HEI systems
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 124
Likes: 32
From: Fraser Valley
HEI systems
My old Duraspark system has seen better days and everything else has been cleaned up or replaced in my restoration project. Ive heard opinions are all over the map about HEI systems but quite frankly it seems like alot of it comes from cheap ebay product.
Any recommendations of brands that are decent to purchase? Ive had decent luck with Summit branded stuff dont know if anyone else has used this one https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...-150/year/1977
Ive got a 77 f150 351m
Any recommendations of brands that are decent to purchase? Ive had decent luck with Summit branded stuff dont know if anyone else has used this one https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...-150/year/1977
Ive got a 77 f150 351m
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 118
Likes: 6
I went through several HEI on my 390 and then on my 460. I know everyone says they are super reliable but I've had nothing but trouble. I've tried ebay ones and Summit brand. The modules and pickup always seem to die on me. Even with expensive modules. I ditched all of it and got a Progression Ignition distributor and I'm very happy.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 163
Likes: 59
From: Kaslo, BC, Canada
A possible HEI Ignition Killer
I have heard it said that many (Most?) of the problems with HEI distributors stem from guys using the power feed that went to the OEM coil when they installed the HEI. That wire is designed to feed 12V only in the start circuit but reduced voltage to the coil once the engine is running. As a result the HEI distributor struggles to do it's job which results in excess heat being generated by the components and heat is the enemy of electrical components. That is what I have heard and I am currently running an offshore HEI on my 4.9L-6. I have it powered off of an auxiliary fuse block providing a solid 12V so time will tell.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 118
Likes: 6
I have heard it said that many (Most?) of the problems with HEI distributors stem from guys using the power feed that went to the OEM coil when they installed the HEI. That wire is designed to feed 12V only in the start circuit but reduced voltage to the coil once the engine is running. As a result the HEI distributor struggles to do it's job which results in excess heat being generated by the components and heat is the enemy of electrical components. That is what I have heard and I am currently running an offshore HEI on my 4.9L-6. I have it powered off of an auxiliary fuse block providing a solid 12V so time will tell.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 47
From: Eagle River, AK
I have an older Davis Unified Ignition HEI unit. I believe it is working ok, but time will tell once I actually get it on the road.
I had considered going back to a standard distributor and coil set-up.
I had considered going back to a standard distributor and coil set-up.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,636
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque
I've had excellent results with MSD stand alone dizzies. All you need is a coil, hot wire and ground. End your Duraspark woes for good.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,676
Likes: 998
From: Near Yosemite CA
I used that one from Summit also, and it's going on.. sheesh, I guess almost 5 yrs, granted, I don't drive him every day, but "knock on da wood" I have yet to have an issue. I looked and researched, and everything is chinesium so I just went with the Summit brand, again, has performed well for me, even in hot 100*+ summer weather loaded with a cord of wood.
I will probably use the same one for my 78 Bronco soon, I also bought the Summit 500cfm carb, not as happy with that, and will probably rebuild the Holley 600cfm one I've had forever and put that on. I had to jet the Summit one down quite a bit, and it still seems a bit rich. I wish I still had the Holley 390cfm I put on a friends Jeep with a 350 cheb, she had a 650 on it and the thing ran like crap, loaded up and just drank gas, everyone was irking on it being way to small, it won't have power, yadda, yadda, yes, I made them eat their words, everyone over-carbs engines. After I put it on, it was night and day difference, ran great, had more than enough power, doubled her mileage and drivability, and AFAIK it's still on there and running. If the dang things weren't so effin expensive, I would buy 2, one for my 77 F250 and my 78 Bronco, but I am looking at these instead.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/qft-sl-450-vs
I will probably use the same one for my 78 Bronco soon, I also bought the Summit 500cfm carb, not as happy with that, and will probably rebuild the Holley 600cfm one I've had forever and put that on. I had to jet the Summit one down quite a bit, and it still seems a bit rich. I wish I still had the Holley 390cfm I put on a friends Jeep with a 350 cheb, she had a 650 on it and the thing ran like crap, loaded up and just drank gas, everyone was irking on it being way to small, it won't have power, yadda, yadda, yes, I made them eat their words, everyone over-carbs engines. After I put it on, it was night and day difference, ran great, had more than enough power, doubled her mileage and drivability, and AFAIK it's still on there and running. If the dang things weren't so effin expensive, I would buy 2, one for my 77 F250 and my 78 Bronco, but I am looking at these instead.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/qft-sl-450-vs
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,893
Likes: 2,371
What Bart said. it's funny how it's worked for 50 years but now we have to have Chinese ignition.
If you want to make your Ford look like a chevy with the HIE it's not going to work anyway. the distributor in the front is a giveaway.
If you want to make your Ford look like a chevy with the HIE it's not going to work anyway. the distributor in the front is a giveaway.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 124
Likes: 32
From: Fraser Valley
This thread reminds me of an older post of mine when I asked opinions on how to do my exhaust. 50 posts long and everyone disagreed and in the end I avoided purchasing anything for months lol
My duraspark system still seems to function. I do worry about the ignition modules reliability and the mess of wires it makes... wish there was a way to clean that up
Maybe the MSD system is what I go with. Might be a bit overkill for my mostly stock setup but it would eliminate the mess, and the un reliability problems.
Will probably run this system for now and leave it as a future upgrade along side many other upgrades
My duraspark system still seems to function. I do worry about the ignition modules reliability and the mess of wires it makes... wish there was a way to clean that up
Maybe the MSD system is what I go with. Might be a bit overkill for my mostly stock setup but it would eliminate the mess, and the un reliability problems.
Will probably run this system for now and leave it as a future upgrade along side many other upgrades
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,893
Likes: 2,371
The ICM is not a big deal . since they were new you carry a spare, if it goes bad it takes 2 minutes to swap and you're off.
You'll find MSD has just as many if not more problems. most of their parts are imported too.
You'll find MSD has just as many if not more problems. most of their parts are imported too.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,676
Likes: 998
From: Near Yosemite CA
Opinions are like... well, you know, everyone's got one and they all smell a bit... asking for opinions is a way of sorting through the shtuff 
what works for some, doesn't always work for others I have found, since way before I turned 56, I do what works for me, if it doesn't, I change course and keep movin. I wanted to clean up my engine compartment also so I went HEI, with a Blue cap, just so I wouldn't think it was a chevy 
works for me, YMMV.
I prefer stock, but sometimes a lil change is good I have found.
what works for some, doesn't always work for others I have found, since way before I turned 56, I do what works for me, if it doesn't, I change course and keep movin. I wanted to clean up my engine compartment also so I went HEI, with a Blue cap, just so I wouldn't think it was a chevy works for me, YMMV.I prefer stock, but sometimes a lil change is good I have found.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 124
Likes: 32
From: Fraser Valley
Fair point. It would be cheaper to keep this system. My opinions are starting to change. Where would I go about finding a decent ignition module? I see some on rock auto for cheap but all china made crap.... maybe thats all there is theses days