hei distributor

[gmbellew]

Carrying a spare module, that takes a screwdriver and 15min to change, is a lot different than carrying a spare fuel pump that normally requires dropping the tank. I carry fluids, some basic tools, and easy to repair, likely to break parts - module, cap, rotor, rad hoses, relays for my headlights, headlight bulbs, a couple plug wires. Just the things that might leave me stranded or are a safety issue that are a quick roadside fix. I don't carry every TBI sensor, as most won't prevent me from getting home.

 

[vintovka]

FWIW, I purchased this distributor for $83 based on the good reviews but wouldn't recommend it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TB5KGNX/ The wire connections are cheap and fit rather loosely. I wish I would have bought a better one but it works for now, especially after new springs.

This is what i have. The HEI module lasted about 1000 miles and quit leaving me stranded. Had it replaced with an echlin (?) from NAPA. We will see. FWIW the latter came with the heat sink paste which was a surprise.

 

[vintovka]

One hopefully last helpful report. The Echlin module seems to be working fine and was the result of some fairly extensive research and local shop recommendations. It was the only one anyone around here will install and warrant, further than here to curb. The paperwork with mine said it was actually made in USA and had a 5 year warranty. That it came with the heat sink paste was nice. I hear failure rates on foreign made modules is very high and often see attendees using spares at shows. Had some really bad parts from Napa of late but so far (everything crossed) may have winner. Added link below if allowed. Your mileage may vary.

I should also say my avatar pic is a 54 3100 on what was a pristine, custom order 1984 GMC SIERRA CLASSIC STEP SIDE FRAME. The latter was a survivor of a severe accident involving shooting off a cliff flipping over and scraping off the cab at hood height during its long trip to the bottom of a rocky ravine. Friend survived and sold me the remnants

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHTP45?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&campaign=GSC-Catch-All&campaign_id=6478877959&adgroup_id=79272987338&adtype=pla_with_promotion&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1

 

[Ricko1966]

I wouldn't recommend any aftermarket distributor that didn't have any variations at all. One size fits every small block made,stone stock,auto,manual,high compression low compression,dump truck, bracket racer. How can one part be expected to cover everything? Expect to have to modify any one size fits all component to make right for your needs. And I've said this before, how can you expect a company to make a complete distributor top to bottom,with quality parts, for less than you can buy a quality coil and module. Corners have to be cut somewhere.

 

[1986_GMC C2500]

Need Help!!!!
Going thru all the post and just need to know what's the difference between the HEI with vacuum advance and the one without. I have an '86 without the vacuum advance and just want to know if I could swap it out with one with a vacuum advance. I am having issues with acceleration and seem to lose power when having the AC on going up any type of incline on the road. Also seems to sputter as well. I can floor it and seems like nothing is happening but do see light white smoke come out.