Needs some sage advice because am willfully getting in over my head.

'67 F250 4x4 352/rebuilt 390, an unspecified aftermarket cam, new headers/dual, stock 2v.

The original carb is ate up so updating it to a 4-barrel/intake. While it's in the shop, want to also also replace my stock ignition with a unified HEI dizzy. The challenge has been in finding a local mechanic willing and able to work on it - wish I had the experience myself but don't. Had to go to Raleigh to get the headers done and when asked the same question, they hooked me up with a hot rod builder who shares shop space with them. Told him what had in mind, he sketched out the needed parts, "no problem just bring me the parts, figure x hours labor." Nice guy, uses few words though.

My guidance for a HEI was a finger poked at a Proform HEI in the Jegs catalog, "Lots of guys ask me for these so that's what I've been using of late, so far so good, they don't list your engine here so see what you can find out." Then on to the next detail he goes.

"What cam you got?" Tell him I don't know, just says "street" in some old build receipts. "That's OK, been at this for 40 years, we'll get pretty close by ear."

So am grateful, but a bit "on my own" with some choices.

1.) Commited to HEI w/ vac adv idea rather than a duraspark or keeping my stock system, but as to choosing a Proform HEI vs. anything else - does it matter much? Reliability is key, truck is moving out west in the backcountry. I reckon the Davis DUI unit is nice but without the cam specs,etc don't think would be getting one's money's worth from them since dialing the mech advance in from spec's appears to be their calling card.

2.) Is there any value in determining exactly what cams are in there?

3.) Anything should be aware of if a hot rod builder is building your off road truck?

Thanks for any advice. Wish had more experience in this but just don't, so this project is a bit of leap of faith.

 

Why do you want an HEI?
You will not notice anything except a void in your wallet. IMO, it doesn't matter what cam you have. You have a 5,000lb vehicle with a stock engine.
Get a Pertronix or a Duraspark and spend your money on tires or something else.
Your mechanic doesn't sound like a "hot rod builder."
JMO.

 

^^^^^^
What he said...

 

There are lots of people here that are happy with their Pertronix products. But I'm using an Assault Racing HEI distributer. You can get one for your 390. I think it is just as good as the higher priced ones.

 

I had a HEI, I ditched it for a pertronix. Same performance and benefits, but it uses all the stock ford parts. And it costs a 1/3rd what a distributor will.

 

I bought a mallory unilite dist from a guy I met at the junk yard for $40, otherwise I would have bought a Pertronix modual(for around $84), and installed it in the stock dist.

 

DSII gives good results with a lower profile than an HEI. I have run both the DUI and DSII on the same engine a couple times, and in the end unless you are pushing the limits on your engine the DSII is just fine. It has a more conservative curve, but that can be altered. Distributor, module, adapter and cap are readily available, and wiring is easy. I use the Ford ignition wire to switch a relay to give a full 12v to the module, and usually run an EEC-IV style E coil at a full 12v. It all works well together, just don't leave the key on with the engine off or the epoxy will melt out of the module.

 

With no first hand experience I have heard the Duraspark II module can't handle the EEC IV coil. I did one on a 300 and used a GM module on a heat sink. It worked awesome for years, cost next to nothing with junkyard parts.

 

I have an HEI Dizzy , I picked this over the petronix due to parts availability , nobody stocks Petronixs parts locally , HEi stuff is factory GM 80's So everyone has replacement parts.
only problem I have found is the size of the Dizzy , it limits the size of air cleaner ,Carb ..etc

 

Yes, the HEI is large but it clears my Weiand Stealth intake, carb spacer, and Edelbrock carb, on a 460. The Assault Racing HEI is only $89 complete and brand new.

 

FWIW, rather than a full rebuild on mine, I went with all new ($248.00) Pertronix III from Jegs & added a new coil & wires. $352.00 Pricey but should be good for longer than I'll be alive & no worries whether or not it'll work.

Dan

 

Welcome to FTE btw.

So, you're moving to the "backcountry out West", given your current location does that mean Tennessee?

I'd agree with all the above, but if reliability is a big concern a stock distributor with a Pertronix module is tough to beat. If it goes bad (unlikely) tho you're out in the sticks, drop a set of points and condenser back in and Bob's Yer Uncle.

 

Might as well go ahead and put a 350 Chevy engine in with that reasoning because they are a lot easier to find parts for than an FE.

 

Oh my!!

 

SINCE you didn't get it

if you have a problem with Petronix you need to be towed and wait for parts . When the HEI is a trip to local parts store and you are back working
oh KMA willowbilly3