How do I know if I have HEI, and if I don't have it, should I upgrade

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MisterB

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I have a crate 350 motor in my 1980 GMC K2500 4X4. I'm going to swap out my spark plugs and spark plug wires. My cap says Delco Remy. Is that just a traditional cap, or does it have HEI? I need to know so I know what to set my plug gap at.

If I don't have HEI, should I fuss with upgrading everything to HEI? What would I stand to gain?

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Vbb199

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I have a crate 350 motor in my 1980 GMC K2500 4X4. I'm going to swap out my spark plugs and spark plug wires. My cap says Delco Remy. Is that just a traditional cap, or does it have HEI? I need to know so I know what to set my plug gap at.

If I don't have HEI, should I fuss with upgrading everything to HEI? What would I stand to gain?

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Hei is big and bulky, has a coil within it, you will see a rectangular shaped module in the top of it. It has just 8 points on it.

If it is not hei, it's just a regular cap, with the 9 points on the top of it. And the middle point runs over to a coil pack, somewhere on the motor (valve cover usually)

HEI is generally significantly higher voltage in comparison to just a coil pack,
As a "general" statement /overview
Hotter spark = more power
And that's very very generic explanation

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MisterB

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Yeah, thanks pal. I did that first, but would like more of an explanation than I was finding, similar to what the guy above you provided

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CSFJ

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You seriously have never noticed the difference between a points/condenser distributor, and an HEI distributor?
 

CSFJ

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Again, you couldn't tell the difference?
 

MisterB

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Again, you couldn't tell the difference?
Again, quit being a dick. Prior to asking this question, I did "Google", and it appears GM started offering HEI at some point. I wasn't sure if a stock GM HEI looks different from an aftermarket HRI. Mmmmmm k?

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CSFJ

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You must be fairly new to GM vehicles.
 

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Hei is big and bulky, has a coil within it, you will see a rectangular shaped module in the top of it. It has just 8 points on it.

If it is not hei, it's just a regular cap, with the 9 points on the top of it. And the middle point runs over to a coil pack, somewhere on the motor (valve cover usually)

HEI is generally significantly higher voltage in comparison to just a coil pack,
As a "general" statement /overview
Hotter spark = more power
And that's very very generic explanation

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To add to that. points wear and go out of adjust, needing to be readjusted or replaced. With HEI you set it and forget about it. I would switch to hei on any shock and mild built chevys
 

MisterB

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To add to that. points wear and go out of adjust, needing to be readjusted or replaced. With HEI you set it and forget about it. I would switch to hei on any shock and mild built chevys
Good point. I appreciate it

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Vbb199

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As a good unspoken rule here on the forum, there's guys here that'll give you **** and be *********, if you show distaste in it, they'll continue to do it,

go along with it, they won't continue to do it, just friendly advice

We got some "gasoline on the fire" guys here

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MisterB

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I would know, I'm like that myself

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I don't think you're like that, or you wouldn't have taken the time to give a helpful response.

These other jokers can kiss my ass.

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