Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone has experience with those cheap HEI distributors you can find on eBay? (EG. ebay.com/itm/like/331197289228) Any thoughts on their performance / reliability vs a pertronix set up?

The HEI set up is kind of intriguing because it replaces the whole dizzy, but do the stock distributors actually need replacing? I mean, other than the points and rotor, do distributors typically wear out and require replacing after 100k? Or would I be better off just swapping the points for a pertronix ignitor?

Thanks!

 

Oh and this is for a 390 in my 72 F250. I'm swapping the points because its been missing lately and idling weird, and they've never been replaced so I figure I might as well.

Also I know this subject has been beaten to death on these forums already, so thanks for bearing with me!

 

An HEI is generally unnecessary for low RPM FE-series engines unless ya upgrade the cam, compression, or tickle it with NOS.

A dizzy can wear out... it depends on a multitude of factors. I say leave it be unless you're going for eye candy or know in fact that ya have a bad dizzy.

 

I have had both. I can tell you that the cheap HEI that I bought basically self destructed after a few months. Although it did run well.

I replaced it with a new reman stock unit and installed a pertronix. It runs just as well as the HEI, and uses all stock parts and wires.


My suggestion is for the pertronix.

 

got the HEI in now been running good for awhile (over a year ) I decided on this over the petronixs for the fact replacement parts are available at any auto parts store

 

I used all of the petronixs ignitor dizzy units l & ll were about the same, the third generation of petronixs lll & coil seen some what better.

I switched to the HEI and it seem like a small step up from the petronix lll but did notice fast quicker startups so that's an A+ for me to keep using it.

Plus any auto parts store can get you the GM parts replacement fast or find a gm dealer.
I've been running mind over a yr with no problem yet..

GM ran the style for many yrs. so it could have been all that bad.
Orich

 

Over 100k? Yeah, I bet the stock dizzy is worn out. I looked at a lot of aftermarket stuff, there are options. But a lot of 'em are like 400 bucks. I'm not poor, tho WTF, right? So I opted for a stock remanufactured Motorcraft for $80, it ran a lot better. Before it wouldn't idle real smooth as it should and not at 500 hardly at all. Now it's like a sewing machine. Plus I can still drop points and condensor back in if the Pertronix fails. Basically Since I already had the Ignitor none of the other options made as much sense. I would recommend a new distributor after 100k though, stock or otherwise. Be glad you did.

 

2X Tedster. 100,000 miles would make me swap Dizzys also. Housing bushings prolly worn. Points breaker plate prolly worn. Lawd only knows the condition of the advance weights and springs.

 

Awesome, thanks for all the advice guys. I found a new pertronix ignitor and coil on Craigslist for pretty cheap so I just went with that, we'll see how it goes. I might see about a new distributor though if the pertronix doesn't solve anything.

Either way though, after reading a lot of reviews and testimonial, I plan on staying away from the cheap HEI setup. I've definitely heard good things about them and easy access to replacement parts is definitely a bonus, but overall they seem pretty hit or miss, and I'd rather not take my chances. But on the flip side I'm not ready to dole out $500 for a proven brand at this point. So we'll see.

Just out of curiosity, for those dentsiders out there, what's your experience been with the duraspark ignitions? Ever install one in a bump?