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HEI Electronic Ignition upgrade question
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Author:  2kids [ Sun Jan 01, 2012 8:28 am ]
Post subject:  HEI Electronic Ignition upgrade question
So admittedly I'm a newb when it comes to mechanical stuff.....

I spent a good amount of time reading (over and over) the HEI Electronic Ignition upgrade info on .org. I finally start to understand it and start getting ready to get the parts.

Then I decide to go see what my current set up even is (car is not currently running since it has a blown head gasket right now) and I've never actually had the car running all that well except for a few minutes when I first got the car.

Much to my surprise I think I may already have electronic ignition but a different module. Can anyone help guide me on this?

This is the module I have - I just copied a link from ebay for the exact same one instead of uploading a photo:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOPAR-NOS-1980- ... 500wt_1282

My questions:
1. Should I still go with the HEI upgrade?

2. If I have this module would it mean that my distributor is already an electronic distributor (I'm pretty sure it is)

Thanks,
2kids
Author:  Reed [ Sun Jan 01, 2012 9:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: HEI Electronic Ignition upgrade question
Quote:
Much to my surprise I think I may already have electronic ignition but a different module. Can anyone help guide me on this?

This is the module I have - I just copied a link from ebay for the exact same one instead of uploading a photo:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOPAR-NOS-1980- ... 500wt_1282
Yes, that is the standard Chrysler electronic ignition used in the 1970s.
Quote:
My questions:
1. Should I still go with the HEI upgrade?

2. If I have this module would it mean that my distributor is already an electronic distributor (I'm pretty sure it is)

Thanks,
2kids
(1) Yes. The HEI ignition system is a better ignition system than the Chrysler electronic ignition system. Both ignition systems are electronic ignition system since neither system uses points in the distributor as the trigger for the coil. However, the HEI system provides a better spark over a wider range of RPM. THe HEI system will give you improved economy, improved power, and often smoother idling.

(2) Yes, if you have standard Chrysler electronic ignition you will have the correct distributor to switch to HEI.

What year and model vehicle do you have.
Author:  2kids [ Sun Jan 01, 2012 11:54 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Reed!

It's a 71 Dart Swinger /6 225.
Author:  WagonsRcool [ Sun Jan 01, 2012 8:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
The HEI conversion is a good idea BUT, I might consider just planning & assembling parts first. My thought is if your current Chrysler ignition works- then leave it alone until you have the engine repaired & running properly. If you throw the HEI conversion into the whole project right away & it doesn't start- then your task to figure out why just gets much more difficult.
Author:  Reed [ Sun Jan 01, 2012 9:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
+1
Author:  wjajr [ Mon Jan 02, 2012 5:25 am ]
Post subject: 
I would leave the stock Mopar electronic ignition alone particularly if you have a stock build if it works properly, and most do. Now if you are going to build a high rpm semi racing engine, than HEI may be called for.

What you can do after you engine is back together and running is upgrade the coil to something like a Blaster 2 that will provide several thousand more volts to the plugs. This increase in voltage helps with idle quality, and high rpm running.
Author:  2kids [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 2:08 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the advice guys!

Makes sense to just leave the ignition alone until I get the head gasket and car running again.

Much appreciated!
2kids
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