I just have a simple ??. When i Put my HEI distributor in my 351w, what all can I do away with ? Coil, module,,etc. Thanks

 

Coil and brainbox are no longer needed, which HEI did you go with?

 

V10 I think the engine builder said he was installing a Pro Comp

 

When you put an HEI distributor in your 351w, you can "do away" with your stock coil, module, and distributor...but then you have to add a GM coil, module, and distributor, and you are probably going to have to find a smaller air cleaner to clear that big HEI cap.

Why would you want to do that? You do realize that the HEI is not an "improvement" over the stock Duraspark ignition your truck already has, right?

A Pro Comp may be pretty and shiny, but they are basically overseas JUNK. A real engine builder should already know this. If you *must* go with the HEI, at least go with the DUI HEI from Performance Distributors.

 

You dont have to add anything, the HEI distributor is all inclusive, it has the coil on top and internally reads spark, you will have to get an air cleaner spacer or offset air cleaner base to clear it. They are big, heres a picture of my D.U.I Distributor

 

Yes, the HEI units are self-contained, but they are still individual components. When you take away the Ford components and replace it with an HEI unit, you are still replacing the same components: distributor, ignition module, coil, cap, and rotor. The only difference is the HEI has it all piled on top of the distributor, which poses its own set of problems. In the end, all you are really doing is trading one distributor, coil, and ignition module for another.

Again, unless your stock Duraspark system is malfunctioning, you will gain nothing by replacing it with an HEI system.

 

the engine that came out of my truck i used in another 79 I had so I had to have me a new turn key engine built for my resto. Thats whay i had to get a new dist. If the pro comp is junk I will buy a DUI when it starts giving my issues. I will ask the builder again if it was indeed a pro comp dizzy.

 

I would also recommend the DUI if you are removing the dura spark. I have run one for several years and have had no issues.

 

do I keep my factory voltage regulator with the HEI distributor?

 

Yes on the regulator unless ya get a one wire alt. And I like the DUI as well even over the stock system

 

I have to say it, cause its the truth, but Procomp in my experiance is not junk, and anything far from it. I guess if you read that this one guys, brothers, sisters, former ex girlfriends, cousins, dogs groomer had one and it sucked, then ya go for the advice, but I have yet to meet someone, or see any of there stuff break, or quit working. I have multiple things that they make, and I have put them to the test, and they all still work. I have a 388 stoker GMC that I built in highschool, and I replace the distributor with a procomp one when they first started making them. It was like 50.00 or so, and the nearest performance replacement was the proform one and I believe it was like 160.00 at the time. Now I read the same crap, but after disecting the bad info about it being cheap china crap, I didn't really find any credible reviews. I talked to some shops that had been carrying there stuff for about a year, and one guy said they had one thing out of thousands that didn't work, and it was replace by the company. He said he had sold tons of there stuff to circle track racers, and it all was holding up. So i bought one installed, and it has been trouble free ever since. Also on the subject of what you need, all you need is a postive wire that has 12v when the key is on. I have to agree that DUI makes good stuff, but for a fraction of the cost a procomp distributor will give you very similar results. Its also has an easy tach hookup. The machining of the aluminum is perfect, and it was a perfect fit. They also make a 6AL knock off system that is under 300.00 for a distributor, box, and external coil, and I believe it will out perform a DUI any day of the week, and even on sunday. Procomp is definately interested in building performance parts for ford. I would almost say they are more interested in ford than chevy, which is very rare as we all know. Here is there mustang built with all procomp parts. YouTube - Procomp Electronics | Motorsport - Twin Turbo Mustang

 

I've not heard of anyone having problems with the ProComp distributors either. Although I personally prefer to purchase USA-made products, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so, and I certainly wouldn't condemn these just because they are made overseas. If they are willing to back it up with a warranty, I don't see a problem with going that route if you're on a budget.

 

I agree on the usa thing. But procomp is based out of california, and who knows how much is really done in china. I imagine the plastic cap and rotor are, but the electronics and assembly might be done here. Thing is everything is made elsewhere anymore. You go buy replacement parts at napa, and now they say all sorts of countrys. So at least your supporting some americans with this company. If I had the money I would buy everything top of the line american, but like the rest of you, need to pay the bills, stay out of debt, and keep my truck on the road so I can get to work.

 

A pretty billet aluminum housing is what fools most people into thinking that the aftermarket HEI units are something special. At the end of the day, that shiny, oversize distributor means absolutely nothing as far as performance or reliability goes. And the 6AL does not perform any better than the stock Motorcraft Duraspark ignition box, unless of course, you are going to be racing your truck or spending a lot of time over 5000+ RPMS.

The DUI distributor from Performance Distributors actually custom-curve their distributors to your specific engine modifications. Does Pro-Comp do that? When you buy from them, they will ask you what your cam specs are, what size carburetor, headflow, weight of the vehicle, etc. This is a family-run American business that has a curve machine and has been specializing in ignition systems for over 30 years. That is why you will pay more for it, and that is why your statement that ProComp distributors will "out perform a DUI any day of the week, and even on sunday" is absolutely false.

Something doesn't seem right to me when a plain, re-manufactured stock Duraspark distributor from the local parts store is about $65, yet the pretty, CNC billet polished aluminum el cheapo Pro-Crap HEI, complete with coil and module, is less than $60 for the whole shebang. The MSD is closer to $250, and then the DUI is over $400. Why is that? There is an old saying that goes something like this:

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

If Pro-Comp is "more interested in ford than chevy," then why don't they offer a pretty billet aluminum distributor for Ford Duraspark distributors? Unlike Pro-Comp, Performance Distributors does offer a custom-curved stock Duraspark distributor for their Ford customers, and I happen to be running one myself.

And one more thing to the original poster. If you use an HEI unit, you will have to replace your stock thermostatic air cleaner with another el cheapo open-element chrome air cleaner, that does absolutely nothing for your engine except sit there and look pretty. With the missing stock thermostatic air cleaner, you will lose the carburetor heat source, as well as the cold air intake. As a result, you may experience slightly less fuel mileage, less power, stalling, and carburetor icing.

 

I agree that DUI makes a real good distributor. I wonder why they didn't use the ford design though, and like the rest, they use an hei design. You can set up a distributor yourself also. I am sure that it would perform better to have a DUI setup for you, than most people setting up a elcheapo procomp. My referance to the outperforming was only to the more exspensive 3 piece setup. I know that the 60 to 370 is not going to perform better. All I am saying, is if you can't afford a DUI. Getting a HEI procomp distributor will do the job, and it won't break the bank. Its easy to set timing, and uses one wire, and has easy tach hookup. Also If you use a 1" carb spacer, you should be able to use the factory aircleaner. My HEI is about as high as the stock one, and I used a 1" spacer. I have read that it helps with throttle response on the 400 too. I don't want to start an arguement, I just wanted to let others know that procomp work, and they aren't junk like others will say. When car craft or someone credible, does a distributor shoot out, and shows how much better others are than procomp, then I will give you credit where credit is due.