Like Not-a-Blazer below, I did the HEI conversion and it didn't work. Got the ballast bypassed, and I switched the wires to the distributor back and forth. For the dist connection, I used a two-way flat connector (for a trailer connection) and it seemed to fit the dist perfect. Maybe that is a bad connection?

I tried starting it with the previous coil wires still attached to the coil. Should I disconnect one of these wires?

Another question, about the exhaust manifold, the counterwieght spring. I have a choice between the spring being real strong or real weak (by turning the spring an extra revolution), right now it is strong. I live in a pretty warm area, it can get into the upper 20s on rare occasions in the winter, but is usually in the 40s. Summers, 100+.

Does the spring hold the flapper open, or closed?

spring holds the flap open. I'd go with extra light given your home range of temperatures.

_________________
Juan Ignacio Caino

Please use e-mail button istead of PM'ing. I do log in sometimes but I'll be answering quicker thru e-mail.

Make sure the HEI unit has a good ground to the back of the unit. They are very picky but MUST be grounded to work right.

I think I will try again next weekend. I'm getting my new exhaust system tomorrow, and tires/wheels on Thurs., so I re-hooked up the regular system to drive it around the next couple of days.