Converted Pontiac Grandville to HEI Ignition from Points Ignition

Hi All,
Finally installed the HEI distributor I got around Christmas time. The entire process was much easier than I thought. I first removed all the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and coil. I then turned the engine to TDC #1 cylinder and set the timing mark at 0 degrees.

I marked the location of the rotor on the firewall. I then removed the distributor and compared the shaft length to the new HEI distributor. The shaft was about 1/4" longer on the HEI and thought this might be a problem. I then dropped the HEI distributor in and it seemed to fit fine.

Next I looked at the wiring. The wire to the coil is a resistor wire designed to drop voltage to about 9 volts to make the points last longer. Well, I checked this and had 12.5 volts. This seemed odd, but I went ahead and spliced it into the connector to the HEI distributor.

Now a trip to O'Rielly Auto Parts for new wires and plugs. To get the correct wires, they used a 1975 Firebird 455 as the HEI was offered in that year. The wires were inexpensive at $16. I bought 8 new AC R45TS spark plugs too.

Upon return, I put on the distributor hold down clamp loosely. Due to the higher voltage, I gapped the plugs at .045 (instead of the normal .030 for a points ignition). I installed the the plugs, distributor cap, and wires. I connected the old coil wire to the new distributor.

Next was to start the car. I started it and it ran fine for about 5 seconds. YEAH! I turned it off and connected the timing light to set the timing tto 12 degrees TDC. Then the engine would not start!

I had my wife crank the engine while I was holding the timing light and the timing was severaly retarded. I suppose the distributor turned during the first start.....forgot to tighten the hold down clamp.

I just grabbed the distributor and turned in counterclockwise about 10 degrees and then the car started. I set the timing, reconnected the distributor vacuum advance and reinstalled the air filter.

The first test drive was amazing! Smooth as glass. Idle perfectly smooth, and more power. This is a change I would highly recommend.

Suppliers:
I purchased the HEI distributor from one of the many sellers on Ebay. I cannot remember the name, but they are in Martin Tennessee,
O'Rielly Auto Parts for plug wires, plugs, and electrical connectors.

No more gapping points, dwell meters, coils, etc. This is one of the best changes I ever made.

Happy Motoring!
Brian