I have a warmed over 402 in my chevelle, it looks stock, I was thinking of going from points to the hei converion kit(that still looks stock)
1. does it add any performance
2. better starts?
3. runs better?

are these things true and how much would it help.

thanks

Yes yes and yes

Mostly, it makes the car more consistent over longer periods of use; you don't have this mechanical thing wearing down and changing all the time.

I converted all my cars over to HEI in the late 70s (the ones that didn't already have it), and I will never go back to points again.

As far as "how much" it would change how the car runs, that's anybody's guess, and would depend on what dist you have now, and what dist you put in, and what timing curve they have.

I disagree,if the points and distributor are in good shape, the swap will not improve any or all of the above. I do agree that the tune will last longer do to the fact there are no rubbing parts or touching parts. If its getting the job done now,you will see no improvement but it is a good swap IMO.

Brian,

There are 2 ways you can go. One is an HEI conversion and the other is to just eliminate the points with someting like a Pertronix Ignitor (see a Summit catalog). Both will yield a level of reliability and consistancy that is physically impossible to achieve with mechanical points since every rotation of the engine wears the points assembly. I've done both and noticed a difference in starting (quicker and easier) and low end smoothness. The truth is, mechanical points are old technology that got the job done well until electronics technology (and hol-effect transistors) were able to replace them with someting more reliable.

I highly recommend either modification. Of course, a completely new HEI distributor would be optimal.

Personally, I feel Pertronix conversion kits are junk. They do not offer "high energy" ignition, they just replace the mechanical switch. Plus, in my experience, they are not reliable. I installed one in my parents daily driven '69 Malibu, and it lasted 6 months before it left my mother stranded. Went back to points and they never had another problem. If you want an improvement, go HEI and forget about cheap conversion kits, IMO.

Your results may vary.

You have to be careful converting points to eletronic using the same distributor. The problem I had was the wire routing when the vacuum advance moves the breaker plate and the wire broke. Just my experience.

If you go to Hei don't forget you need at least 12ga wire from ign.

the hei converion kit(that still looks stock)
I have Dave's Small Body HEIs do my conversion...

I can't say I have noticed a performance difference, because I changed alot of other things at the same time...

BUT, I have had absolutely NO ignition-related problems, and no loss of performance (been installed for several years).

Think about using an MSD unit and keeping your points. They are just a switch when you use an MSD and carry almost no current. They last for ever.

All good "points" graemlins/clonk.gif

BTW, I would go HEI also. In fact I recently did. Although, I've had excellent service from Pertronix units. An added advantage of either is the elimination of the condensor. That's what left me stranded DURING a 4th of July parade a couple of years ago. THAT was embarassing. smile.gif

www.davessmallbodyheis.com (http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com) is the website. Give it a look.

You can go with the conversion but don't go with the cheap one. I can't remember what I used but I think it was $180. It might just be me but the car seems to start better.

I have used the Mallory in the past. I think they one of the first. crane and now Accel have one. I would use either one. Just your preference. Accel is a new release.


270-750-1710 XR-I Conversion for GM 57-74 8 cyl. Single Points $64.99


650-501 Fits Delco Distributor 1957-74, 50-State Legal | View Product $99.99


Part #2010: 1957-74 GM V8 engines with AC/Delco single and dual point distributors