HEI Distributors and Your Cam

[George Mann]

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.

[thereverendbill]

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

[shaggimo]

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...

[IowaEagle]

I am wondering if you should go into production of the HEI module conversion for the electronically timid?

[shaggimo]

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)

[DAVE]

i would definitely be interested

[IowaEagle]

Early EGG for your good deeds Shag.