better over the long run.
Title: Re: HEI Distributors and Your Cam
Post by: thereverendbill on March 08, 2011, 07:32:59 PM
skip white performance offers a billet HEI unit for the 4.2 that is complete down the the gear.  When in doubt look at the distributor you pull off the car and make sure the gear is the exact same
Title: Re: HEI Distributors and Your Cam
Post by: shaggimo on March 09, 2011, 07:46:51 AM
Quote from: George Mann on March 08, 2011, 06:16:17 PM
Hi guys.

Just wanted to let you know about a serious issue regarding HEI distributors concerning our cams.

The crux of the matter is, the majority of the aftermarket distributors have the wrong gear on them! They come with a V8 gear that doesn't mesh properly with our cam!

The DUI version is the only one that I know of that comes with a stock AMC 6 cylinder gear ($299), and is made properly to boot (no affiliation).

However, I have found that using an HEI module with a TFI converted distributor and coil provides the most reliable and consistent performance.

More work to install, but better over the long run.


To add, the material the gear is made from can also be an issue, too hard of gear will wreak havoc on the cam as well (not just an I6 issue).
I use the stock distributor converted to large cap controlled by an HEI module, and am very pleased with the results. My "Poor Mans HEI" thread provides an excellent link on how to wire it in the stock box, and where to buy the necessary add ons along with part numbers...
Title: Re: HEI Distributors and Your Cam
Post by: IowaEagle on March 10, 2011, 08:27:32 PM
I am wondering if you should go into production of the HEI module conversion for the electronically timid?
Title: Re: HEI Distributors and Your Cam
Post by: shaggimo on March 11, 2011, 08:07:41 AM
lol, there's no need to be timid on this one, what I can do is make a fail safe diagram on how to do it so we can all have a copy of the directions here on the nest without having to follow the junkyard genius link. (if others may be interested in this method that is)
Title: Re: HEI Distributors and Your Cam
Post by: DAVE on March 11, 2011, 09:35:30 AM
i would definitely be interested
Title: Re: HEI Distributors and Your Cam
Post by: IowaEagle on March 14, 2011, 03:43:02 PM
Early EGG for your good deeds Shag.