I am in the process of putting 427 in 70 SS. I would like to build it as close to origninal as possible. I have read where a HEI dist. will not work on a cowl induction system, due to the size of the cap. For performance sake, does a HEI dist do more for performance, or will a functioning cowl system with a stock dist and coil do the same. Any thoughts would be great.

FF276(name?) If you want to keep the original dist, send it to Dave Ray and he can convert it to a small body HEI. His website address is; www.davessmallbodyheis.com (http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com) Give it a look. He will recondition your dist and set it to your engine specs, IMHO there is no one better.

Originally posted by FF276:
I have read where a HEI dist. will not work on a cowl induction system, due to the size of the capI've owned several 70 SS's and ran them with HEI's and the factory CI air cleaner..with stock and aftermarket intakes with NO clearance problems.A stock HEI with the proper curve kit for your combo is all You need.

Just to add

A stock points ignition will perform the same as an HEI in most applications at and a few steps above stock. I have seen test results that showed the points slightly outperform an HEI too.

I run an HEI because of easier starting and no points to keep adjusting. While bracket racing I was always checking the dwell, got to be annoying checking so many times to make sure everything remained consistent.