I am loking to upgrade my distributor on my 78 302 i was wondering if switching to an hei distributor is a good idea or not? If it is do i have to change anything with my ignition box or anything or is it just a drop in thing?

 

You're in luck.
There are about 5 active threads on this topic right now.
Unfortunately the forum is getting unrelated topics posted to it so those HEI threads have been pushed back to pages 2,3,4

 

If you go with the HEI, you can scrap all that extra wiring and the ignition module. All you need is one wire from the key switch and you're in business. Here's a pic of one on my 351W.

 

I like them. The MSD's are terribly expensive and the bottom of the pile import one's don't last very long but some of the mid price ones are acceptable quality.

 

That looks great !

what other colour caps are available ?

 

If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our custom curved Duraspark Distributor built with our new Full Length Oil Impregnated Bronze Bushing. The full length bushing improves timing stability and spark scatter. If stock appearance is not an issue, take a look at our one piece D.U.I. Distributor. Whether you choose the Duraspark or the D.U.I., we curve each on a distributor machine based on your engine combination. Please see them at:

http://www.performancedistributors.c...stributors.htm

 

How much for me ?

429.

Use PM system please

 

The DUI's run around $370.00....

 

The one in the picture, was purchased off of ebay for $120.00. It's not made in the US, but its 10 months old and driven daily by my son. No problems whatsoever, but the jurys still out as to how long it lasts?. So far, I can't say anything bad about it.

 

Watch out for those open air cleaners, they may work OK sometimes in Florida but they are no good in other parts of the country if you want top performance and fuel economy.

Finding a good air cleaner to fit with an HEI unit may be a problem.

 

This helps the air cleaner situation:

14" Offset Air Cleaner Base



Due to the large diameter cap on the DUI Distributor, your standard air cleaner may not fit. Rather than swap it out for a smaller filter system, the 14" Offset Air Cleaner Base will allow you to retain the larger air cleaner by repositioning it away from the distributor. This offset base is designed to work with most 4 barrel carburetors. It comes chrome plated for an attractive look and is easy to install.

See it on our site at:
http://www.performancedistributors.com/accessories.htm

 

Unfortunately those only work for those cheap worthless open "trailer queen" aircleaners like in post #3. Someone might be able to cut out a filter box base and weld one in tho, -but getting a lid to match would be a problem.

BTW- It does not look like flcracker9 in post #3 even has a working PCV system. No PCV system is not real conducive to engine longevity.

 

If you are running the Weiand Stealth intake or have a carb spacer there is plenty of room for a HEI style distributer. Big if's but it could make all the difference for fitment. I personally like the HEI style distributers just for their simplicity over the duraspark but if it aint broken then why reinvent the wheel. The Duraspark, when working correctly is a decent ignition system for most applications.

 

I did have to install a 1.5" air cleaner spacer to clear the distributor. I do have to take exception to the "trailer queen comment". If you read all of the posts on this site, look for the post titled "I need help fellas!" by bigun72. In that post you will see that this truck and motor live in the mud (because my 17 year old son drives it daily). This truck aint no trailer queen, it gets run hard all of the time. The photo of the engine was taken prior to the truck being being completed 8 months ago, and only had those breathers on it long enough to load it on the trailer for the trip to the exhaust shop. It now has a billet PCV valve, with a K&N filter and foam wrap, using the same filter housing. I've had no problem at all with the open element in the mud. I'm assuming you're implying that a closed type filter is better for an off road vehicle, and I agree to an extent, but they suck for making power. I have run an open element filter on my swamp buggy for 15 years, the last 11 with the same motor. If you've ever been to any of the "mudfests" around the country, that's how my buggy normally operates 2 - 3 weekends of every month, every year.

 

So if I take the ignition box out and all the wiring does that effect anything and do i have to make any changes to anything.